Are older gay people being expected to go back into the closet when they go into residential car facilities in their later years? That's the concern of many Dutch gay elders who worry about losing their identities as they submit to healthcare or social care regimes not designed specifically for them.
Manon Linschoten, project leader at Roze 50+, highlights that healthcare settings often appear tailored to heterosexual norms, with initial patient assessments typically presuming opposite-sex partnerships. This can leave LGBTQ+ elders feeling unrecognised and isolated within spaces where acceptance should be paramount.
In response to these challenges, various initiatives have been established, most notably the Roze Loper (Pink Ribbon) certification introduced in 2010. Facilities awarded this certificate demonstrate a commitment to recognising and supporting sexual and gender diversity. To get the certificate, these institutions must put in place comprehensive policies and practices that ensure inclusivity, engaging everyone from management to volunteers in the process. Such efforts aim to create safe environments where elderly LGBTQ+ members feel seen and valued. Care homes like Cleijenborch, part of the Stichting Ouderenzorg Noord-Beveland, have excelled in this regard, focusing on avoiding assumptions about patients' sexual orientations during initial engagements.
Despite advancements, incidents revealing the continuing need for education and dialogue persist, even within certified facilities. A recent event at a care home in the Haarlem area, during which a patient dismissed a drag show as 'gay propaganda', shows there is still some way to go to genuine acceptance. As Marjet Bos, a 73-year-old woman in a same-sex relationship, said, 'Everyone is equal, but not identical'.
Another way forward is with senior homes dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community as well as events organised by Senior Pride, which are designed to elevate the visibility of sexual and gender diversity among seniors. These events, such as the Senior Pride Concert and Pink Brunch, aim to foster an environment where older LGBTQ+ individuals feel celebrated and valued.
The push for inclusivity in care settings has proven vital, with research indicating that residents in Roze Loper-certified facilities report feeling significantly more accepted and safe in their sexual and gender identities. According to Movisie, a coalition aimed at fostering social acceptance, the Roze Loper certification not only meets immediate needs but also encourages ongoing efforts to monitor inclusivity, ensuring these initiatives are not simply one-time measures but part of a sustained commitment to equality.
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Source: Noah Wire Services