Depression and low self-esteem are persistent problems for many GLBTs of all ages.

Dr Kimeron Hardin, a psychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area, has written two books on the subject. In an interview with SAGE, Dr Hardin discussed how these issues can affect senior members of the GLBT community.

Dr. Hardin explained that as we first come to terms with our sexual orientation, the messages (both overt and indirect) that we receive from our schools, families, and peers have a strong influence on how we develop our gay identity. The communities in which senior GLBT members grew up typically offered less tolerance and more fear and repression than we find today. Keeping in mind that the American Psychiatric Association didn’t remove homosexuality from its list of psychiatric disorders until 1973, it is possible that many gays and lesbians of earlier generations grew up truly believing that they were either mentally ill or morally corrupt because of their sexual orientation.

Many social and cultural advances have been made since Stonewall, and more positive images of the GLBT community continue to emerge. But, how relevant are these images to older gays and lesbians, and how strong an impact do they have on senior GLBTs?

Dr. Hardin suggests that the media plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of reality, and so media images have a profound effect on GLBT seniors. We’ve all heard the criticism that too few positive images of long-term GLBT relationships are visible on television or in the movies. Even fewer examples exist of senior members of the GLBT community in our books, TV shows, or films. No major studio executive is, at the moment, clamoring for a lesbian remake of On Golden Pond, for example. So the movie images and the sitcom story lines that lend credence to the lives of young heterosexual couples or singles exist much less frequently for their gay and lesbian peers, not to mention for older GLBTs .

Not unlike the heterosexual images, the most visible faces of the GLBT community often belong to young, attractive, and fit men and women. In a culture that is generally youth- obsessed, fighting off aging can become a common goal. In The Gay and Lesbian Self-Esteem Book, Dr Hardin points out that “Aging for some gay men becomes a source of distress when the group they most closely identify with places a high value on youth and beauty.” When also faced with the physical challenges of aging, including illness and decreased mobility, many GLBT seniors increasingly confront low self-esteem and depression.

The first step in dealing with problems of depression and self-esteem is to reach out. That, however, can be an intimidating proposition. According to Catherine Thurston, clinical director at SAGE, for some people “just calling SAGE is difficult.” Once they take that step, together with SAGE’s experienced staff and SAGE’s community of members and volunteers, they can take advantage of the many activities and services available. With dozens of workshops, rap groups, special events, and classes, senior GLBTs can participate in a growing GLBT aging community that affirms their aging experience.

In addition, those needing services can find them at SAGE. Support and counseling groups address bereavement and caregiving issues. A weekly telephone support group is available for those who might be homebound or otherwise unable to attend group sessions. SAGE’s Friendly Visitor program has provided much welcome companionship for many members of the senior GLBT community. SAGE also offers advocate services for those needing assistance in dealing with medical or therapeutic service providers. Whether it is an attentive ear or a strong voice, SAGE can offer assistance to GLBT seniors.