Moving Forward for Older LGBTIQA+ People

As the first ‘open’ generation of LGBTIQA+ people think about their futures as they get older, advocates and allies have banded together to raise their voices at a special “Free to be Me” event during Chillout on Friday, 7th March.

Panelist Max Primmer, and event coordinator, Di Connors, Living and Ageing Well Project Officer, CHRH

Time to Talk!

“Last year older people in our town led a conversation about ageism and the ways society can combat that,” explained Lana de Kort, Manager, Clunes Neighbourhood House, “This year with extra support from the State Government, the LGBTIQA+ community are unpacking their needs with a conversation that has been long overdue.”

“Free to be Me” is a discussion that will be

held at the Pavillion in Hepburn Springs

during Chillout.  Featuring a special

presentation by ageing well experts Val’s Café,

and a panel of people with lived experience

including Andrew Rogers, Grace Lee, Max

Primmer and Di Oram, accompanied by health

and aged care services provider Central

Highlands Rural Health Director of Nursing

Meagan Harding, the event is bound to

get people thinking and that’s its intent.

Unique Challenges for LGBTIQA+ Older People

“Ageing is a challenging time for anyone,” said Lana, whose organisation has piloted a community-led ageing well hub with funding from the Western Victoria Primary Health Network since 2023, “But for community members who have spent a large part of their life obliged to hide because of past laws and bigotry, the idea of being dependent on others and systems is terrifying.”

With many older LGBTIQA+ people having faced social rejection or exclusion earlier in life, family estrangement, or financial instability, planning for retirement or older age can be especially daunting.

“This can be compounded by shrinking social support networks,” said Lana, acknowledging that Neighbourhood House’s can play a key social connection role.  “Often distanced from biological families due to societal prejudice, many older LGBTIQA+ people rely heavily on chosen families—close-knit groups of friends or allies who provide emotional and social support.”

“As individuals age, the ability to maintain these relationships and secure the support they need can become difficult, especially for those who have lost friends or whose support networks are in the same boat.”

Free to be Yourself at every Age

Living and Ageing Well in Hepburn project partner, Central Highlands Rural Health has played a key role in making this event possible.  Di Connors, project officer and also Chair of the LGBTIQA+ advisory group at the health service has co-designed the event with Val’s Café and the panel.

“The prospect of ageing and being reliant on others or entering aged care facilities is often met with anxiety, as individuals worry about being treated unfairly or even being forced to hide their authentic selves to avoid discrimination or abuse,” added Di.

“We want health services, practitioners and policy makers to be in the room so they can be part of the conversation,” said Di, “and ultimately, part of a solution that ensures people are free to be themselves at all ages and stages of their life.”

To attend this free event on Friday, 7th March at 10.30am till midday at the Pavillion in Hepburn Springs, register at www.ageingwithattitude.org. 

This event is supported by the Victorian Government and enabled by a place-based partnership (Living and Ageing Well in Hepburn) funded by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network under the Australian Government's Primary Health Networks program. Generously supported locally by the Pavilion.