Dementia, lesbians and gay men public forum
‘Dementia: Lesbians and Gay Men’ is a research paper commissioned by Alzheimer’s Australia to promote an informed discussion about the issues affecting lesbians or gay men with dementia or caring for someone with dementia.
“Many lesbians and gay men who are now facing a dementia diagnosis became adults at a time when social and legal discrimination was extremely prevalent in this country,” Glenn Rees, chief executive officer of Alzheimer’s Australia says.
“Given an increased likelihood that gay men and lesbians may experience isolation as they grow older and this, in combination with a fear of coming out to service providers, may lead to anxiety and depression.”
Next week’s public forum will look at issues raised in the research paper including the interaction between service providers and lesbians and gay men with dementia and their family carers; the complexity of family relationships; and barriers that may affect care provision and quality of life.
It will include challenging and interactive hypothetical situations involving the panel and the audience.
The research paper ‘Dementia, Lesbians and Gay Men’ will be officially launched in Sydney today by the Hon. Michael Kirby.
A free public forum about ‘Dementia: Lesbians and Gay Men’ – a research paper by Heather Birchw will be held on 26 November from 3.30pm to 5.30pm at the University of Melbourne – Green Lecture Theatre, Level 1, 442 Auburn Road, Hawthorn (Mel Ref 59 E2).
Speakers:
- Associate Professor Anne Mitchell, Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society and Director, Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria
- Roland Rocchiccioli, actor, author and media personality
- Tony Walsh, a member of Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria’s Younger Onset Consumer Reference Group
- Morgaine Williams, executive director of nursing at TriMor Aged Services
- Glenn Rees, national chief executive officer of Alzheimer’s Australia
Bookings by the public are essential. Contact Sue Ryan on (03) 9816 5746 or sryan@alzvic.asn.au
