Gender and Sexuality Resources for Older People
What is meant by gender, sexuality and bodies?
Sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status have strongly contested terminology. There appears to be no clear consensus on what is appropriate terminology in this area, but inclusive language that respects individuality is paramount.
In Australia, the acronym LGBTI is used to reflect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities. Gender identity is the personal experience of one’s gender, one’s innermost concept of self as male or female or both or neither. The intersex community is often considered separately due to the biological nature of sex rather than gender. This information complements the Australian Government Department of Health’s Actions to Support LGBTI Elders: a Guide for Aged Care Providers.
These resources cover gender and sexuality with regards to older people, to assist you in promoting healthy LGBTI ageing in both aged care and home care contexts.
Key Organisations
Peak bodies, advocacy groups and other organisations
New South Wales based health promotion organisation focusing on HIV prevention and support, and LGBTIQ+ health.
West Australian based advocacy, training and information to support quality of life in older LGBTI people.
Training and resources to improve health and wellbeing in LGBTIQ+ people, for health professionals and the broader community.
Knowledge hub, resources, training, projects and support focused on health and wellbeing in LGBTIQ+ people.
Organisation providing advocacy, support, activities and projects for older women.
Information, resources, education, peer support, advocacy and services for intersex people, including information for service providers and health professionals to make services intersex friendly.
Provider of peer-driven support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people, their families, allies and communities. Includes Switchboard’s Out & About for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) people
Education, resources and support groups for transgender or gender diverse people and their allies.
Advocacy, information, resources, publications and community support for women living with disability.
Tasmanian based support, education and services for gender, sexuality and intersex people.
National telephone and web-based counselling and referral service for LGBTIQ+ people.
For Consumers
Resources to use, together with consumers, to support their needs
Alice’s Garage is a national project empowering LGBTI elders and promoting healthy LGBTI ageing in Australia.
Picture book suitable for young children that explores gender identity and transitioning gender.
Directory of health professionals recommended by lesbian and bisexual women.
Multipurpose document that allows individuals to record information, particularly about physical characteristics, gender identity, expression and preferences, to inform their health care providers.
Dementia Australia guide for LGBTI people living with dementia, their families, friends and care partners.
Guide for partners and families to aid in the understanding of sexuality for those living in aged care facilities.
Education, resources, support services, events and advocacy to create safe and inclusive services for older LGBTI people. Includes the LGBTI – Inclusive Practice Review Tool for services supporting or caring for older people.
For Health Professionals
Information, resources, and educational programs to assist health professionals
Information about factors affecting LGBTI people related to depression, anxiety and suicide.
Free course for health professionals exploring the experience of LGBTI people living with dementia.
Booklet for aged care staff who are caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.
Professional resources, training and education for health professionals around LGBTI Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The OPAL (Older People And SexuaLity) Institute promotes of the sexual rights of older people by developing resources, conducting research, disseminating information, empowering older people and service providers, and advocating for change.
Project providing LGBTI strategy and awareness training to create more inclusive care for older Australians, including an online training module.
Reports and Policy
Research papers, reports, reviews and guidelines providing a deeper, evidence-based perspective
Public consultation report on the human rights of LGBTI people, including personal views on issues facing the LGBTI community.
Public consultation report on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex, communicating the experiences of LGBTI Australians.
