Social Structures That Exacerbate Invisibility And Marginalization Of LGBTQ Elders
As people age, their physical, emotional, and psychological needs change, and so do their social interactions. As such, elderly people need more support from family members, friends, healthcare workers, and society at large to meet these changing needs.
For LGBTQ elders, this can be especially challenging because they often face unique challenges that can make it harder for them to find the help and support they need. This is due in part to the fact that many social structures exacerbate the invisibility and marginalization of LGBTQ elders, which makes it difficult for them to receive adequate care and attention.
One of the most significant ways that social structures exacerbate the invisibility and marginalization of LGBTQ elders is through lack of representation in policy and legislation. Many countries have yet to recognize same-sex marriage or even basic civil unions, leaving LGBTQ individuals without legal protections if they become ill or otherwise unable to take care of themselves.
Many employers still discriminate against LGBTQ employees, making it harder for them to get jobs and providing fewer benefits than heterosexual couples.
There are few programs specifically geared toward supporting LGBTQ elders, leaving them feeling isolated and alone as they age.
Another way that social structures exacerbate the invisibility and marginalization of LGBTQ elders is by limiting access to healthcare services. Because of a lack of education about the specific medical needs of LGBTQ people, providers may not understand how to properly treat them or refer them to specialists who do. This means that LGBTQ elders may not receive proper diagnoses or treatment for conditions like HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases, which can be especially dangerous for older adults. They may also face discrimination when seeking out mental health services related to coming out later in life or dealing with the stigma of being an elderly gay person.
Social structures also play a role in exacerbating the invisibility and marginalization of LGBTQ elders by failing to address their unique housing needs. As more people live longer and require assisted living facilities, many centers do not provide adequate accommodations for LGBTQ seniors. This leaves them feeling unsafe and unwelcome, leading to increased feelings of isolation and depression. In addition, many retirement communities do not have policies that allow same-sex partners to visit each other freely or share rooms, even though this is often necessary for older adults who cannot care for themselves independently.
It is clear that social structures have a significant impact on the lives of LGBTQ elders. By recognizing these issues and taking steps to address them, we can create a world where all seniors are treated fairly and supported as they age.
What social structures exacerbate the invisibility and marginalization of LGBTQ elders?
LGBTQ elders often face various forms of discrimination due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. This marginalization is intensified by existing social structures that prioritize heteronormativity and cisgenderism. In the United States, for example, same-sex marriage was only legalized at the federal level in 2015, meaning many older individuals who identify as LGBTQ have spent decades living in marriages or relationships not recognized by law.