THE IRISH TIMES - CARL O'BRIEN (4th November 2011)

More than one-third of older gay people fear they will be rejected by friends and family if they disclose their sexual orientation, new research shows. The findings – part of the first major study into the experiences of gay people over 55 in Ireland – highlight ongoing challenges faced by those who feel they cannot live openly in society. However, they also show the resilience of many gay people who have overcome adversity and developed accepting relationships with family, friends and colleagues.The “Visible Lives” study is based on survey data and interviews with up to 144 people and shows that the majority of older gay people are “out” to at least one person.

Most went through their adolescence and early adulthood without disclosing their sexuality. While most respondents are comfortable with their identity, 28 per cent are not out to any neighbours and 10 per cent are not out to any of their close family members. The study shows that while coming out gave individuals greater freedom, it also includes varying consequences ranging from acceptance, to denial to complete rejection. Some 26 per cent of respondents had been married and faced major difficulties making the decision to come out to their spouse and children. There is also significant isolation among older gay people. Some 46 per cent of older gay people live alone, compared to just 15 per cent among the general over-55 population. A big concern among many is that older age services – such as nursing homes – will not recognise or respect their gay or transgender identity. Some would prefer to live in exclusively gay-friendly retirement communities. The majority of those surveyed felt safe or very safe walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark (77 per cent). About one in five, however, felt unsafe holding hands or showing affection with a same-sex partner.

The report makes a series of recommendations to help ensure public services respond to the needs of older gay people. Kieran Rose, chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen), said the participants’ stories were a powerful reminder of the importance of social progress over the past 20 years. “This progress, especially the status arising from civil partnerships and the Government’s commitment to enact gender recognition legislation, are strong platforms from which the recommendations made in this report can be implemented,” he said. Secretary general of the Department of Justice Brian Purcell said policymakers and public services will need to take on board the messages in the report.

Catherine Rose, chief executive of Age and Opportunity – which funded the study – said it was significant that issues facing gay and straight older people were often similar. “We all need to work together to ensure the issues and needs identified in the report can be addressed and inform the broader agenda of the status and visibility of older people in Irish society,” she said.

– CARL O’BRIEN. With acknowledgements to"The Irish Times"