INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON THE RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS
This statement was prepared in consultation with 10 human rights organizations around the world, all deeply concerned about human rights for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons. It expresses regret that the Independent Expert’s report does not examine the distinctive challenges faced by LGBTI seniors. Challenges of specific and differing kind for intersex, transgender and LGB persons, depending oftentimes on the local context and traditions.
Research has indicated that LGBTI seniors are far more likely to live alone, face elevated rates of disability and poor health, and suffer from higher levels of mental distress than their heterosexual or cisgender counterparts. They live in fear of discrimination, violence and bullying, and remain fearful and resistant to accessing health services, often out of concern for being treated unprofessionally. Many are also scared to move into assisted living institutions or elder care, fearing that their identities, as well as their chosen partners, will not be recognized or simply ignored.
Click to read or watch the video of the joint statement by the Federatie van Nederlandse Verenigingen tot Integratie Van Homoseksualiteit – COC Nederland, the International Lesbian and Gay Association, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, LGBT Denmark – The National Organization for Gay Men, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered People, the Swedish Federation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights – RFSL, Allied Rainbow Communities International, European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation.