Our Work
.
Support Rainbow Seniors! 3 Things for Service Providers to Know
This infographic shares three concrete actions that service providers can take to support Rainbow Seniors who are part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
This infographic was made in partnership with leZlie lee kam. Learn more about leZlie's work to promote support of Rainbow Seniors: www.lezlieoutofthecloset.com
1. Acknowledge Our Existence
Rainbow Seniors are often made to feel invisible. Include us in your programming, events, focus groups, and Board of Directors. We are already using your services and you can better support us in doing so. For example, create a gender sexuality alliance for Rainbow Seniors.
2. Use Inclusive Language
People relate to language/words differently over time. The word "queer" has been reclaimed by younger 2SLGBTQI+ folX, although it was previously used to shame and humiliate us. Many Rainbow Seniors find it difficult to be addressed as "queer." Please use language/words that are agreeable to Rainbow Seniors.
3. Ask Us - Don't Assume
Rainbow Seniors identify in many different ways and live with a variety of challenges and barriers including racism, ableism, classism, religious discrimination, and immigration status. We face many forms of oppression based on our "lived experiences." For example - "coming out" is not always part of our cultures.
Find more tips in this video by leZlie lee kam:
All our resources are open-access and can be shared (e.g., linked, downloaded and sent) or cited with credit. If you would like to adapt and/or edit, translate, or embed/upload our content on your website/training materials (e.g., Webinar video), please email us at gbvln@uwo.ca so that we can work together to do so.
