LGBT Foundation spoke to us about the power of their Pride In Ageing Programme
BY MINDY, PAM AND PAULINE, IMAGES BY LGBT FOUNDATION
It’s often said that getting older is a privilege, but that can only be true if LGBTQIA women and non-binary people can be open, free from discrimination and celebrated in their later years. The Pride In Ageing Programme, run by the national LGBTQIA wellbeing charity LGBT Foundation, brings visibility and voice to older LGBTQIA communities in Greater Manchester – and is now celebrating five years of activity to make the area one of the best places in the country for LGBTQIA people to grow older.
We are Mindy and Pam (both lesbians) and Pauline (a trans woman) – all of us in our 70s and have volunteered for the project since it launched in June 2019. There’s been a lot of laughter, joy and friendship (we all met and became close friends through the project), as well as conversations around the difficult issues that we all face, from access to the services and support that recognises and celebrates our identities to feeling included as part of our LGBTQIA communities just as much as the youngsters enjoying nights out on Manchester’s famous Canal Street (and yes some of us still like to go clubbing too!).
“Pride In Ageing has helped a group of LGBTQIA older gardeners to create a new community garden at Manchester Art Gallery. We’ve been inspired by LGBTQIA activist, artist and gardener Derek Jarman who died in 1994 of AIDS-related illness. Our gardening group are a similar generation to Jarman, and we remember all too clearly the need for secrecy that shaped our past and the radical acts we were part of to fight for our rights. Gardening has been a brilliant way to express our experiences and positivity – the gardeners’ life stories are told through QR codes in the garden and via a zine we have produced. We get so many comments on our little green oasis wedged between the tram tracks and the imposing facade of the gallery in the busy centre of Manchester, it’s our thank you to the city that has been so welcoming to our identities.”
Mindy (72)
“Pride In Ageing collaborated with the University of Strathclyde to launch new training materials for social care staff. We explored what’s most important for older LGBTQIA folk, and our main message is about treating us with respect and dignity – whether we are in hospitals, hospices or care homes. It’s been amazing to have the opportunity to meet with social care leads as part of the project, telling them about being older and trans and making sure they know that discrimination must be a thing of the past. The reception has been so positive – our materials are now on the Skills For Care website, where everyone from the social care workforce can use them.”
Pauline (75)
“A highlight for me has been our end-of-life care discussions – it’s made me realise that many older LGBTQIA people live alone, have support from friends rather than family and have no plan for serious illness. Only a few of our group had a will or power of attorney in place. Working in partnership with St Ann’s Hospice we have designed workshops for LGBTQIA people to create a ‘Box Of Me’. The box can include your life story, how you want to be cared for, your will and what kind of funeral you want. It’s even more important that LGBTQIA people put these plans in place, to ensure our wishes are recognised.”
Pam (74)
Read more about the Pride in Ageing Programme at lgbt.foundation/pride-in-ageing-programme/
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