A Safe Place to Be Yourself

At PCOA, we believe every older adult deserves to feel safe and valued. For LGBTQI+ older adults, this can be especially Challenging. Thanks to your generosity, our Visibility Matters training equips care providers with the tools to create welcoming spaces to listen without judgment.

When John, an intake specialist, met a client who hinted at being part of the LGBTQI+ community, he sensed hesitation. Using insights from Visibility Matters, John knew the importance of taking the time to build trust. Through patience, charm, humor, and deep empathy, John built a relationship that allowed the client to eventually share his full identity as a gay man.

By fostering that trust, John learned more about the client’s needs and was able to offer the right resources to support him. The tools from Visibility Matters helped John turn compassion into action, ensuring LGBTQI+ older adults receive the understanding and care they deserve.