‘Older Bisexual Lives – Current Initiatives and Future Directions’ will be held at Nottingham University on Wednesday 24th April 2013. This free seminar addresses the implications of ageing for bisexual individuals and communities, a topic that is rarely discussed. It aims to bring together older bisexual people, academics, service providers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) activists and community members. Its aim is to explore gaps in current knowledge and service provision, and to find ways forward.
Speakers include author Sue George and academic Dr Rebecca Jones. There will be a lunchtime music performance by Single Bass, followed by small group workshops. A number of travel bursaries will be made available, based on an assessment of need. The seminar particularly welcomes additionally marginalised community members, such as those who are unwaged or from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities.
Research on LGBT ageing tends to miss out ‘B’ and the ‘T’. Little is currently known about the lives of older people who identify as bisexual. Older LGBT people encounter discrimination through ageism, sexism, racism, disable-ism, as well as heteronormativity and homo, bi and trans-phobias. If it is difficult for service providers to imagine an older person as lesbian or gay, an older bi person is even more inconceivable. This in turn may make an older bi person fearful of accessing services which may be less than responsive to their complex life experiences and needs.
This is the first of a six-seminar series funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, aimed at identifying gaps in knowledge about LGBT ageing in six key areas: older bisexual people’s lives; older trans people’s experiences; race, ethnicity and religion; economics, resources and social networks; intergenerational issues; and health and social care. Future seminars will be held across the UK, including at Surrey University and University of Oxford.
Places are limited so early registration is advised. For more information, see their website.
