Network for older LGBTQ+ people launched

A new network for LGBTQ+ people over the age of 50 has been launched.

Age Scotland officially launched the network in Edinburgh on Wednesday, attended by Christina McKelvie MSP, minister for equalities and older people.

The network will be a “diverse space” for older LGBTQ+ people to share experiences, highlight the needs of LGBTQ+ older people, address inequalities and bring about change.

They have already begun work to ensure legislation affecting older people in Scotland is inclusive of older LGBTQ+ people and have contributed to a new Age Scotland dementia training programme.

Ms McKelvie said: “I welcome the launch of Age Scotland’s Older People LGBTQ+ network today.

“It is important to ensure people of all ages within the LGBTQ+ community have a voice. This new network offers a platform for older LGBTQ+ people to share their wealth of experience and to help improve equality across age groups.

“The Scottish Government has already engaged with the network on key legislation which affects older LGBTQ+ people in Scotland, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them in the future.”

Susanne Flynn, Age Scotland’s diversity and inclusion officer, said: “The network is an important platform for LGBTQ+ older people to raise inequality issues and for their voice to be heard so that they can be pioneers to bring about the change which meets their needs and upholds their rights.

“Our regular group meetings have been a place where members have shared their lived experiences as people of the LGBTQ+ community. It is a place where they don’t have to put up barriers or worry about discrimination and can just be themselves.

“Our members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, have different life experiences and are from all over Scotland. The variety of experiences within the group show that LGBTQ+ people are not a homogenous grouping.”