We Treat Everyone the Same!: The Invisibility of LGBT Seniors in Health Care
Presenters:
Bill Ryan, Professor of Social Work, McGill University,Montreal
Dick Moore, Coordinator, Older LGBBTT Program, The 519 Church Street Community Centre, Toronto
Amber Hollibaugh, Chief Officer, Elder and LBTI Women’s Services, Howard Brown Health Centre, Chicago
This workshop will involve a panel of three presenters with different perspectives and experiences working with LGBT Seniors: Bill Ryan, a Professor of Social Work at McGill University, will provide a brief overview of his research on seniors, their caregivers and service providers in four Canadian cities, highlighting important themes and policy recommendations. He will reflect on progress in Canada since the research was first conducted. Dick Moore, has provided services to LGBT seniors at the well-known 519 Community Centre in Toronto. Dick will discuss his work and describe the founding of the Senior Pride Network - a network of service providers from LGBT and straight organizations in Toronto who meet together to build their awareness and capacity to serve LGBT seniors. This model is now spreading with branches in Windsor and Ottawa. Amber Hollibaugh is a highly acclaimed US activist who has held senior positions in number of LGBT
and seniors organizations. Amber will reflect on the needs and issues of LGBT Seniors from south of the border and how activists have worked to create sensitive, responsive health and social care services.
