About
Based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, LGBTI+ Community Ageing Network (LGBTI+ CAN) was established to assist aged care and health service providers understand and meet the needs of members of our LGBTI+ communities as they age. Initially the group was known as Ageing in Diversity Action Group which was established with the support of Commonwealth funding following the Living Longer Living Better legislation in 2013. The Queensland Aids Council (now known as QC – Queensland Council for LGBTI+ Health) organised the original group and they continue to auspice LGBTI+ CAN. The group continues to be comprised of LGBTI+ community members, allies, service providers. No longer reliant on Commonwealth funding, we remain a non for profit associated with QC.
We raise funds through grants, events and donations. We respect everyone’s uniqueness, views and experience and work toward creating environments and opportunities that empower people to live with pride in their lives as valued and equal members of their communities.
LGBTI+ CAN are also part of the Sunshine Coast Pride Network. We collaborate with other groups and associations on the Sunshine Coast to improve the lives of all within our communities. Intergenerational connections are crucial to all our ongoing health and wellbeing.
We strive to:
Educate
Creating awareness of the specific needs of LGBTI+ people as they age or for those moving into a caring role
Facilitate
Engage in community information activities, assist the LGBTI+ communities with access to services and supports, allow for connections to Service Providers who celebrate older LGBTI+ folk
Advocate
Support in the development of policies, procedures and strategies pertinent to LGBTI+ people as they age
Network
Support networking and information exchange between LGBTI+ CAN members
LGBTI+ CAN celebrate those who are living with HIV as they age
We are also aware that the survivors of the HIV epidemic are now entering the ageing community, even though many of those living with HIV have experienced health and social issues long before the general ageing population.
LGBTI+ CAN celebrate those who are living with HIV as they age
We are also aware that the survivors of the HIV epidemic are now entering the ageing community, even though many of those living with HIV have experienced health and social issues long before the general ageing population.
LGBTI+ Acknowledgement
We acknowledge those who have gone before us and have not grown old to experience the gains and opportunities that their activism and suffering have influenced. The needs of our LGBTI+ older communities are unique and we grow in our awareness of them. In particular having safe spaces, respect, inclusiveness and culturally appropriate service.
Indigenous Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the unceded land that we live and meet on, the land of Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara people. We will do our best to respect country, the Elders past and present through how we live, speak and work. The connection to country, waterways, sky, culture & lore has been unbroken for over 60 000 years. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. Despite colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture has survived. May we all tread gently.