The exhibition features portraits of seven older Australians who identify as LGBTI, expressing their thoughts and feelings about finding a ‘sense of place in a world where ‘different’ bodies, relationships and sexualities are often misunderstood and disrespected.
An Australian-first exhibition showcasing portraits of LGBTI elders and their stories of belonging will be on display at the 2019 National Elder Abuse Conference (NEAC 2019) in Brisbane next week (22-23 July).
The exhibition features portraits of seven older Australians who identify as LGBTI, expressing their thoughts and feelings about finding a ‘sense of place in a world where ‘different’ bodies, relationships and sexualities are often misunderstood and disrespected.
Exhibition Curator Dr Catherine Barrett said the collection of portraits and stories was a celebration of the resilience of LGBTI elders and the importance of ‘place’ in their lives. Photographer Julian Meehan took the pictures.
“We are so proud and excited to bring this extraordinary body of work to Brisbane at a time when LGBTI elders are displaced by elder abuse,” she said.
“It is beautiful that the national conversation about elder abuse is heating up, though the unique issues for LGBTI elders are not well understood.
“As a community we need to recognise that a sense of place matters to everyone – and this very special exhibition is a small, but important, step forward in raising awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTI elders.”
NEAC 2019 co-host, Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia CEO Geoff Rowe, said next week’s conference would shine a light on the issue of elder abuse for LGBTI elders.
“The exhibition serves as a reminder that LGBTI elders can be displaced by abuse perpetrated based on their LGBTI identities by family members or service providers.
“In addition to the showcase, delegates will hear from Malloy, an 86-year-old lesbian who will talk about her personal experience of elder abuse.”
Mr Rowe said that ‘LGBTI Elders’ was not identified as a priority group in the National Elder Abuse Strategy.
“We were disappointed with this aspect of the national strategy because we need to better understand and respond to this group’s experiences of abuse; however, NEAC 2019 will provide the perfect platform to start important conversations,” Mr Rowe said.
Co-hosted by Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia and Caxton Legal Centre, NEAC 2019 is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 22-23 July 2019.
Some quotes that will be featured in the exhibition:
Sally Conning
My place is West Gippsland. When I am home, I am me. I am part of my community – people in my town respect me for being me. I am also a valued Elder. When I work with LGBTI Elders, I feel like I belong. I feel like I am with the people I should be with, doing the work I should be doing. People listen to me. That feels grouse.
Max Primmer
Where I live is where I belong. I’ve been able to fit into my community as a gay man. I’ve found the niche that I’d been searching for. I feel privileged to be an LGBTI Elder and pass my wisdom on to younger LGBTI people. I put myself out there in any way I can for struggling people – it’s exhilarating and gratifying.
David Morrison
When I am amongst LGBTI people, I feel like I belong; I am entirely at home. I feel empowered, and I feel like I am empowering others. I belong to a group of older gay men, and we talk intimately, we hug each other, and we have deep respect for our maleness and humanness. These guys are just like me, and that feels empowering.
