LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) is setting up the Silver Pride Advocacy Network (the Network). This national network aims to amplify the voices of LGBTI older people, in discussions about ageing and the aged care system in Australia. LHA aims to help LGBTI older people influence policies, programs and decision-making.
The Network includes LGBTI older people, including those from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. LHA aims to support participation by older people who might not otherwise be heard. This includes LGBTI older people receiving care, sick or living with medical conditions, and from regional and rural Australia.
The objectives of the project are:
- to establish a national network which represents the full range of diverse views and experiences of older LGBTI people. This includes a large group of contacts who are loosely engaged, a smaller group who are actively engaged and a core leadership group at the centre
- to provide a mechanism for advice, feedback, advocacy and guidance in response to national issues impacting older LGBTI people
- to provide a mechanism for advice, feedback and guidance in response to internal LHA projects and programs
- to build the capacity for LGBTI older people to influence policy, programs and decision making which impacts their lives.
The Network is comprised of three parts:
- the Silver Pride Advocacy Network Advisory Committee.
- a Living Experience Advocacy Panel (LEAP).
- a newsletter aimed at LGBTI older people (and their allies).
Committee
The Silver Pride Advocacy Network Advisory Committee members provide advice about the ways to design and operate the Network.
Members are:
Trish Bock Community Member |
Julia Geljon Community Member |
Chris Howard Queensland Council for LGBTI Health |
Chris Hunt Community Member |
Kedy Kristal GRAI – GLBTI Rights in Ageing |
Aleyshia Manakahae Community member |
Andrew Rogers Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care |
Ricki Spencer Community Member |
Blake Utomo Your Side Australia |
Garry White Community member |
Newsletter
The Silver Pride Advocacy Network e-newsletter is aimed at LGBTI older people (and their allies). Each newsletter edition includes an invitation to contribute ideas about LGBTI ageing and aged care. It also features initiatives that enhance the lives of LGBTI older people.
View Edition 1: November 2024 (PDF)
View Edition 2: December 2024 (PDF)
Living Experience Advocacy Panel
As part of the project, LHA has established a Living Experience Advocacy Panel (LEAP) which is currently comprised of five members. LEAP members provide advice, feedback, advocacy and guidance in response to national issues impacting older LGBTI people, particularly about aged care.
LEAP members participate in external consultations about ageing and aged care to inform policy and program development. They also provide advice to LHA on its own projects aimed at LGBTI older people. LEAP members may:
- participate in consultations and focus groups
- provide feedback on services and resources
- participate in advisory groups and committees
- share their story in publications and videos
- write articles for newsletters and other publications.
You can express interest in joining the LEAP until Tuesday 25 February. More info here.