YORK LGBT FORUM
FREE TO BE ME ONLINE RESOURCES
FREE TO BE ME ONLINE TRAINING
Our Free to be Me in Care LGBT awareness training is designed for all staff and volunteers working with older people in care – to help them to feel comfortable and confident in speaking about LGBT issues at every level in their organisation – front-line staff, managers, administrators, cleaners, catering staff, agency workers…everyone. The group culture has to be trusted for oppressive silence to end.
The York LGBT Forum’s Older LGBT subgroup, working in partnership with the Real People Theatre Company, created and piloted “Free to be Me in Care” in 2015 and began presentations in January 2016 in Yorkshire. Our visits have since spread to the Midlands and have been so much appreciated that we made this video of our work in the summer of 2018 to share freely throughout the UK and beyond.
If you would prefer the live presentation from our 4 volunteer trainers, CLICK HERE. The video segments are a free resource but if you would like to support our work, please make a donation by using the button above.
NB We are using “LGBT” to encompass any and all sexualities and gender identities.
Section 1 (2 min):
CAST INTRODUCTIONS & OVERVIEW
Section 2 (4.45 min):
BEST PRACTICE
Kevin considers a rainbow world, far from black and white stereotypes, where everyone can feel free to be themselves. Invisibility and silence can be depressing and oppressive. Suggestions as to how you and your organisation can foster trust and ensure everyone feels safe in your care.
Section 3 (2.15 min):
NON-BINARY LANGUAGE EXERCISE
Take a minute to describe someone close to you without revealing their gender. Consider the stress involved in keeping this important person in the closet in work, leisure and family situations.
Section 4 (8.40 min):
PAPER BAG PEOPLE
So many of us go around as if we had paper bags over our heads hiding the secrets we fear would meet with social disapproval and prejudice. In this Real People Theatre scene, an older lesbian, played by Ann, tells her story, reflecting the “Lesbian Loneliness“ in the opening poem by Sue.
Section 5 (3.30 min):
HUMAN RIGHTS
Created in the aftermath of the holocaust, human rights are vital to the wellbeing of each and every individual. Take time to consider two case studies: a) a lesbian in a care home is sent to Coventry and tries to commit suicide b) a trans man loses the capacity to communicate and is dressed by staff as a woman.
Section 6 (7.45 min):
BISEXUALITY
A guided tour of the nature of bisexuality, clearing up misunderstandings and laying stress on the fluidity of sexuality – who we are attracted to is not written in stone. Asexuality, androgyny and intersex are discussed. It is important not to make assumptions or to “treat everyone the same” – diversity is normal and to be celebrated.
Section 7 (8.30 min):
TRANS WOMAN’S STORY
Lisa tells the story of how she has transitioned, the obstacles she has had to overcome both mentally and physically, and the powerful inner compulsion that has led her on the journey to find her true self. Her book “Becoming Lisa” is now available.
Section 8 (7.40 min):
OPENING DOORS CAMDEN
Started by Age UK Camden many years ago, this social hub for the LGBT community in Camden is a shining example of how to beat loneliness among elderly LGBT people. Stories of past atrocities survived, leading to a place of safety and companionship, is very moving.
Section 9 (4.45 min):
HOW WILL YOU PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE?
Advice, suggestions, warnings and fresh ideas to inspire your next steps. Diversity is normal, avoid binary thinking and celebrate a rainbow world!