Uniting Care to determine the needs of older GLBTIQ

[Anonymous]

I think this survey is so important for all of us to help us be accepted and recognised part of society

[Adrian]

Quote:

I think this survey is so important for all of us to help us be accepted and recognised part of society

I don’t want to appear like a grumpy old woman… but I did write to the survey author – Kellie Shields on kellie@caroona.org.au
and highlighted two questions:

Quote:

“I have had difficulties accessing health and/or aged care services because of prejudice about my sexuality”

“I prefer not to disclose my sexuality when engaging with health and/or aged care services”

My complaint/observation was that these questions re-enforce the common misconception that the T in LBGTI is about sexual identification/preference. My issue talking with my GP is not my sexuality – but rather the gender I prefer to present.

I’m in the camp that believe that grouping T with the gay community in this way was was on balance a very bad move. Its been discussed at length in these forums here (and elsewhere) – but i acknowledge we don’t all agree on this point.
Trans community splits from GBLIQ
http://forum.tgr.net.au/cms/forum/F319/1980-980

We also touched on the sexuality focus in the aged care discussion here:
LGBTI aged care on government agenda
http://forum.tgr.net.au/cms/forum/F408/4685-685

Putting it crudely, I think the primary issue with aged care for us is being allowed to present and be treated with respect in our preferred gender. It isn’t being free to persue our sexual preferences. Though for some, granted, the concern may be both.

[Anonymous]

Amanda wrote;

Quote:

I don’t want to appear like a grumpy old woman… but I did write to the survey author – Kellie Shields on kellie@caroona.org.au
and highlighted two questions:

Quote:
“I have had difficulties accessing health and/or aged care services because of prejudice about my sexuality”

“I prefer not to disclose my sexuality when engaging with health and/or aged care services”

My complaint/observation was that these questions re-enforce the common misconception that the T in LBGTI is about sexual identification/preference. My issue talking with my GP is not my sexuality – but rather the gender I prefer to present.

Within the survey there were a couple of opportunities to provide further information. I focused on pointing out similar things to Amanda but my emphasis was on the possible difficulties that could be experienced by Tg people in regard to aged care facilities & the freedom to present/dress/express their gender. I also highlighted the sorts of issues that may arise in situations where carers were needed to dress a person, for example in regard to ‘tucking’ & other practical issues like forms & other prosthetics that if not understood & allowed could impact on the Tg persons emotional wellbeing.

I believe surveys like this provide another opportunity to educate people. We should all be taking every opportunity that is available to advise people & organisations about our needs,whether they be immediate or in the future.

Grumpy & old are not the issue, if you have something to offer that will help you or another, please take the opportunity.
I’m probably grumpy but I’m not yet old.

[Adrian]

Further to my email pointing out that the wording of a couple of questions may introduce an unintended survey bias, I received this nice response from the liaison officer.

Quote:

Hi Adrian,

Thank you for your email, I truly appreciate your feedback regarding
the survey questions. I do understand what you are saying regarding
sexuality and gender and the difference. I do apologise for not
recognising this in the survey, and further misrepresenting the
transgender community. I will certainly take this information back to
the research analyst.

I would like to also thank you for promoting the survey on your website,
and hope UnitingCare Ageing can ensure clear understanding for ageing
transgender people and provide inclusive aged care that represents the
transgender community’s aspiration for ageing.

Best wishes Kellie

[Adrian]

I have heard from Kellie again.
She writes:

Quote:

Hi Adrian Amanda,

I have had discussions with the research analyst regarding your feedback
about the UnitingCare Ageing LGBTI Survey and the questions that
re-enforce the common misconception that the T in LBGTI is about sexual
identification/preference.

I have updated the link with the changes as mentioned.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LGBTIsurvey

Regarding the integrity of the data and research, the change is valid as
it allows all the diverse groups of participants to enter into the
survey. The data collected will still have the whole structure of the
survey without changing the characteristics of the data. The results
will relate the data to the definitions of the different participating
groups and remain consistent while holding its validity.

Once again thank you for taking the time to give me feedback and have
taken these learning’s “on-board”,

Best Wishes, Kellie

[Elizabeth]

I’ve done my bit in returning my completed survey. To me such a survey and the positive outcomes it will produce are well worth the effort.

I’ve always found the Uniting Church as a whole to be accepting of ‘us lot’
Even for those without any religous affiliation, the UC are kind, very helpful and would provide much support when needed. We need all the support we can muster from whatever source.