How can organizations like the COAAA ensure that their inclusivity efforts address the needs of both their LGBTQ+ staff and community members?
Let's talk about the intergenerational dynamics within the LGBTQ+ community in Columbus. We cover everything from the critical needs of older LGBTQ+ adults, facing 13 anti-trans bills in Ohio, to the power of trauma-informed care. We discuss innovative community efforts, essential inclusivity, and the necessity for more tailored resources. Guests Al Cho, a Senior Options case manager, and Kayla Humphrey, management analyst, and chair of the PRIDE Committee, share real-life examples and a vision for better support systems.
Key Takeaways
**Intergenerational Interaction**: Notable intergenerational interactions exist within the Columbus LGBTQ+ community, such as the Columbus Women's Chorus and the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus. These interactions foster mutual support and shared experiences across generations.
**Legislative Challenges**: Ohio currently faces 13 anti-trans bills, with two already passed in 2024. This underscores the importance of leveraging the strength and experience of older generations to combat such legislative challenges.
**Community Engagement**: The pride committee at CRAAA is focusing on increasing community presence and support for LGBTQ+ older adults, as highlighted by Kayla Humphrey's survey results prioritizing community engagement and advocacy.
**Limited Resources for Older LGBTQ+ Adults**: Many resources and support efforts currently focus more on younger LGBTQ+ populations, highlighting the need for more resources and support specifically catered to older LGBTQ+ individuals.
**Specialized Programs**: If resources were unlimited, extensive programs envisioned for LGBTQ+ older adults include case management, friendly caller programs, technological education, and intergenerational support.
**Intentional Trauma-Informed Care**: The conversation emphasized the need for intentional, trauma-informed care and tailored resources for LGBTQ+ older adults, recognizing the unique challenges faced by this population.
**Support Systems and Psychological Well-being**: Support systems are psychologically crucial for individuals with limited resources, especially older generations who may have experienced significant caution and fear during the HIV epidemic.
**Education and Inclusivity**: There's a need for ongoing educational efforts about LGBTQ+ individuals and HIV, especially within immigrant and refugee populations, to foster inclusivity and understanding.
**Kindness and Compassion**: Emphasizing the role of kindness and compassion in community support, it is vital to meet people where they are, listen intently, and validate chosen families and personal identities.
**Updated Regulations Impact**: Updates to the Older Americans Act provide formal acknowledgment and protection for LGBTQ+ older adults and those aging with HIV, ensuring they feel included and their specific needs are addressed.
Key Moments
00:00 Discussing updates to Older Americans Act regulations.
03:23 Elevating older LGBTQ+ and aging HIV populations.
08:54 Chronic minority stress worsens health, causing risks.
10:10 HIV medications prolong life, risk liver damage.
15:38 Older LGBTQ+ adults face isolation and poverty.
16:39 Older adults feel lonely, lack appropriate resources.
22:45 LGBTQ+ faced oppression, silence, then pride generation.
26:49 Importance of empathy and safety in relationships.
29:37 Lack of intergenerational structures, but desire exists.
33:13 Rural background, city issues surprisingly similar.
37:04 Pride committee welcomes everyone, focuses on community involvement.
41:21 Advocate program for LGBTQ+ seniors' support and intergenerational events.
42:47 Intentional, trauma-informed care for LGBTQ+ adults.
46:35 Lean in, respect chosen family, show support.
Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at [email protected]!
Copyright 2024 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging
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