CHECK #3 Bayern

Community
advance directives and more – so for us it is
really social work. On the other hand, we provide
psychosocial advice, for example when it
comes to loneliness, bereavement support or
the problems of coming out late.
What challenges does age pose for
trans* men?
Anyone who has long been through the
transition and has been living un-outed as
a man for decades is stable and is more
likely to come because of financial or health
issues. However, for those who transition
late, old age is a twofold challenge. On the
one hand medically: while mastectomy or
hormone treatment generally still works well,
a penoid build-up from old skin is often no
longer feasible. On the other hand, socially:
friends, work colleagues and family have to
accept the new life. If that goes wrong, the
queer community offers a good chance of
finding a new social network. But let's not kid
ourselves: in this scene, too, a trans* man can
experience difficulties.
The gay community in particular is considered
heaven for young men – does that make it hell
for older people?
Youth is a cliché of the 80s. The much-cited
"youth craze" has always existed, in the whole
of society. But it is over. There are no majorities
for this thinking anymore. Today, as an older
person, you are in good hands and have arrived
in the community. Demographic change
is changing society – and the community.
consulting services were in great demand,
which has decreased again in the last few
months. But the crisis also brought something
positive: many people accepted the virtual
challenges and explored new contact options.
For example, our digital trans* inter* regulars'
table for those 50+ became a recipe for success
in Corona times!
What do you wish for your clients?
Even if we believe that age discrimination is
decreasing, acceptance for older people must
continue to grow. For example, nobody should
be afraid of living in an old people's or nursing
home, nor of being marginalized or discriminated
against because of their sexuality.
But we would also like more initiative from
the elderly themselves. The concept of a gay
shared apartment for the elderly, for example,
is demanded by many, but hardly implemented
by any, let alone financed. There are plenty of
well-off gays who could make a lot possible
here. Our appeal: do not withdraw – especially
not to your own ego!
www.rosa-alter.de
Interview & Foto: Bernd Müller
"Even if we believe that age
discrimination is decreasing,
acceptance for older people
must continue to grow."
What has Corona done to seniors?
The loneliness has generally increased. Even
those who were very active experienced
Corona as a major turning point. During the
lockdown, the closing of the scene was a big
problem. That was also the time when our
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