Serving our (in)visible elders: The impact of a LGBTQ+ aging presentation on a rural college campus

ABSTRACT

As the number of individuals 65 and older continues to grow, so too does the richness and complexity of their identity. Specifically, the culture of aging within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community has received little attention in the literature. In order to best serve this population, human service professionals must understand the reality of aging within diverse communities. This article explores the impact of an invited campus speaker focused on LGBTQ+ aging on a rural college campus. Results indicate a general increase in overall knowledge and appreciation for issues directly impacting the aging LGBTQ+ community. Recommendations for practice, grounded in a social justice framework, are shared.

KEYWORDS:

• aging
• health care
• minority stress
• discrimination