Part Two: Is Our Society Prepared to Care for Our Aging Transgender Family?

The response to the first part of this article, "Who’s Caring for Our Aging Transgender Family?" was overwhelming, highlighting a significant interest and need for awareness regarding our transgender aging population. The outpouring of comments and insights from the community made it clear that this is a topic of vital importance, one that requires deeper exploration and urgent action.

The Critical Question: Is Our Society Prepared?

As we continue this conversation, the question we must ask ourselves is: Is our society prepared to care for our elder transgender family members? In the United States, where the landscape of elder care is already complex and challenging, the unique needs of transgender seniors add another layer of urgency. Specifically, are institutions like the Social Security Administration (SSA) and senior care facilities equipped to handle the complexities that come with gender identity and transition history?

Social Security Administration: A System in Need of Reform

The Social Security Administration (SSA) plays a crucial role in the lives of seniors, providing benefits that are often a lifeline. However, for transgender seniors, navigating this system can be fraught with challenges. Issues such as name and gender marker changes on official documents can create significant barriers, leading to delays in receiving benefits or even outright denials. This not only impacts the financial stability of transgender seniors but also their dignity and sense of self.

Moreover, the lack of standardized processes across states for updating gender markers and names on official documents further complicates matters. Transgender seniors may find themselves having to repeatedly explain their identity, reliving past traumas, or dealing with bureaucratic red tape that exacerbates stress and anxiety.

Senior Care Facilities: A Call for Inclusivity and Training

Senior care facilities, including assisted living and nursing homes, are another area where our society's preparedness comes into question. Many of these facilities are not equipped with the training or policies needed to provide affirming care to transgender residents. This can result in transgender seniors facing discrimination, isolation, and even hostility in what should be a safe and supportive environment.

The lack of cultural competency training for staff means that transgender seniors may be misgendered, their gender identities invalidated, or their privacy violated. Such experiences can lead to significant mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which are already prevalent among the aging population.

The Impact of Political and Legal Changes

The political and legal landscape is another critical factor in determining whether our society is prepared to care for elder transgender individuals. A change in administration or a shift in the makeup of the Supreme Court could result in the rollback of protections for transgender people, including access to gender-affirming healthcare. Such changes could leave transgender seniors without the medical support they need, compounding the challenges they already face in navigating an often-unfriendly healthcare system.

Moving Forward: What Needs to Be Done?

To ensure that our society is prepared to care for our elder transgender family members, several key actions are needed:

1. Policy Reform: The Social Security Administration and other government agencies must streamline processes for updating gender markers and names, ensuring that transgender seniors can access their benefits without unnecessary delays or discrimination.
2. Cultural Competency Training: Senior care facilities must implement comprehensive cultural competency training for all staff members, focusing on the unique needs of transgender residents. This training should be mandatory and regularly updated to reflect the latest best practices in transgender care.
3. Advocacy and Legislation: Advocacy groups must continue to push for legislation that protects the rights of transgender seniors, including access to gender-affirming healthcare and protections against discrimination in all aspects of life.
4. Community Support: Creating supportive networks and communities for transgender seniors is essential. This includes providing resources for legal assistance, mental health support, and social connections to combat the isolation that many transgender seniors experience.

As we reflect on the overwhelming response to the initial article, it is clear that there is a deep concern and a strong need for action in supporting our elder transgender family members. The question of whether our society is prepared to meet these needs is not just theoretical—it is a pressing, real-world issue that demands immediate attention.

Our elder transgender siblings have spent their lives fighting for the rights and recognition that many of us now take for granted. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are not forgotten or neglected in their later years. By addressing the systemic issues within our social security, healthcare, and elder care systems, we can create a society that truly honors and cares for all its members, regardless of gender identity.

Dr. Elijah Nicholas, DBA, MBA, MAET, MSOL President & CEO, The Global Trans Equity Project (GTEP)