On September 11, 2025, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia hosted a webinar presenting findings from a major study exploring the experiences of LGBTI+ older adults in aged care.
The review, conducted by The University of South Australia, drew on 55 studies containing the voices of more than 3000 LGBTI+ people aged 50-94 from 11 countries.
Lead researcher, Sarah McMullen-Roach outlines how discrimination, heterosexism, and fear shape access to and experiences of aged care. Sarah also shares recommendations for building affirming and respectful aged care environments.
Following the presentation, members of LHA’s Silver Pride Advocacy Network, Living Experience Advocacy Panel provided reflections grounded in lived experience. Their insights open space for a broader discussion on what services, systems, and policies must do to ensure dignity, safety, and inclusion for LGBTI+ people in aged care.
Presentation By
Sarah McMullen-Roach (she/her)
Sarah is an occupational therapist with over a decade of experience working in aged care settings. Through these experiences Sarah has witnessed and is sensitive to the challenges experienced by people from diverse backgrounds when navigating the Australian aged care system. As a member of the LGBTI+ community, Sarah also has lived experience of the challenges faced by the LGBTI+ community when accessing healthcare. Currently Sarah is a PhD Candidate exploring the experiences of LGBTI+ older adults as they navigate aged care. She is also working as a lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia
Ross Bell (He/him)
Ross has graduate and postgraduate qualifications that include bioethics, social work and education. Since retiring from working in public hospitals, Ross has worked as a Diversional Therapist in aged care, specialising in supporting consumers with dementia in secure units. Ross is a member of the Silver Pride Advocacy Network.
Gary White (He/him)
Garry is a gay man with a disability. He has worked as an educator, disability consultant for TAFE NSW, small business owner, and manager/CEO of HACC services. Garry is a member of the Silver Pride Advocacy Network and other advisory committees.
WATCH THE WEBINAR
