Each dementia journey is unique in its own way, but lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and people with additional sexual and gender identities (LGBTQ+) caregivers may face their own set of distinctive issues.
Did you know that approximately 8% of the over 50 million caregivers in the U.S. who support individuals with special needs, whether adults or children, identify as LGBTQ+? Among those they care for, some may also belong to the LGBTQ+ community, too. Statistics suggest that around 350,000 LGBTQ+ Americans are affected by dementia, and they are 29% more likely to experience memory loss and confusion compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.
And, according to an AARP report, LGBTQ+ individuals also have a long-standing tradition of providing care for both biological and chosen family members. Compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers, LGBTQ+ individuals are 1.2 times more likely to serve as primary caregivers and 3.5 times more inclined to offer assistance to friends and chosen family.
Please join us for this important and informative virtual event! During our panel, we’ll talk about family of origin vs. family of choice, stigma and discrimination, legal issues, and location, because where you live will dictate what kind of experience you’re going to have. We hope you will find insight, advice and community from this discussion!
Laura Davis is the author of seven nonfiction books, including The Burning Light of Two Stars, which tells the story of her caregiving journey with her mother. Her groundbreaking books have been translated into eleven languages and sold more than 1.8 million copies. In addition to writing books that inspire and change people’s lives, the work of Laura’s heart is to teach. For more than twenty years, at locations around the world, she’s helped her students find their voices, tell their stories, and hone their craft as writers. Learn more about Laura here.
Christopher MacLellan is the creative genius behind The Whole Care Network, a multimedia platform that provides a variety of resources for caregivers: podcasts, WCN University, and WCN streaming radio. The story of Chris and his partner, Richard Schiffer, was chronicled in a 2015 Pulitzer Prize nominated story “In Sickness and In Health: A Couple’s Final Journey” about their journey of caregiving. The story told of the challenges that LGBTQ+ partners have in dealing with the medical and legal system, but also told of the love and joy they experienced in Richard’s last years. Out of this experience, Chris has written a powerful and compelling book, What’s the Deal with Caregiving?, that informs caregivers about how to deal with the challenges they will encounter, regardless of sexual orientation, family situation, or age. Learn more about Christopher here.
Vincent Zappacosta is the author of Dementia-Mama-Drama, his memoir of caring for his mother using humor to get through their days. He’s a strong advocate for dementia and Alzheimer’s, spreading his positive message through international podcasts, interviews, and social media, and his writings have been published by several leading Alzheimer’s organizations. He and his husband Douglass Christensen continue work on “Some of These Daze,” a script based on their experiences as caregivers. Learn more about Vincent here.
Marianne Sciucco is an author, registered nurse, and dementia daughter. She’s a founder and manager at AlzAuthors.com and the author of Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story. She’s also a podcast host at Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia, an AlzAuthors Podcast. Learn more about Marianne here.
Christy Byrne Yates is the author of Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation, written from her experience caring for two parents at the same time while raising children. She is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), an author, speaker, and coach. As a licensed mental health professional, Christy offers insight into how the challenges of caregiving while raising children not only impacts the caregiver but also the children in the home. She offers evidence-based, real-life, and realistic strategies that can be adapted to fit most families’ needs. She’s also a podcast host at Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia, an AlzAuthors Podcast. Learn more about Christy here.