Advocates, researchers, and seniors gathered in Montreal on Tuesday to discuss how to make the future brighter, safer and more inclusive for 2SLGBTQ+ older adults. The event, organized by Fondation Émergence, highlighted both progress and gaps in supporting a population that is often overlooked. Among the unique challenges sexually and gender diverse seniors still face, the event shined a light on research and testimonies about discrimination, social isolation, and whether this population can safely express their identities in long-term care settings. Safe spaces for marginalized seniors Lou Lamontagne, co-founder of La Maison des Rebelles — a housing project for lesbian seniors in Montreal — emphasized the importance of supportive living arrangements. “They’re important to all populations, not exclusively women, but statistically women are economically poorer still in today’s society,” Lamontagne said. “And these living arrangements are even more needed for lesbians because as a marginalized group, it’s important for us to have a safe and supportive space.” Hidden identities and social isolation Among the research presented Tuesday were the results of a 2025 survey by analytics company Leger, which found that one in four 2SLGBTQ+ seniors in Quebec residences reported hiding their sexual or gender identity from staff or other residents. Social isolation is another challenge underscored, with more than half of 2SLGBTQ+ adults aged 65 and older living alone — compared with 30 per cent of other seniors. Julien Rougerie, who leads training programs with Fondation Émergence, said that 2SLGBTQ+ seniors face multiple health and social challenges. “They tend to be more isolated than the general senior population,” Rougerie said. “They also tend to have poorer physical and mental health. They are more reluctant to use social and health services because they’re not sure if they will be able to be themselves.” On the socioeconomic front, he said gender and sexually diverse seniors also tend to have less money and be overall more vulnerable. Rougerie added that trans and non-binary seniors face additional, specific barriers. “It’s only very recent that trans people have rights in Quebec and Canada. There are more prejudices on trans and non-binary people, so there’s more work to do.” Training in senior homes When it comes to possible solutions, advocates pointed to education. According to the Leger survey, only 32 per cent of employees in long-term care facilities reported having received training on sexual and gender diversity inclusion. This is one of the services offered by Fondation Émergence, which trains close to 2,600 staff in private and public facilities across Quebec annually. Rougerie said even small actions — like carefully choosing words when asking residents about their partners — can signal safety and inclusion. “We often hear that there just aren’t LGBTQ+ residents but that’s impossible — we know they represent about 10 per cent of the population,” he pointed out. “If they [these residents] don’t express themselves, it’s because they don’t feel safe in their living environment.” Advocates call for broader change Along with simple, everyday actions in care homes, some advocates say systemic changes are needed. Béthanie Cloutier with Fondation Émergence believes training should be standard in all care settings. “After all, the employees are the ones who stay there for a long time,” she said. “They are the ones who are most important in creating a way of life that is inclusive for everyone.” For former long-term care worker Grace Rostig, good intentions aren’t always enough. She wants to see officials, including at the provincial level, to do more. “With budget cuts in recent years, there’s less and less emphasis on abuses like discrimination based on gender or sexuality,” Rostig said. Eric Berthelet, co-founder of Living With Pride, an organization dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive community for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors in Vancouver, believes the issue extends beyond Quebec and needs solutions that reflect this. “This is a national problem, maybe even an international problem,” Berthelet said. “What I would like to see is more collaboration between Canadian provinces so that we can have a true, united national voice.” Advocates hope Quebec will make staff training mandatory in care homes; Rougerie said this is a goal the foundation has long pushed for. In a statement to CTV News, Quebec’s health ministry said it considers it “very important” that long-term care staff be trained to adopt inclusive practices for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors. Marie-Christine Patry, spokesperson for the ministry, said the department has developed guidelines aimed at respecting and supporting sexual and gender diversity in long-term care homes, which emphasize staff training and inclusive environments. She added that the work is ongoing to ensure care settings properly recognize, support and respect this community. As for Lamontagne, she said the solution starts with community. “There are ways, and if people get together, they will have a better life, and certainly a better life as elderly folks,” she said.
