UN experts: LGBT older persons at heightened risk of violence and discrimination

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10/27/2023

Following the commemoration of the UN International Day on Older Persons on 1 October, three United Nations rights experts* issued a statement highlighting the alarming situation faced by many LGBT older persons and exhorting UN Member States and other stakeholders to design, pass and implement all measures necessary to address violence and discrimination that disproportionately impact the enjoyment of their human rights. The experts noted that the specific human rights challenges faced by older LGBT persons include leading their lives against the backdrop of negative societal stereotypes and assumptions about their physical and mental health, their sexuality and sex life, their ability to contribute to society, and their worth to their families and communities. Experiences of compounded discrimination and stigma throughout their lives may lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, dementia, and other mental health conditions in older life, often compounded by social isolation and loneliness if they live in a social environment that is not accepting. They further noted that gendered societal assumptions create significant barriers to access to health, including menopausal and gynaecological care for older lesbians and trans men, differentiated health concerns for black gay men, and prostate enlargement and prostate cancer for trans women; and that stigma and prejudice affect the recognition of needs such as peri-menopausal syndrome, erectile dysfunction, lowered libido, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and sexual dysfunction.

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