The AARP conference "Diversity and Aging in the 21st Century: The Power of Inclusion" took place June 8-10 at the Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan. Reflecting the event's theme, there were several forums that revolved around LGBT-related issues.
Just one was the symposium "Multiple Jeopardy: To Be Old, Gay and a Person of Color," which examined the sometimes devastating effects of being in several demographic groups that are often ignored or viewed with disdain.
Speakers included Glen-Michael Francis ( pictured ) , executive director of New York's Griot Circle, which is for those who are at least 50 years of age; Alejandro Garcia ( pictured right ) , a professor at Syracuse University and a member of AARP's National Policy Council; and Hope Barrett ( pictured left ) , director of community initiatives at Howard Brown Health Center. James Miner of the University of Chicago moderated.
Garcia remarked how those who are old, gay and people of color are the "ultimate invisible people" and added that they have the same fears everyone else has, including loneliness and isolation.
In including those who fit in multiple categories such as these, Garcia said that there are several factors to consider, including age, fear, the hesitancy to share needs/priorities with strangers and cultural differences, citing how minority communities are often homophobic.
Regarding research recommendations, Garcia suggested qualitative studies ( how subjects survive ) , which would involve looking at their support systems, cultural traditions, experiences with healthcare providers, spirituality, nature of family and other aspects.
Francis showed a 15-minute video, "Griot Circle: A Gathering of Elders," in which various griot members recalled their relationships, familial encounters and other life experiences. ( A griot refers to a storyteller, poet or performer. ) For example, Paul Darling talked about fighting in Korea, being addicted to heroin and hustling in drag before becoming a minister. Another, Lillie Wheatley, talked about supporting her lover, Ellen, for 47 years—but telling people that they were "cousins."
Francis then talked about how Griot Circle is facing a crisis trying to find a place in New York City with affordable rent—and that the organization has 1,200 members and a working space of 822 square feet. However, despite those obstacles, he still seemed optimistic about the group.
Barrett presented data from a needs assessment study that involved 328 respondents who ranged in age from 49 to 87. ( In keeping with the symposium's theme, she presented results by race. ) The survey looked at a wide range of healthcare-related topics, including insurance coverage and the subjects' own assessment of their health. However, one of the most interesting results involved the respondents' feelings of hopelessness: 38 percent of whites, 35 percent of Blacks and 36 percent of Latinos admitted feeling despair.
Regarding local resources, Barrett said that most of them are concentrated on the North Side of Chicago, but added that Howard Brown is "seeking to spread resources," saying that people "have to use [ others ] from the community to be messengers."
Working with community partners Rush University Medical Center, Heartland Alliance, Council for Jewish Elderly and Midwest Hospice and Palliative Care, Howard Brown is creating a first-of-its-kind comprehensive senior program for isolated, vulnerable and disadvantage seniors.
Among the other forums and mini-workshops at the conference were "Transgender Elders: What Providers Need ( and Don't Need ) to Know" and "Barriers to Service for LGBT Seniors: Is It on the Public Agenda?"