Dementia Australia has launched a dedicated online hub for LGBT+ people impacted by dementia, providing inclusive information, resources and support developed in partnership with leading LGBT+ health organisation ACON and backed by the Victorian Government.
The new LGBT+ Hub is designed for people living with dementia, their families, carers and communities. It brings together practical information, community stories, guides, advice on finding affirming healthcare professionals and links to LGBT+ services across Australia.
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said the hub was created to ensure LGBT+ people affected by dementia could access support that reflects their identities and experiences.
“People living with dementia who are members of the LGBT+ communities can sometimes experience heightened isolation, often linked to past discrimination, stigma and fear of not being accepted or understood,” Professor Buchanan said.
“This is why we worked with ACON to create an inclusive and affirming online Hub tailored to LGBT+ communities and accessible to anyone.
“Everyone living with dementia from the LGBT+ communities deserves information and resources which recognises, respects and embraces them for who they are.”
Dementia Advocate and LGBT+ community member Uncle Andrew Lovell said the hub reinforces the importance of identity and belonging for people living with dementia.
“As a proud Narungga man, I know that culture, community and identity are medicine,” Uncle Andrew said.
“This new hub reminds us that LGBTQIA+ people living with dementia should never have to hide who they are.”
ACON Chief Executive Officer Michael Woodhouse said the collaboration demonstrated the value of combining dementia expertise with specialist knowledge of LGBT+ inclusion.
“Partnerships like this one show what’s possible when expertise in dementia care and expertise in LGBT+ inclusion come together,” Mr Woodhouse said.
“We hope the Hub helps more people feel seen, supported and understood.”
The launch was marked with a free community event at the Victorian Pride Centre, bringing together members of the LGBT+ community and allies for an introduction to the new hub, an information session on dementia and a question-and-answer discussion.
Dementia Australia said the hub aims to improve access to affirming information and support while helping ensure LGBT+ people living with dementia can remain connected to their identities, communities and appropriate services throughout their dementia journey.
