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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-22/ageing-fabulously-compass-julie-peters-queer-trans/103682908>
'In 2017, when I was at an LGBTQIA+ ageing conference, I learned that as many
elder queer people go into retirement homes, particularly those run by faith
groups, some feel as if they have to go back into the closet. That they can't
be their authentic selves.
That seemed so sad.
Then I thought: "That could be me in a few years."
I'm in my 70s. So, while I'm still youngish, I need to work out what aged care
options are out there for LGBTQIA+ seniors, and whether I'll be able to take my
whole self to one when I reach that stage.
As a trans woman, my authentic life didn't really start until I'd affirmed my
gender. I didn't get to be Julie full time until I was in my late 30s. So, I
was never myself as a teen or in my 20s.
And while I've always looked after myself, I can see I look older every year.
Yet, because of my energy, joy for life and fashion, most people think I'm
behaving more like a much-delayed 20- to 40-year-old.
However, I'm definitely slowing down. My father didn't get to my age and my
mother moved into residential care when she was just a few years older than I
am now.
So while I hope I'll be able to stay at home, maybe with help, for decades to
come, a fall or catching something nasty could mean I need to go into care at
short notice.
It's got me thinking — I'd really like any place I moved into to be welcoming.'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
