Lambda, LGTB+ collective for sexual diversity, generally family members, prepares a special day with the title “Being older and LGTBI+” for the day 1 October, that in 1990 It was established by the UN as International Day of Older Persons. In her, The Valencian LGTBI+ group seeks to pay tribute to older people and highlight the need to guarantee their rights in a more inclusive society.
The objective of this activity is to increase awareness about the realities of LGTBI+ people in old age.. Many of these people spent part of their lives in the shadows., They fought for the recognition of their orientations and identities until they achieved rights for all and now they once again suffer discrimination and fear. "It is unacceptable that, after a life of struggle, let us have this fear of suffering rejection again at a time when people should be treated with dignity. That's why, "Inclusive policies need to ensure safe and respectful environments", explains Gonzalo Carbonell, Head of Lambda's Older People group.
One of the focuses of the day will be the situation of vulnerability of older LGTBI+ people, he 40% of which he lives alone, and the 60% is afraid of being discriminated against in residences because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to FELGTBI+ studies. After decades of repression and invisibility, These people still face great challenges, such as loneliness and the fear of hiding who they are again to avoid conflicts in spaces that should be for care and company..
Four people who are already elderly or who are looking to their future old age will reflect in a joint conversation about the realities that await them and what it means to age with dignity being LGTBI+:
- Carla Represa, older trans activist 70 years
- Isabel Descals, older lesbian activist 45 years
- Alec Casanova, older trans activist 45 years
- Voro Lopez, older gay activist 70 years
Besides, During the day there will be a screening of the short film "After Christ" (2024), directed by Irwin Lacröà, who has participated in the official section of the K-lidoscopi festival, qualifier for the Goya Awards. Tells the story of Gonzalo Carbonell, former Catholic priest and co-founder of Lambda, who, con 73 years, reflects on his life as a gay man, faced with isolation and tensions between religious faith and identity.
