Aging Issues Can Be Tougher On L G B T

[Guest Donna Jean]

This CNN article talks about LGBT aging issues and a lot of it I've really never given a thought to.

Maybe it's time to address some of these things in our own lives...

If we can't change them, at least be aware how unfair much of it is to us....(we're the "T" in LGBT)

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/0...dex.html?hpt=T2

Makes me sad...but it's a harsh reality....

Donna Jean

[Guest Ryles_D]

It makes sense... Not as in "it's right" so much as "Considering how things are, it makes sense- I just never thought about it". It's still sad to see.

In the UK there was an even worse problem- a woman ended up in a hospital and, even though she legally set it up so her chosen family would care for her, instead they ignored her wishes and gave full control of her care and finances to her estranged family, and didn't even tell her real family what had happened. I don't know how much of that is because she was a lesbian, but that could happen to anyone who doesn't get along with their family.

[Guest Kaitlyn88]

If I got married to a girl before I changed my birth certificate, would we have the same rights as a straight couple? What about after I got it changed? What if I had it changed before I got married and had a legal gay marriage? I've never really thought about it before.

[Guest Melanieshaman]

If I got married to a girl before I changed my birth certificate, would we have the same rights as a straight couple? What about after I got it changed? What if I had it changed before I got married and had a legal gay marriage? I've never really thought about it before.

That's only a part of the big question. As i AM married (have been for 8 years), and when i change all that info, etc etc... is our marriage still valid? let alone, if, god forbid, my wife passed away would i still have access to her life insurance, etc etc. I would hope before most of us would have to deal with this Gay marriage will be legal in most (if not all) states. Yes, i am a dreamer.... but one CAN dream, right?

Melanie

[Guest BeckyTG]

If I got married to a girl before I changed my birth certificate, would we have the same rights as a straight couple? What about after I got it changed? What if I had it changed before I got married and had a legal gay marriage? I've never really thought about it before.

At my last support meeting, one of the post-op women told another "don't change your birth certificate" because that will invalidate a marriage.

You can change your driver's license and about everything else, but the birth certificate changes everything, unless the state you live in recognizes same-sex marriages.

Becky

[Guest Elizabeth K]

In Louisiana - once you are married, your marriage is valid forever - unless you divorce. Changing you gender markers has no effect.

I posted a reply to the CNN thing - But it hasn't been approved. It was pretty tame...

Donno

Lizzy

[Guest Donna Jean]

That's only a part of the big question. As i AM married (have been for 8 years), and when i change all that info, etc etc... is our marriage still valid? let alone, if, god forbid, my wife passed away would i still have access to her life insurance, etc etc. I would hope before most of us would have to deal with this Gay marriage will be legal in most (if not all) states. Yes, i am a dreamer.... but one CAN dream, right?

Melanie

Lets put it this way...OK?

In some countries when a natal male and female are married..

The male undergoes transition and when legally a woman, their marriage becomes null and void! Period!

In this country when the very same happens, the marriage continues.

Even if the MTF has all their markers and birth certificate changed.

The marriage is considered as the genders on the marriage cert. at the beginning!

It has never been contested in this country.

But, In this country, if an MTF that is legally female, they cannot marry a natal woman unless it's in a recognized legal gay marriage...

What a bunch of baloney!

Two people love, regardless of sex, gender or height!

That's all that counts!

Donna Jean

[Guest Maelee]

Two people love, regardless of sex, gender or height!

That's all that counts!

Donna Jean

So so true! Why is it that a legal issue is based on what was originally religious values? It is baffling to me why in supposedly secular countries so many of the laws are still based in religion. Hopefully it will not be the case some day. Would be nice to be able to marry whom ever you wanted to....

What would happen if aliens showed up some day? Guess they would become the next big target for discrimination. Can see it now, protesters with signs saying "Marriage is between 2 humans!!"

Love and *hugs*

Mae

[Guest Valerie_LeeAnn]

It's sad but this whole marriage issue is a bit confusing to me. I live in Texas, but was born in Alabama. . . not too familar with Alabama's laws on the Birth Certificate.

*Shudders* I try my hardest to avoid having to go back to that state; let alone the small town I was born in.

[Guest ricka]

A good article. And yes there are a myriad of issues due to marriage inequalty but I find the most compelling issue is isolation of aging GLBTQ people. Many of us are single, have no children and experience varying degrees of isolation and/or estrangement from our families. Not surprising that it can be a lonely life for many of us, and loneliness can lead to other problems including depression, alcohol and drug dependency and physical health problems. You know the sad thing is that it does not appear that GLBTQ organizations are addressing this, at least to my knowledge. What we need is a GLBTQAARP!!! Hmmm!! Any ideas?

Ricka

[Guest Michele H]

This CNN article talks about LGBT aging issues and a lot of it I've really never given a thought to.

Maybe it's time to address some of these things in our own lives...

If we can't change them, at least be aware how unfair much of it is to us....(we're the "T" in LGBT)

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/0...dex.html?hpt=T2

Makes me sad...but it's a harsh reality....

Donna Jean

The issues go far beyond those issues discussed here - these are the ones getting the press, THANKFULLY, If you are around our age best have an alternative plan for when you have to go into a nursing home. I will try to remember to find the link to a rather comprehensive report that was done on the issues facing aging transgender people - especially people of color and post it.