Ageing Queers - the movie

If you’re not already a member of our community of ageing and older LGBTIQ folk, here in Tas, do you often think about what it will be like one day? Do you look forward to a time later in life when things will have changed, hopefully for the better?

Do you wonder what it may be like for older people in our community now? The short answer is it depends on who you are or who you are talking to. We know we are collectively part of an aging population, and we know about the culture wars between boomers and millennials or Gen Zeds. (Where did Gen Xers and Gen Ys go? Has anyone checked behind the couch?)

But for those of us who are living somewhere more or less in our advanced years, and for those of us yet to get there, I have questions. What do we have in common?

What are our biggest differences and are they a problem? Do we have anything to offer each other? I’m Tracey, (she/her, I.E., ‘Omg what is she wearing?’ or ‘Oh no, it’s her again’), and I’ve made it my mission to answer those above questions, with your help. I’ve recently started work on a project with the snappy title ‘LGBTIQ Community Visitors Scheme’ (hmm, needs work) and I’m looking for participants, including those who can suggest a snappier title! For all sorts of reasons, times are tough for many folks in our LGBTIQ Tassie family, regardless of their age or circumstance, and we need each other for support, validation, visibility and celebration as much as we ever have. This project happens to be one very snappy way to do just that. Interested? Older LGBTIQ folk who access aged care services, either in an aged care residence or their own home, often experience loneliness, isolation, a feeling of being forced back into the closet, or a loss of connection with the queer community. They are not the only ones, but getting older is very much a risk factor.

There are lots of other LGBTIQ folks out there who can demonstrate their fabulousness and make a difference in the lives of the abovementioned older folks!

In case you are wondering, this is a shout out to find people from both groups, volunteer visitors and folks who are accessing aged care services, so we here at Working It Out can match you up. As a volunteer visitor, you receive specialist training and ongoing support, and as a recipient of aged care services, you get someone to laugh with, and chat with, and generally brighten up your day. You both get to hang out with someone who is fabulous, so it’s definitely win-win. You’ll be hearing more from me in the next 12 months, as we host some Pride Morning/ Afternoon Teas and Pride Quiz events, including one during Senior’s Week in October (see the event notice over the page). There will be more volunteer training and getting participants on board, but if you’re already convinced of how good this sounds and would like to be involved, please get in touch. It’s time to get your fabulous on!

Email: tracey@workingitout.org.au Phone: (03) 6231 1200