I
n many communities, LGBT ( lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) older adults are a forgotten population.
Before the 1970s, little was known about this part of the population except that they were viewed by some as deviant or immoral. As a result, they concealed their sexual orientation, fearing physical and emotional abuse; rejection from family, friends and religious communities; and job loss.
Fast-forward 40 years and, while there is a greater understanding, LGBT elders still face challenges their heterosexual counterparts do not.
A majority of them live alone, relying on other older gay adults for support and caregiving.