LGBT Caregivers

Hi everyone. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jane, and I am a Volunteer Mentor here on Mayo Clinic Connect. I started a discussion awhile back on Autistic Adults. I am an advocate for Autism Acceptance. I am barely in the "getting my feet wet" stages of advocacy. The more I know, the more I know that I don't know. Good thing I am an avid supporter of the "Lifelong Learner"" theory.

I hope to learn a lot from participating in the various discussion groups we have here at Mayo Clinic Connect. I have a little bit of experience in caregiving. But I can always learn more! My Mother lived with us before she got so sick that she had to go to a Nursing Home. She passed away in 1999, during the whirlwind of activity prior to "Y2K." Hard to believe that was twenty years ago.

I have family and friends in the LGBTQIA Community. My Mother was a member of that group. My life has led me to become a member of the Free Mom Hugs organization, as well as PFLAG. Although I have yet to attend my first Pride Parade, I have given out Free Mom Hugs and I advocate within my church and social media for understanding and acceptance.

It is extremely important to me to learn all I can every day, to help others as I am able to do so. We truly are all connected here on this earth, and as such, need to support and encourage one another. Thank you for starting this discussion and being here for all of us.

Mamacita Jane

I am new to Mayo Connect and was just browsing when I found this topic from a couple years ago. Now I can't help adding my 2 bits worth. I am a married lesbian and have found NO disrespect in the healthcare system I use! But I wish people would NOT refer to my spouse as a "wife"! I was a "wife" in a bad heterosexual marriage, so the term leaves a bad taste in my mouth. PLease, everyone use "spouse" or "partner". Thanks!

@deek15redpeppers I applaud you for being forthcoming in how you want your marriage addressed. Everyone deserves that same respect, no matter their status, or relationship. In my previous career, I often was in contact with the LGBTQIA community, and one of the first questions I asked was, "How would you prefer to be addressed?" and make notes to the effect on the file so I hoped everyone else would follow the desire of the person. For me, it is a basic respect.
Ginger

Good for you for speaking out. I certainly appreciate you voicing your opinion. It's always helpful for these corrections. I certainly have respect for people who are able to do that. Thank you.