In the 2SLGBTQI community, we spend our entire lives coming out, fighting for who we truly are. The nuance of the experience is what shapes us. Now imagine the fear of forgetting the person you’ve worked so hard to become, or being forced to abandon that progress of self-actualization. Help us write a happier ending.
The Canadian healthcare system isn’t equipped for us in the 2SLGBTQI community who get dementia. We might get equal care, but it’s often not up to par or inclusive of our specific needs. There is just so much more to lose than our memories.
The Gallery of Memories: Listen to the Audiobook
Take a journey through the Gallery of Memories by listening to the free audiobook featuring a special foreword and story from queer Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden.
For the 2SLGBTQI community, pivotal stories and memories for individuals and communities exist now only in memory. But living a life impacted by historical discrimination, stigma and violence makes these communities susceptible to chronic minority stress, a health disparity that can result in a higher risk of premature cognitive decline, including dementia.
For the people who fought hard to express their own identities and change the world we live in, this can result in the tragic loss of one person’s identity, and a whole community’s access to its history.
We collected the memories of ten remarkable older adults in Canada to share parts of their identity and history they want to remember, and what they think needs to change to improve cognitive health and healthcare for 2SLGBTQI people.
These are stories of triumph, love, family, sorrow, perseverance, and community in the face of adversity. Together, let’s make sure the world never forgets these stories.
Watch the short film, Help Us Remain
Watch the short film Help Us Remain, a cinematic exploration of Ann, a trans woman who is battling early-onset dementia while trying to hold onto the identity she fought for. As she reflects on her life’s journey, her partner must advocate for the gender-affirming care she can no longer advocate for on her own.
Here’s how you can help us remain. Let’s change the way 2SLGBTQI people with dementia are treated.
Read the research report to find out more about how our community is affected by dementia.
How to be an Ally to 2SLGBTQI People Living with Dementia (PDF)
Acting in Allyship with 2SLGBTQI People Living with Dementia — Guiding Principles for Healthcare And Social Service Professionals (webpage)
Nice to Meet You: What I’d like Healthcare and Social Service Providers to Know About Me (PDF)
Recommendations for Supporting 2SLGBTQI People Living with Dementia and their Carers through Systemic Change (PDF)
2SLGBTQI Identity & Dementia: Introduction eCourses
National Resource Centre on 2SLGBTQI Aging (website)
Acknowledgements
This campaign is financially supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Egale Canada thanks our campaign partners:
Dr. Celeste Pang
Support Our Work
If you support Egale’s mission of a Canada and ultimately a world where everyone is equal not other, support our work by donating today.
egale.ca/donate