Changing attitudes about LGBTQ+ older adults: the Gen Silent Survey Project

ABSTRACT

Objectives

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more (LGBTQ+) older adults may experience challenges accessing services due to stigma. Aging service providers seeking to create an inclusive culture need training tools. This study examined if a film (Gen Silent) could increase provider’s knowledge of and empathy for LGBTQ+ older adults.

Methods

A pretest – posttest survey was administered at film screenings in New Hampshire to assess knowledge and attitudes of participants (N = 108). Data were analyzed descriptively, Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare matched samples, and linear and logistic regression models compared group differences.

Results

Scores on eight of the nine measures improved after watching Gen Silent. Most participants (83%) indicated their thoughts and views had changed after watching the film. Statistically significant between group differences are discussed.

Conclusions

The documentary Gen Silent was found to be an adequate, introductory training tool about LGBTQ+ aging.

KEYWORDS:

• LGBTQ+
• staff training
• gen Silent
• aging
• long-term care
• inclusive care

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Funding for the Gen Silent Survey Project was funded by the Endowment for Health (Health Strategies of NH).