Safeguarding the End of the Rainbow
COTA Victoria and Transgender Victoria (TGV) have produced a free resource, Safeguarding the End of the Rainbow: A guide to help LGBTI people in Victoria plan an end-of-life of their choice. It is tailored for older LGBTI community members and covers:
- planning for future care and medical needs
- financial and estate planning
- funeral and burial wishes.
You can download a copy from our resources page.
Alice’s Garage
Alice’s Garage is a social enterprise which promotes healthy LGBTI+ ageing. They are involved in a variety of projects and workshops. They also have a selection of resources available. Visit Alice’s Garage website or their Facebook Page.
All the Queen’s Men
All the Queen’s Men celebrates older LGBTIQ+ communities and combats social isolation with creative events and projects. Many of these projects are free and are based around contemporary arts and performances.
LGBTI+ Elders Dance Club
This dance club is a free monthly event, for LGBTIQ+ elders and their allies. Learn new dances and meet new people – no dance experience is necessary. Visit All the Queen’s Men’s website for upcoming dates and locations.
The Coming Back Out Ball
The Coming Back Out Ball is a red-carpet social event of performance, dance and socialising which celebrates LGBTIQ+ elders. It has been held in 2017 and 2018 as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival in October. Read more about the Coming Back Out Ball or view photos from past events on their website.
Older people with HIV Taking Charge
Living Positive Victoria in partnership with Thorne Harbour Health runs the Taking Charge project for older people with HIV.
The Positive Self-Management Program helps all people with HIV develop life skills using a range of tools with activities that are interactive and aimed at helping people deal with managing their HIV.
The Peer Support Network meet regularly and combines health promotion to build health literacy and social activities to break down social isolation.
The project also has a website called Well Beyond 50 website. This site includes a wealth of health information, articles, videos and a social hub where older people with HIV can find out how to connect with peers.
For more information contact Vic – vperri@livingpositivevictopria.org.au or 03 9863 8733.
Matrix Guild
Matrix Guild Victoria Inc raises awareness of the care, health and housing needs of lesbians aged 40+. They host regular events. Matrix Guild also provides some accommodation in Victoria for older, financially disadvantaged lesbians. Visit the Matrix Guild’s website or follow them on Facebook.
Out and About
Out and About connects LGBTI volunteer visitors with older people living at home or in aged care. It aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness in the older LGBTI community. It also encourages intergenerational friendships. To be eligible for the free service, you need to:
- be on or waiting for a Home Care Package or live in Residential Aged Care
- identify as LGBTI (but you do not need to be open about your status).
The Out and About program is run by Switchboard and is part of the national Community Visitors Scheme. You can visit their website or call (03) 9663 2474 for more information.
Rainbow Health Victoria (formerly GLHV)
Rainbow Health Victoria offers programs around sexual health and ageing. It also provides training and resources around general LGBTIQ+ health. Rainbow health Victoria is funded by the Victorian Government. It is part of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University. Visit Rainbow Health Victoria’s website for more information on their projects.
Silver Rainbow – LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care
Silver Rainbow works to create an LGBTI inclusive aged care sector. Their website includes resources, events and community organisations for LGBTI elders. It also provides information and training for people who work with older LGBTIQ+ people. Silver Rainbow is part of the National LGBTI Health Alliance.
Transgender Victoria
Transgender Victoria (TGV) is the leading body for trans and gender diverse advocacy. They offer training and resources for trans and gender diverse people, their families and friends. Transgender Victoria also hosts a regular peer support group. Visit Transgender Victoria’s website for more information on their services.
Val’s LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care
Val’s LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care work to improve the health, wellbeing and visibility of the older LGBTI community. They also offer information, advocacy and community support for service providers and LGBTIQ+ elders. Val’s hosts a national, biennial LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Conference.
Val’s LGBTI Ageing and is a program of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University. Read more about Val’s LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care or visit their Facebook page.