By Daithi Clayton, Aalter, Belgium
In today’s complex societal landscape, the intersections of identity and health vulnerabilities magnify the risks faced by marginalised communities. Among them, the LGBTQI+ individuals with dementia stand at a precarious crossroad, threatened by the resurgence of extreme right-wing ideologies. This essay delves into the multifaceted
dangers posed by these ideologies, spotlighting the unique vulnerabilities of LGBTQI+ individuals grappling with dementia.
The Threat of Marginalisation:
Extreme right-wing ideologies thrive on exclusionary rhetoric, perpetuating narratives that undermine the humanity and rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. As dementia progresses, individuals become increasingly susceptible to societal attitudes and systemic biases. The convergence of dementia and discrimination amplifies the risk of marginalisation, eroding the support networks vital for LGBTQI+ individuals.
Erosion of Healthcare Rights:
Access to inclusive healthcare services is fundamental for LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly those facing cognitive decline. Extreme right-wing policies often seek to dismantle healthcare provisions and roll back protections for marginalised groups. In the context of dementia, this translates to barriers in accessing affirming care and a heightened vulnerability to neglect and mistreatment.
Loss of Autonomy and Identity:
Dementia fractures the fabric of identity, challenging individuals’ autonomy and sense of self. For LGBTQI+ individuals, whose identities may already be contested within societal norms, the loss of agency exacerbates feelings of alienation and invalidation. Extreme right-wing ideologies compound this loss by perpetuating heteronormative frameworks that dismiss the lived experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals with dementia.
Exposure to Conversion Therapy:
The resurgence of extreme right-wing ideologies emboldens proponents of conversion therapy, a harmful practice aimed at erasing LGBTQI+ identities. Individuals with dementia are often rendered more susceptible to coercion and manipulation, making them prime targets for such unethical interventions. The collusion of dementia and
extremist agendas jeopardizes the mental and emotional well-being of LGBTQI+ individuals, subjecting them to traumatic experiences and erasing their authentic selves.
Threats of Institutionalisation:
In the absence of robust legal protections and support structures, LGBTQI+ individuals with dementia face the looming specter of institutionalisation. Facilities may lack cultural competency and fail to provide affirming environments, subjecting residents to discrimination and abuse. Extreme right-wing ideologies perpetuate stigmatisation, further isolating LGBTQI+ individuals within institutional settings and compromising their
dignity and rights.
The perilous convergence of extreme right-wing ideologies and dementia poses a grave threat to the well-being and rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. As advocates and allies, it is imperative to challenge discriminatory narratives, fortify support systems, and advocate for policies that uphold the dignity and humanity of all individuals, regardless of identity or cognitive status. Only through collective action can we dismantle the barriers that perpetuate marginalisation and safeguard the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals with dementia.
References:
1. Herek, G. M. (2009). Hate Crimes and Stigma-Related Experiences Among Sexual Minority Adults in the United States: Prevalence Estimates from a National Probability Sample. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24(1), 54–74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260508316477
2. Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I., Kim, H.-J., Bryan, A. E. B., Shiu, C., & Emlet, C. A. (2017). The Cascading Effects of Marginalization and Pathways of Resilience in Attaining Good Health Among LGBT Older Adults. The Gerontologist, 57(suppl_1), S72–S83. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw162
3. Stein, G. L., Beckerman, N. L., & Sherman, P. A. (2010). Lesbian and Gay Elders and Long-Term Care: Identifying the Unique Psychosocial Perspectives and Challenges. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 53(5), 421–435. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2010.484645
4. Wallace, S. P., Cochran, S. D., Durazo, E. M., & Ford, C. L. (2011). The Health of Aging Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Adults in California. Policy Brief UCLA Cent Health Policy Res PB2011–3, 1–8. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9h05d7bh
5. Alzheimer’s Association. (2020). Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
6. Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.). Conversion Therapy. https://www.hrc.org/resources/conversion-therapy-the-dangerous-practice-of-trying-to-change-someones-sexuality
