Why is this important now? Well, believe it or not, you probably know someone who privately or openly identifies as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA + community. We don’ t know exactly how many older adults identify as 2SLGBTQIA +, as this community is under-studied; however, the government of Alberta estimates there are between 16,000 and 81,000 2SLGBTQIA + older adults living in Alberta today.
A 77-year-old gay person living in Alberta today has, from a statistical standpoint, spent their whole life hiding their authentic self or being ostracized or criminalized for who they are. They were 21 years old when homosexual activity was decriminalized under the Criminal Code of Canada, 48 when the Alberta Supreme Court made it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation, and 57 when they could finally get legally married. Can you imagine having to hide who you love for your entire life? Imagine if those first butterflies of falling in love with someone were instead wasps of all-consuming fear and crippling anxiety.
So, how can we unlearn our biases? Easy— we educate ourselves! And luckily, as retired teachers( and other amazing, like-minded professionals), who better to teach you than yourself! Below are three resources I uncovered while writing this article; I challenge you to read them. Or find readings to challenge another bias you may hold. As you read, acknowledge anything that feels uncomfortable; is this something you have personally experienced, or is it something you have been taught by society?
Acceptance isn’ t about having all the right words memorized, changing your religious beliefs, or trying to be someone you are not. It’ s about recognizing another person’ s humanity, respecting their identity, and showing openness to learn.
Your Assigned Readings:
Psychology 101: bit. ly / why-we-resist-anything-different
Social Studies: open. alberta. ca / publications / agingwith-pride-a-guide
Terminology 101: bit. ly / what-is-2SLGBTQI
40 | arta. net IMAGINE