• MSN,

    "Some of the information I learned at this training made me realize that I have lived a very sheltered life!"

  • LPN,

    "I believe that this training is incredibly helpful for all nurses but especially for those of us who work in long term care."

  • BSN,

    "Matter of fact, easy going presentation on little talked about information. Very well done! Thoroughly informative presentation."

  • RN,

    "I was totally unaware of the extent in which some transgender [individuals] may go to obtain hormones. This has changed my outlook... This is very humbling."

  • MSN,

    "Workplace culture must recognize and respect the LGBTQ community and co-workers should discuss this."

  • Participant,

    “Very informative and insightful. Loved the presentation content and humor incorporated throughout!”

  • RN,

    “Extremely helpful program – very up to date and needed in our population!”

  • Curriculum reviewers say,

    “...This [HEALE] training could go a long way to building safer healthcare for LGBTQ elders.”

  • PhD participant,

    “Thorough review of the basics. Handled prejudices and ignorant questions with tremendous respect and empathy.”

Nurses’ Health Education About LGBTQ Elders (Heale) Cultural Competency Curriculum

There is a critical shortage of gerentological nurses who specialize in LGBTQ aging issues.  Accredited schools of nursing have no requirement to explore LGBTQ health disparities.

Howard Brown HEALE Video

Barriers to Care:

Personal Barriers

Personal barriers include a fear of discrimination, internalized homophobia, and a non-disclosure of orientation/behavior.

Living Below the Federal Poverty Level

An estimated 35% of older LGBTQ adults live below the federal poverty level, compared to 10% of the general population (Cook-Daniels, 2009).

Delayed Retirement for Financial Reasons

For some older LGBTQ adults, workplace discrimination over the life cycle has
led to delayed retirement for financial reasons (SAGE, 2010, p. 11).

Fear of Facing Insensitivity & Discrimination

Fear of facing insensitivity and discrimination can reinforce social isolation and lead to avoidance of
needed healthcare and social services.

Avoidance of Routine Health Care

One of the most common medical risks for LGBTQ persons is the avoidance of routine health care due to heterosexism in the healthcare system.