In this podcast Ruth Busch and Jan Wilson from New Zealand talk about attending the human rights conference.
Summary
The podcast, featuring an engaging discussion with Jan Wilson and Ruth Busch, captures their valuable perspectives on attending a human rights conference. It was recorded in Wellington, New Zealand, on March 16, 2011, at a duration of 19 minutes, documenting the struggle of lesbian elders and the LGBTI community for recognition and rights in the context of ageing and health care.
Wilson and Busch, representing the Lesbian Elders Village group in Auckland, conducted a workshop addressing critical issues such as the invisibility of queer populations, the lack of specialized services, and safety concerns in traditional retirement homes. They emphasize the challenges same-sex couples face in obtaining accommodation like a double bed in aged care facilities, which is symbolic of broader societal discrimination. Despite advances in LGBTI rights, they express a firm stance against being forced back into the closet in old age and highlight the government's neglect in addressing ageing LGBTI community needs in its reports.
The recording dwells upon the poignant personal experiences individuals have had when their partners entered aged care facilities, often being dismissed as insignificant by staff and excluded from end-of-life matters by homophobic family members. Wilson and Busch articulate the fear and reality of ageing solitarily in a heteronormative society and underscore the importance of solidarity within the community to combat isolation and discrimination.
They critically analyze the inadequacies of the present legal frameworks, noting the discrimination embedded in the Civil Unions Act and the conflation of same-sex marriages from abroad to civil unions within New Zealand. They advocate for full equality, pointing out the inconsistencies in how various international marital statuses are recognized and the need for legislation that aligns with human rights principles, including the right to affordable housing and quality health care.
The interview dives into deeper societal issues, scrutinizing ageism within the LGBTI community itself. Youth is often glorified, marginalizing older members and contributing to economic disparities that affect the potential to plan for retirement. They also raise concerns about the unrealistic expectations around ageing, which discourages honest discussions about the needs and rights of older LGBTI individuals.
Positively, Wilson and Busch share information about the Lesbian Elders Village collective, a group dedicated to forming a supportive community for older lesbians in Auckland. The collective actively engages in planning and advocating for a sustainable community living model for its members. The engagement at the human rights conference is seen as a critical step in driving the conversation forward and raising awareness about the unmet needs of older lesbians.
The podcast ends with a powerful forward-looking message, asking listeners to contribute to creating a world in which old age is celebrated within safe, accepting communities. Wilson and Busch call for accountability and action to ensure that the same struggles they fought decades prior do not persist for future generations.
In summary, the recording is a crucial snapshot of the ongoing dialogue surrounding the rights and visibility of the ageing LGBTI population in New Zealand, encapsulating poignant personal narratives, the battle for equal rights, and the quest for dignity in old age. It candidly captures their desire for greater societal and governmental recognition and the formation of inclusive and respectful spaces for living out their golden years.
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