Creating a Vision for the Future: Key Competencies and Strategies for Culturally Competent Practice With Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Older Adults in the Health and Human Services

Abstract

Sexual orientation and gender identity are not commonly addressed in health and human service delivery, or in educational degree programs. Based on findings from Caring and Aging with Pride: The National Health, Aging and Sexuality Study (CAP), the first national federally-funded research project on LGBT health and aging, this article outlines 10 core competencies and aligns them with specific strategies to improve professional practice and service development to promote the well-being of LGBT older adults and their families. The articulation of key competencies is needed to provide a blueprint for action for addressing the growing needs of LGBT older adults, their families, and their communities.

KEYWORDS:

• diversity
• minority aging
• lesbian
• gay
• bisexual
• transgender
• LGBT
• educational standards
• cultural competency training

Notes

1. ¹ See for example: http://www2.webster.edu/shared/shared_selfstudyreport/documents/hlc1b1_safezone.pdf