Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ2SA+ Community

Dr. Claire Robson is a writer, researcher, and arts activist. Her federally funded postdoctoral research at Simon Fraser University investigated the potential of arts-engaged community practices to generate social change. Claire's most recent book is Writing Beyond Recognition: Queer Restorying for Social Change (2020). Her awards include Xtra West Writer of the Year, the Joseph Katz Memorial Scholarship (for her contributions to social justice), the Lynch History Prize (for her contributions to better understanding of gender and sexual minorities), and QMUNITY's Honouring Our Elders Award (2022, for her work on the Indigo Project).

Dr Jen Marchbank is a professor of Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies whose publications include work on LGBTQSIA+ elders and youth and gendered violence. She is actively involved with NEVR (Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships) and other activist community organisations including the advocacy youth group Youth 4 A Change. She is the holder of several awards including the YWCA Woman of Distinction (2022); Shakti Society for Academic Excellence (2020); and University Teaching Excellence Award (2019). 

Dr. Gloria Gutman (Order of Canada) is immediate past President of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and recipient of their prestigious Rosalie Wolff award for her long term advocacy work on behalf of victims of elder abuse in her role as president of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

Makaela Prentice recently completed her Bachelor's in Psychology at Simon Fraser University and has supported the Indigo Project as an intern. She is passionate about helping individuals in our community who are marginalized, particularly seniors and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Her goal is to pursue further education in the social work field and eventually obtain her MSW.

This book describes and analyzes the lived experience of elder abuse from the queer community. It discusses the experiences by transwomen, gay men and lesbians of financial abuse, physical and sexual abuse, homophobic abuse, and neglect within partner relationships, residential care, in home care, and religious organizations. Queer and trans elders have been described as 'The Silent Generation', since they have lived through times when their sexual and gender identities were criminalized and pathologized. The book shows that they are far more at risk to suffer abuse and neglect by those they should be able to trust, since they are more likely to have encountered all key risk factors, such as isolation, previous abuse and trauma, and mistrust of the health care system. Their vulnerability has been overlooked and this book addresses that gap. As such, this book provides a great resource to anyone working with elders, including medical professionals, care providers, police, counsellors, and policy makers.

1. Introduction.- 2. Methodology.- 3. Historical Context.- 4. Literature Review.- 5. Matthew's Story: Residential Care.- 6. Michele's Story: Residential Care.- 7. Trudy's Story: In home Care.- 8. Jackie's Story: In home Care.- 9. Joseph's Story: Partner Abuse.- 10. Pam's Story: Partner Abuse.- 11. Flygirl's Story: Abuse by Other Lesbians.- 12. Grace's Story: Spiritual Abuse.- 13. Candace's Story: Systemic Cultural Oppression.- 14. Interview with Courtney Dieckbrader: Seniors' Program Specialist at QMUNITY.- 15. Interview with Devan Cecelia Christian: Individual Counselor and Peer Group Facilitator for Indigo Survivors.- 16. Analysis and Discussion.