Sue and Berry(April 2012)

The podcast titled "Sue and Berry - Older Lesbians," recorded in Paekākāriki, Kapiti Coast District, provides personal insights into the experiences and contemplations of an older lesbian couple, Sue and Berry, navigating their life in the 2010s. Berry, at 74, and Sue at 65, discuss the shift in perception of what it means to be "older" compared to previous generations and share details of their life, which includes part-time work for Sue, their hobbies like singing and cycling, and the importance of preparing for the future.

A significant portion of their conversation touches upon their past challenges, particularly around the impacts and hardships they faced coming out as lesbians during their contemporary cultural context. They reflect on past dynamics with their children, especially Sue's decision not to pursue a fair marriage settlement to avoid alienating their children while coming out. This choice had long-lasting financial repercussions for Sue, affecting their current lifestyle.

Both Sue and Berry elaborate on the transformation of their family relations over time, describing how their children and grandchildren now warmly embrace them as a couple, marking a significant progress from earlier times of secrecy and discrimination. This growth mirrors broader societal changes and the gradual acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, although they note that invisibility and the need for caution still exist in certain situations and environments.

Additionally, the couple speaks about facing heteronormative assumptions and the importance of having a supportive lesbian community, which has become increasingly vital as they age. They express concerns over potential future scenarios, such as living in a heteronormative retirement environment, and the desire to maintain independence and live in their home for as long as possible.

The couple delves into the topic of legacy and the importance of being remembered as a partnership, both in life and after death. They share their intent to make provisions ensuring they are commemorated together and discuss the significance of their relationship to themselves, their friends, and their families.

Other practical considerations the couple discusses include financial planning, health issues, and living wills to ensure their partnership is respected and prioritized in medical and legal situations. They have already taken steps like installing a lift in their home for future mobility needs and express the desire to spend their savings on maintaining their desired quality of life rather than leaving an inheritance.

The conversation concludes with Prue Hyman thanking Sue and Berry for their candidness and contribution to the historical understanding of elder lesbian experiences.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

2010s, elder issues, elders, family, feminism, friends, health, kapiti coast district, legacy, lesbian, marriage, older age, older lesbians, prue hyman, relationships, religion, rural, social, spirituality

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