Scotland Rolls Out First Service For Older Gay Community

August 04, 2010

Scotland has introduced its first service for older gay people, a move welcomed by a string of celebrities.

LGBT Age, which forms part of the LGBT Centre for Health and Well-being, has started a ‘desperately needed’ service, which will see the start of a social, befriending, information and advocacy services for older gay people.

Some Scottish celebrities have welcomed the latest support initiative, which has been described as long overdue.

Glasgow Poet Laureate, Edwin Morgan OBE, said: “The most important thing now, at this age, is to see things clearly, and to discuss things openly with one person or group. This is where the LGBT Age Project will be very helpful.”

Morgan, added: “The first thing I think about, as a gay nonagenarian, is of being one hundred! On a more serious note, in my case the worst thing is mobility – or the lack of it – not being able to go out or to meet people.”

Craig Hill, TV presenter and comedian expressed his “full of admiration” for services aimed at “an area of society that sometimes feels left behind”.

He added: “Much of the elderly community in general feels lonely with no connection to the 'real world' and can feel isolated. I think this is exacerbated if you're elderly and gay; not only do you feel that you maybe don't fit in or have anything in common with your elderly compatriots but you also feel like the younger gay community has left you behind.”

Garry McGregor, the LGBT Age coordinator, said: “LGBT people are more likely to live alone and be single, but are also less likely to have children or family to call upon in times of need.

“The service will work with mainstream services to raise awareness of issues affecting older LGBT people and ensure that they receive culturally appropriate and sensitive services that welcome them and meet their needs.”
 

Image source: Raphael Perez