iStockThe voices of older LGBTQ+ people in Scotland are to be heard as part of a new network.
It will seek to provide a “diverse space” for those over the age of 50 to raise inequality issues and to help them bring about change.
Age Scotland officially launched the network in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
The charity hopes that it will be a place where those attending do not have to put up barriers or worry about facing discrimination.
The launch was attended by Scotland’s minister for equalities and older people Christina McKelvie.
“It is important to ensure people of all ages within the LGBTQ+ community have a voice,” she said.
“This new network offers a platform for LGBTQ+ people to share their wealth of experience and to help improve equality across age groups.
“The Scottish Government has already engaged with the network on key legislation which affects older LGBTQ+ people in Scotland and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them in the future.”
Susanne Flynn, Age Scotland’s diversity and inclusion officer, explained that its members come from a diverse range of backgrounds from across the country.
“The network is an important platform for LGBTQ+ older people to raise inequality issues and for their voice to be heard so that they can be pioneers to bring about the change which meets their needs and upholds their rights,” she said.
“Our regular group meetings have been a place where members have shared their lived experiences as people of LGBTQ+ community.
“It is a place where they don’t have to put up barriers or worry about discrimination and can just be themselves.
“Our members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, have different life experiences and are from all over Scotland.
“The variety of experiences within the group show that LGBTQ+ people are not a homogenous grouping.”
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