Visibility Matters
Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s Legacy Affirms LGBTQI+ Human Rights
Aging with Pr i de Visibility Matters As LGBTQI+ people age and need supportive services to meet their aging goals, many of them question whether it is safe to share with their providers that they are LGBTQI+ due to stigma they have witnessed and experienced over their lifetimes.
By Sarah Bahnson , PCOA LGBTQ Community Liaison Archbishop Desmond Tutu, globally respected religious and moral leader, passed away on December 26th at the age of 90. Awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his work ending apartheid in South Africa, Archbishop Tutu was also an outspoken LGBTQ ally and activist. Equating discrimination against gays and lesbians with discrimination on the basis of race and ethnicity, his work helped shape the global struggle for justice for all. In a video released by the United Nations Free & Equal campaign, Archbishop Tutu said, I cannot keep quiet when people are penalized for something about which they can do nothing. First, gender. When women are excluded, just simply and solely because they are women. But more perniciously, more ghastly, is the fact that people are penalized, killed, all sorts of ghastly things happen to them, simply, solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. I oppose such injustice with the same passion I oppose apartheid. For many LGBTQ people who have suffered discrimination from their faith organizations, Archbishop Tutu’s voice calling for inclusion within the church as well, as decriminalization of same-sex relationships has been tremendously impactful. Keval Harie, Director of the Gala Queer Archive organization remarked, “The Archbishop was truly an ally of the community. And I think it was very important that as a member of the clergy, wearing his religious robe, he could show that there is a place, within the church, for LGBTQI+ people.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a powerful voice in the struggle against oppression and champion for human rights. The mark he left in the world will be carried forward in the people he touched and the lifelong legacy he created.
The Visibility Matters training helps care providers gain the tools needed to create a safe place for LGBTQI+ people to be their authentic selves so that
providers can meet their unique needs. The training provides information about how to be more aware, sensitive, and responsive to LGBTQI+ older people and their families. Visibility Matters is an excellent training for long term care facilities, medical professionals, senior centers, in-home care providers, case managers, or anyone serving older people in Pima County. Visibility Matters offers three tracks: two-hour standard training, a three-hour LGBTQI+ dementia training, or a one- hour overview. All trainings are available virtually and in-person (depending on COVID-19 protocols) and are free of charge. To learn more or schedule a training, contact Sarah Bahnson at sbahnson@pcoa.org To register for a virtual community training visit VisibilityMatters.pcoa.org.
Page 32 | February 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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