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.
1
2
44
5
2
3 11
5
1
2
1
4
3
2
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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