LGBTQ+ History Month 2023

At Age UK Wandsworth, we are committed to supporting older adults across the borough through the various issues and challenges that come with ageing. In order to understand the full diversity of older people’s experiences, it’s vital that we listen to the voices of older people who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning). The 2021 Census shows that around 1.35 million people in the UK aged 55+ identify their sexual orientation or gender identity under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, with most London boroughs reporting higher numbers of LGBTQ+ older people than the UK average.
We believe that the best way in which our organisation can mark LGBTQ+ History Month is to provide opportunities to offer support for older people who have lived through decades where homophobic discrimination was rife to connect with others, share their stories and access further support if necessary.

Research from Age UK, LGBT Age Scotland and the American Psychological Association tells us that older people who identify as LGBTQ+:
• Are more likely to be isolated from family in older age
• Are less likely to access health services and other support
• May face ‘dual discrimination’ due to their age and sexual orientation/gender identity
• May be disproportionately affected by poverty and mental or physical health conditions exacerbated by stressors from discrimination and abuse
• May be concerned about needing care later in life and how disclosing their gender identity or sexual orientation might affect the level of care they receive
• Are more likely to face extra challenges if diagnosed with dementia, for example forgetting who they have disclosed their sexuality to, or experiencing mental distress around their sexuality or identity

LGBTQ+ older people may also be uniquely affected by other factors, such as a loss of a same-sex partner, ageing with a HIV+ diagnosis or coming to terms with their sexuality later in life.

The above form unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ older people, and Age UK Wandsworth and other organisations are committed to adapting existing services and creating new opportunities in order to address these needs and bring together the local LGBTQ+ community.

Age UK Wandsworth
Age UK Wandsworth are hosting a monthly LGBTQ+ Coffee Morning at the Spread Eagle Pub in Wandsworth. Come along on the first Tuesday of each month and meet like minded people in a fully accessible ground floor function room. All welcome, no RSVP necessary. You can also chat with our staff about what we offer, and be signposted to other forms of support if you wish.
2023 dates are: 7th March, 4th April, 2nd May, 6th June, 4th July, 1st August
11am - 12.30pm at the Spread Eagle Pub, 71 Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PT. If you require any further information please email info@ageukwandsworth.org.uk or call the office at 020 8877 8940.

The Furzedown Project
If you cannot attend the Age UK Wandsworth coffee mornings, The Furzedown Project in Tooting offer a weekly coffee morning from their activity centre on Thursday mornings from 10-12 for anyone over 50 who identifies as LGBTQ+.
Click here to find out more, or call 020 7498 9933.

Opening Doors LDN
Opening Doors London is the largest provider of services and support for the older LGBTQ+ community across London. Their aim is to ensure that older LGBT people live happy, healthy and independent lives that are free from loneliness, isolation, prejudice and discrimination. They have regular social activities, a befriending service, and extensive volunteering opportunities.
Click here to find out more, or call 020 7183 6260.