Who’s Caring for Our Aging Transgender Family?

As our society continues to progress in recognizing and affirming the rights of transgender individuals, an essential question arises: Who is caring for our aging transgender family? With the growing number of transgender elders, it's imperative to address their unique needs and ensure they receive the dignity, respect, and care they deserve. This topic not only touches on the basic human rights of a vulnerable population but also highlights broader issues of inclusivity, accessibility, and compassionate care in our society.

The Williams Institute estimates that there are approximately 1.4 million transgender adults in the United States, and about 217,000 of them are aged 65 and older. These numbers are expected to grow as younger generations, who are more likely to openly identify as transgender, age. This increase signifies a burgeoning need for comprehensive elder care systems that are not only inclusive but also proactive in addressing the unique challenges faced by transgender seniors. Unfortunately, current elder care facilities often fall short in providing safe and affirming environments for transgender individuals, making the need for targeted reforms even more pressing.

Transgender elders face a myriad of challenges in accessing affirming and competent care. These include:

1. Senior Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Many facilities lack policies and training to accommodate transgender residents. This can lead to discrimination, harassment, or refusal of service. The fear of mistreatment can drive transgender elders to hide their identities, impacting their mental and physical health. In some cases, transgender seniors may avoid seeking necessary care altogether, leading to preventable health issues and diminished quality of life.
2. Hospitals and Medical Care: Transgender elders often encounter healthcare providers who are not knowledgeable about their specific needs. This can result in inadequate or inappropriate care, further exacerbating health disparities. For instance, medical professionals may lack understanding of hormone therapy management in older adults or may not be equipped to address the mental health needs of transgender seniors, leading to substandard care and increased health risks.
3. Social Security and Legal Services: The process of updating legal documents to reflect correct names and genders can be cumbersome and confusing, particularly for older adults. Misalignment between documents and one's gender presentation can lead to difficulties in accessing benefits and services. Transgender seniors may face additional bureaucratic hurdles, such as proving identity consistency across decades-old records, which can delay or deny access to critical social security benefits, healthcare, and housing assistance.

The political landscape plays a critical role in the rights and protections afforded to transgender individuals. A shift in political administration, particularly one that is hostile to LGBTQIA+ rights, can have profound implications. For instance, an administration or a Supreme Court ruling against gender-affirming care for seniors could strip away vital healthcare and support services, leaving transgender elders vulnerable and unprotected. This uncertainty creates an environment of fear and instability, where transgender seniors may worry about the sustainability of their healthcare, housing, and legal protections, further impacting their well-being and quality of life.

It's crucial to ask and address these pressing questions now:

• Are our senior care facilities equipped and trained to provide affirming care for transgender elders? This involves not only sensitivity training for staff but also systemic changes in policy and practice to ensure that transgender residents feel safe, respected, and included in their living environments.
• How can hospitals and medical providers be better educated and prepared to meet the needs of transgender seniors? Comprehensive medical education and ongoing professional development are essential to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver competent and compassionate care to transgender patients.
• What policies can be implemented to streamline the process of legal name and gender changes for older adults? Simplifying bureaucratic procedures and providing clear, accessible resources can help transgender seniors navigate these processes more easily, ensuring they can access the benefits and services they need without unnecessary delays or obstacles.
• How do we safeguard the rights and dignity of transgender elders in the face of potential political and legal challenges? Advocacy and legislative efforts must focus on enshrining protections for transgender individuals in law, making it more difficult for future administrations to roll back these rights and ensuring long-term stability and security for transgender seniors.

The Global Trans Equity Project recognizes the urgent need to address these issues. Two of our new priority populations are transgender and non-binary aging individuals. Our mission is to advocate for policies, training, and support systems that ensure elder transgender individuals can live their later years with dignity and respect. We are committed to working with lawmakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to create a supportive infrastructure that addresses the unique needs of transgender elders, from inclusive housing options to specialized medical care and legal assistance.

By raising these questions and pushing for systemic change, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for our elder transgender siblings. This includes fostering a culture of respect and understanding within our communities and advocating for comprehensive policy reforms at local, state, and federal levels. We must act now to ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve, regardless of political climates or societal shifts.

As society continues to evolve, we must ensure that our elder transgender siblings are not left behind. Their unique needs and challenges require our immediate attention and action. It's not just about providing care but about ensuring that care is respectful, affirming, and attuned to their specific experiences and identities.

Our elder transgender siblings have paved the way for many of the rights and recognitions we enjoy today. It is our duty to ensure that they are honored, supported, and protected as they age. By addressing these critical questions and advocating for the rights and needs of transgender elders, we can create a more just and inclusive society for all.

~ Dr. Elijah Nicholas, DBA, MBA, MAET, MSOL , President & CEO The Global Trans Equity Project - GTEP

References:

1. Williams Institute. (n.d.). “Transgender Aging.” Retrieved from Williams Institute.