My co-producer (and work spouse) Ephi Stempler and I are creating a documentary-style cultural competency course for staff at residential care facilities The goal is to increase awareness and sensitivity to the LGBT elder community and make RCFE's more welcoming to all.

LGBT elders today grew up in a time where being open could cost them their families, their careers and their safety. As a result, many now suffer chronic post-traumatic stress disorder and significantly higher rates of isolation, poverty, and poor mental and physical health than do their non-LGBT counterparts. The fortunate ones get the respect, care, and love they need from friends and family. But those who are less fortunate often end up alone or in residence care facilities that aren't aware or even accepting of their LGBT populations. As a result many LGBT elders find themselves isolated, depressed, discriminated against, some even going back in "the closet" to feel safe. "Safe and Visible: Creating a Healthcare Practice Welcoming to LBGT Seniors” will be free and accessible (online) in 2017 and will ensure that all LGBT elders in care facilities finally get the respect and dignity they deserve.

We are finishing up our interviews now, will film reenactments in a few weeks, and then move on to the editing!

These are some of the wonderful people we've interviewed. Clockwise from top left: Ellen, Jim, John, Zoe, George, Audrey and Betty, Kim, Beckie, Gordon, and Michael

Filming Ephi doing the narration at Carter Dow Photography in SF