Disabilities Among LGBTQ Elders

LGBTQ elders with disabilities represent a growing number of persons among the elderly and include those with physical, psychological, and sensory disorders. These disorders may be due to the developmental stages of the aging process, may be acquired as a result of an accident, or may be congenital and the person is growing older with the disability. In any case, LGBTQ elders are among the most stigmatized groups because of their sexual orientation and gender identity and one of the most marginalized because of age and disability.

In general, a disability is a recognized condition that imposes limitations on a person’s ability to adequately perform major life activities. To perform such activities, persons with disabilities typically need some type of modification. Although far from homogeneous, older ...