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Last broadcast on Fri, 15 Oct 2010, 11:00 on BBC Radio 4 (see all broadcasts).
Synopsis
A generation of gay people have seen the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the lowering of the age of consent, and the introduction of civil partnerships but now many are having to hide their sexuality as they work out their living arrangements as they get older. Jane Hill asks - are elderly residential homes an option right now if you're gay?
Age UK has reported that older gay men and lesbians are five times less likely to access services for older people than the general population. In "Glad to be Grey?" we hear older gay men and lesbians talk about their experiences and concerns about the future particularly if they have to go into a residential retirement home. Some have experienced outright hostility from staff or fellow residents in residential care or sheltered housing. Others simply don't expect the straight people they're living with to understand the culture that has formed such an important part of their lives. Having fought the battles for equality do they face the prospect of being marginalised in old age? BBC News presenter Jane Hill examines a subject which has been largely unexplored up until now.
Opening Doors
Opening Doors Central London is a partnership project involving Age Concerns in London to meet the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender men and women aged 50 and over from across London. However they work closely with other Age Concerns and Age UK services nationally, so can refer callers to organisations around the UK as needed. The aims of the project are to develop a range of services for older LGBT people that combat isolation through the provision of regular social activities, a telephone advice and signposting service, and a befriending scheme. To contact Opening Doors Central London, or to enquire about services outside of London, please call Nick Maxwell on 020 7121 3335 or Stacey Halls on 020 7121 3331 or log into www.ageconcerncamden.org.uk
Stonewall Housing
Stonewall Housing provides housing advice to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people of all ages through a weekday telephone helpline and 3 weekly drop-in surgeries in different venues across London. The advice has been awarded the Legal Services Commission’s Quality Mark and covers a range of issues such as, homophobic and transphobic harassment, domestic abuse, homelessness, succession, repossession and insecure, substandard or overcrowded accommodation. Stonewall Housing also chairs the Older LGBT Housing Group, made up of organisations and individuals who aim to improve housing, care and support services and scope the development of specific services for older LGBT people. For free, confidential advice please call 020 7359 5767 or email info@stonewallhousing.org or for more information visit www.stonewallhousing.org
FirstStop
FirstStop offers free, independent information and advice available on all aspects of care and housing for older people. Contact them by phone on 0800 377 7070 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or log onto www.firststopcareadvice.org.uk
Broadcasts
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Mon 19 Jul 201020:00
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Fri 15 Oct 201011:00
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