The New Day Project: A Needs assessment of theMilwaukee Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and

Transgender Older Adults.

Scott R. MillerUniversity of Wisconsin Milwaukee

This study sought to understand differences and similarities between lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) members fifty years of age and older who live in the greater Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA region. Twenty-eight respondents born before 1964 completed a qualitative survey. Examination took place in the fall of 2014 that held two public focus groups that discussed the challenges of the LGBT members. From that experience, a questionnaire was developed and sent to individuals who requested the materials. For this paper, we will only discuss the qualitative data received by 24 of the surveys that took into account any other issues related to LGBT members as not related

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on the 36-quesiotn survey. This initial is the overview for educational purposes. However, the detailed data collected will become the basis for a larger research paper that looks at the quantitative and quantitative data collected by survey sent to over 400participants by mail. Initial findings of this survey will shared in June of 2015 and then a final anticipated completed date the fall of 2015.

KEYWORDS: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, LGBT aging, older LGBT adults, silentGeneration, SAGE, Service and Advocacy for LGBT Elders, LGBT elder.

INTRODUCTION OF THE AGING POPULATION

This report examines individuals who identify as LGBT, which

is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender, and are over the age

of fifty in the greater Milwaukee Wisconsin area. The aging

population is going through a transformation as the Baby Boom

generation comes to maturity, a pew research study found that 18%

of adults living in the United States will be 65 years of age

and older by the year 2030 (Cohn & Taylor, 2010). That means that

by the age of 2030 there will be over 7 million LGBT seniors

living in America (Espinoza, 2014). Because many folks 65 and

older do not identify as “elderly” until the age of 75 (Cohn &

Taylor, 2010), it is important to recognize that the social

makeup of our system allows the LGBT senior population to go

unnoticed, and ignored (Jablonski, Vance, & Beattie, 2013).

Recently there is a trend to study the LGBT older adult cohort as

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seen in the literature. These studies are uncovering specific

areas of need that are emerging for LGBT older adults.

Current literature review finds consistent issues relating

to aging it is reported that as many as twenty percent more 51%

of LGBT seniors have concerns related to having enough money to

live on as they get older. Only 31% of non-LGBT members are

concerned with money as they age (Espinoza, 2014). Another

pressing need is the need for support and family. Because many

LGBT seniors have nontraditional families and or families of

choice, isolation is an overwhelming concern for LGBT older

adults (K. Fredriksen-Goldsen, Hoy-Ellis, Goldsen, Emlet, &

Hooyman, 2014). Fear and vulnerability that accompanies aging can

manifest itself as one becomes older which keeps this population

separate from social supports. Many seniors in their 60s and 70s

whom have not kept up with technology and are suspicious of the

state of affairs when it comes with health, healthcare and

accommodations which has caused a nonconscious bias to occurs

that acts as a separator from individuals to services that help

them. Many LGBT Seniors go through their lives concealing their

sexual orientation due to the stigma-experienced throughout their

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lives. (Foglia & Fredriksen‐Goldsen, 2014) This concealment

causes a silence of isolation. Isolation can be attributed as one

of the root causes of discrimination, intimate partner violence,

health care abuse, and stigmatization because the older

population in general in America is invisible (Croghan, Moone, &

Olson, 2014; De Vries & Croghan, 2014; Emlet, Fredriksen-Goldsen,

& Kim, 2013; Espinoza, 2014; K. Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014;

K. I. Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2011; Gratwick, Jihanian, Holloway,

Sanchez, & Sullivan, 2014a). Other studies as indicated in North

Carolina show that LGBT Seniors are underserved which caused the

local LGBT Center to swiftly act and add workshops, educational

seminars and a task force against LGBT violence (Coleman, Irwin,

Wilson, & Miller, 2014). Limitations of access for marginalized

seniors are also a contributing factor of isolation. Fear of

retaliation, bullying and inferior care keeps LGBT Seniors

trapped without the same supports as non LGBT Seniors. These

supports include meal sites, aging programs, and social events.

Due to discrimination of service, there is a disparity on the

equality of access with partner housing, family medical rites and

access, and financial equality (Coleman et al., 2014). Coleman

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indicates that more research is needed to be able to reach the

silent and those who are not open with their sexuality or “not

out” in hopes to assist them in their quality of life.

Statics from a recent survey by Service and Advocacy for

GLBT Elders (SAGE) reports that, “One in eight (13%) LGBT adults

and one in four (25%) transgender adults say that they have been

discriminated against when searching for housing on the basis of

their sexual orientations and gender identities, respectively”

(Espinoza, 2014). Other issues consistent with the research

include health, socioeconomic status and relative ease with being

open and honest with their sexual identity (Espinoza, 2014; K.

Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014).

Cultural Competency

Another area of inquiry that surfaced was the lack of

cultural competency. Many adult care services do not have

training for their staff regarding LGBT related issues. Many

service providers are culturally uninformed of the issues that

relate to LGBT members (Mcgovern, 2014; Porter & Krinsky, 2014).

This is crucial when working with those members of the aging

population that suffer from dementia or dementia related illness.

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If the service provider is not informed about a person’s gender,

sexual orientation or past, they it can be very difficult to

serve the client equitably (Mcgovern, 2014). If a service

provider does not provide accommodations for LGBT members a form

of institutionalized homophobia occurs throughout an institution

(Price, 2008).

Service and Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE) conducted an on

line needs assessment in 2013. This survey looks deeply into LGBT

aging issues they also used a very reputable clearinghouse to

validate the findings. One of the large problems with this survey

that this author observed is that this survey took place online

only. By looking at the data, one must consider the type of

person responding. The data collected in the Out and visible

study is limited to a very specific population. Respondents must

have had access to a computer. Those poor or those without the

knowledge of the use of a computer missed the opportunity to take

this survey, which can be a significant determinant of outcomes

(Espinoza, 2014). The information in the study is compelling and

the data is solid. One must be aware of the bias that may have

occurred due to the accessibility of the respondents.

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The Aging and Health Report (K. Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2014)

outlines the state of LGBT Seniors as it relates to health issues

throughout the united states. The study discusses the state of

affairs for LGBT Seniors. Although the study gives a positive

spin on access, healthcare, and health needs of the population it

still identifies major problems with seniors. The study spends a

lot of time talking about resilience risks and gives many

statistics regarding victimization and health.

Further study that needs mention include St. Louis, South

Carolina, and Minnesota. The Greater St. Louis LGBT Health and Human

Services Needs Assessment: An Examination of the Silent and Baby Boom Generations

(Jenkins Morales, King, Hiler, Coopwood, & Wayland, 2014) looks

at resiliency along with needs. The South Carolina LGBT Needs Assessment:

A Descriptive Overview (Coleman et al., 2014) discusses the need for more

access and availability for services among its populations.

Finally, one looked at the disparity between African

American LGBT members and the Aging population in an article

Aging Out: A qualitative exploration of ageism and Heterosexism Among Aging African

American Lesbians and Gay Men (Woody, 2014). Woody discusses his

compelling study that indicates cultural difference as the root

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of continued and persistent oppression. In the results, the study

found that African Americans experience, “Sense of alienation in

the African American Community, deliberate concealment of sexual

identity and orientation, aversion to LGBT labels, perceived

discrimination, and alienation from organized religion, feelings

of grief, and loss related to aging, isolation, and fear of

financial and physical dependence” (Woody, 2014).

Of the articles researched, the most compelling information

presented was of the African American community. Woody’s findings

are consistent with the outcome of the survey as participation

levels are very low for African Americans in not only survey and

data collection but in LGBT services as a whole throughout the

United States (Woody, 2014). One would like to mention here that

cultural competency again is a factor in relating with the Black

population in America as a whole. For the most part in churches

and family circles, LGBT individuals become outcasts, ostracized

from their families of origins and their places of worship.

Family unity and community are key elements of Black culture many

LGBT individuals simply choose to live in silence for fear they

may lose all they love (Woody, 2014).

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PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

The purpose of this report is to begin to develop a

comprehensive portfolio that addresses the needs of the aging

LGBT Community in the Milwaukee metro area. This research will be

used as a tool to develop and implement a comprehensive plan of

action. The study is being done with a partnership of the

Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, the University Of Wisconsin

Milwaukee, and the Cream City Foundation in an attempt to better

serve the LGBT older population. SAGE Milwaukee has traditionally

served the older LGBT population exclusively. Recently in 2013

SAGE merged and became a program of the Milwaukee LGBT Community

Center. We hope the information within this study can uncover and

assist all of us in developing a deeper understanding of the

older population. The examination of data and information

consisted of between five and ten individuals. These focus groups

developed the actual survey as discussed later in this report.

METHODOLOGY

For this study, one examined three data sources. The first

qualitative source is an interview with a member of the LGBT

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community who was over the age of fifty. A digital recording

device captured the data that became a transcript of dialogue.

The use of open-ended questions discussed LGBT issues. After

transcribing the recording, one highlighted the similarities of

words and concepts. By keeping track of the reoccurring messages,

one was able to come up with trends. The trends were entered into

a excel spreadsheet that showed the number of different topics

discussed. By counting the number of topics and themes, a

numerical ranking showed the most important issues. During the

interview if a topic was glossed over by the respondent, the

interviewer would ask open-ended questions to get the respondent

to go into deeper detail to obtain a clear understanding of the

themes that naturally occurred during the interview process.

The next data point was the use of an observation of a group

of individuals. Seniors meet at the Milwaukee LGBT Community

Center on Thursdays to have a day to relax, play games, and

discuss the things happening in their lives. This group has known

each other for years and they are comfortable discussing issues.

During this observation, two Students from the University of

Wisconsin Milwaukee were present acting as service learners. The

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week prior the Program Coordinator let the members know that

there would be special guests who were interested in what it was

like and what it is like to day in the LGBT community. The

members were ready to give stories of experience from the past

and discuss issues as it relates to them today. The author took

detailed notes regarding the interactions between the

individuals. After transcribing the notes, one highlighted the

similarities of words and concepts. By keeping track of the

reoccurring topics, one was able to come up with trends. The

trends were entered into a excel spreadsheet that showed the

number of different topics discussed. By counting the number of

topics and themes, a numerical ranking showed the most important

issues.

Finally, the third source of qualitative information came

with permission from Dr. Mark Williams PhD., from the New Day

Project; a current study that examines the fifty plus LGBT

Community in the Greater Milwaukee(Williams & Miller, 2015). This

study is in collaboration with the Milwaukee LGBT Community

center and The Cream City Foundation. The total of this

quantitative study is 36 questions. For this article, one is

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looking at the final question, which is qualitative in nature.

Question 36 asks “If you have any additional comments about the

strengths and needs facing LGBT Adults 50 years of age and older

in the Milwaukee area, please share them with us in the box

below”(Williams & Miller, 2015). As a note of important, one

would like to point out that the 35 quantitative questions prior

to the final qualitative question all relate to LGBT issues.

Consideration regarding the influence of the prior 35 questions

indicate the need for additional research, which is ongoing.

However, measures to analyze the data as it relates to the

literature review became helpful when looking at the results. The

collection of confidential comments from the respondents gave an

overview of the common themes that are facing the LGBT older

adults in the Milwaukee area. Of the sample, data taken 27 of the

44 qualitative surveys wrote a comment for question 36.

Examination took place by finding similar word order, similar

words used, similar concepts, and similar topics. Methodology

included highlighting similar words and or groups. One identified

key issues the issues were placed in an excel spreadsheet.

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All three areas of data collection were combined into the

same excel spreadsheet and a graph was made to show the common

concerns. See the graph below.

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3 11

5

1

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1

4

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Family MENTORSHIP ClassesAARP JOBS ActivitiesTransportaton Isolation Coming Out

DATA REVEIW

Below are the categories as related to the qualitative

information collected by all three data sources. The numbers

reflect how many times certain topics became the issue of

concern. From the data one person discussed AARP but eleven

people discussed isolation and its effects on the community.

AARP 1Activities 1

Family 2

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Jobs 2Outdoor Activities 2HIV 2

Mentorship – Multigenerational 3Coming out 3

Classes – educational enrichment 4Help at Home – Home tasks 4Mental Health 4

Healthcare 5Transportation 5

Isolation 11

The examination of the data indicates the top needs of the

Milwaukee Population as it relates to special concerns. The

analysis indicates that isolation is by far the biggest concern

for LGBT members in the Milwaukee area as 11 of the 27

respondents indicated that this is a serious issue.

Another interesting factor was the similarity of the next

five issues that relate to our respondents. The similarities

indicate interrelated themes of staying independent, mobile,

educationally stimulated, and healthy. These issues also came up

in most of the available literature (Abrams, Alcedo, & Fuhrmann,

2013; Cohn & Taylor, 2010; Coleman et al., 2014; Croghan et al.,

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2014; De Vries & Croghan, 2014; Foglia & Fredriksen‐Goldsen,

2014; Gratwick, Jihanian, Holloway, Sanchez, & Sullivan, 2014b;

Hughes, Harold, & Boyer, 2011). Isolation cuts one off from

independence, mobility health, and educational gains (Emlet et

al., 2013). The data shows similarities that indicate how

isolation effects every other aspect of one’s life. Therefore,

programs and educational outreach should be one of the key

factors to reduce those isolated.

RECCOMENDATONS

Further research to assess the needs of LGBT older

population is being done at this time. As of today, we have over

150 respondents to the survey. We plan to continue the data

collection through Pridefest, which is the first weekend in June

2015. In the short term, recommendations would allow for a place

for LGBT seniors the ability to feel safe, empowered with the

ability to help others. The may include LGBT friendly senior

housing, and a very large push to educate service providers with

cultural competency training. Many LGBT elders see themselves as

mentors and are willing to volunteer their time to assist youth

programs and other seniors who are isolated. Pilot programs for

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the engagement of LGBT seniors are occurring in the Milwaukee

area that includes a comprehensive plan of inclusion, which

include advocacy, outreach, and education.

CONCLUSION

The data from this survey is consistent with much of the

current literature. LGBT Seniors are isolated and concerned for

health and safety. One must understand how to develop

comprehensive analytical tools that addresses the ability to

connect with the individuality of each LGBT Senior. To segregate

this population into a micro community does the community itself

a disservice. Meaning, that we are looking at a very small piece

of a person’s life, and the interests and needs of the LGBT

Senior community are as vast as each individual member is. This

study is presenting useable information that will assist the

partners. With the continued development of outreach programs one

hopes to alleviate the isolation and fear that our seniors face.

The data collection is solid proof that the most important issue

facing the seniors of Milwaukee is isolation. By developing

comprehensive plans to educate and engage the goal would be to

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integrate seniors into their communities and reduce the fear they

face.

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