Last Updated: March 27, 2026
This June, we at Care Choices wanted to showcase the help and support that is available for older members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Are the times changing?
The LGBT foundation has said that ‘laws change, but attitudes can be harder to shift’. This is perhaps no truer than for members of the LGBTQIA+ community that are 70 years and over. Most would have been LGBTQIA+ youths during the Stonewall riots that started Pride in 1969, although they may not have been out and proud at the time due to unchanging attitudes in the UK.
In the UK the attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ individuals are changing slowly but surely. However, it has been a long and arduous road to get to this point. Of which, LGBTQIA+ individuals above the age of 70 will remember the road well having been around for all the modern signposts of LGBTQIA+ acceptance.
Discrimination and Ageism
For older adults in the community, having been from a generation that saw their sexual orientation or gender identity be illegal and outrageous, it can be difficult to find community with others of their age that aren’t in the LGBTQIA+ community for fear of discrimination. In addition to this, studies have shows that long periods of experiencing discrimination and stigma, which older LGBTQIA+ members would most likely have experienced, can lead to individuals experiencing high levels of stress and a serious sense of isolation from their peers.
In addition to this, older LGBTQIA+ individuals may feel that they don’t have a place in modern queer spaces due to ageism. The life-stories of older LGBTQIA+ people are so important, as their protests are why younger members of the community have the rights they have today.
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel as LGBTQIA+ charities and organisations across the UK are starting to launch programmes specifically for older LGBTQIA+ individuals, with the LGBT Foundation planning to open their own extra care scheme in Manchester.
Care homes and LGBTQIA+
If you are finding it difficult to manage at home, you might want to start thinking about home care or moving into a residential care service such as a care home or extra care housing. There aren’t many care-based housing options catering specifically for older LGBTQIA+ people in the UK. However, you are entitled and encouraged to ask management and members of staff questions, so you can find out what their attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ individuals are.
All care services should be aware of issues facing LGBTQIA+ people and cannot deny access due to a person’s sexuality or gender identity. There are protections in place through the Equality Act 2010, Human Rights Act 1998 and Care Act 2014. However, despite these protections individuals can still encounter discrimination which is why asking questions related to LGBTQIA+ matters to management and staff are important.
In 2020, the LGBT Foundation released a Housing, Ageing + Care report that revealed the different experiences within LGBT+ communities and what people in those communities want. The report revealed staggering statistics about what older LGBTQIA+ people want when it comes to care services, such as 51% being uncomfortable in non-LGBT specific care housing.
Finding safe spaces and community
There are lots of LGBTQIA+ safe spaces and community groups across the UK that cater for people of all ages. There are some that cater especially for older members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s important to have places where you can feel safe and included as an older person and as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community but finding a space for both these qualities can be a tricky task.
Support services: Where can I find LGBT+ social groups?
Social groups are a great way of getting out and about and interacting with others – something that is important for your mental health and wellbeing. A good way of finding what social and activity groups are happening in your local area is at community centres, leisure centres, faith groups and libraries.
Age UK Oldham, Manchester and Nottingham & Nottinghamshire all have groups specifically designed for older LGBTQIA+ people to come together as a social outing.
The LGBT Foundation runs the ‘Pride in Ageing’ programme in Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Merseyside. This programme was launched by Sir Ian McKellan in 2019 and aims to create joyful, fun and empowering events and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ over 50s all year round. The programme addresses concerns that many older LGBTQIA+ people have surrounding isolation and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
If you don’t live in an area served by one of the organisation listed above, you can find local LGBTQIA+ groups at www.consortium.lgbt
Charities helping older members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Switchboard is a confidential helpline that provides information and support to members of the LGBTQIA+ community no matter their age. Call 0800 0119100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or visit https://switchboard.lgbt
- LGBT Foundation provides a friendly and non-judgemental service for all members of the community. Call the LGBT Foundation helpline on 03453 303 030 or email helpine@lgbt.foundation (both are open from Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm).
