A new research project is under way, designed to look at gay and lesbian people over 60 throughout Australia who receive care or emotional support in relation to a health need or disability. The project, Diversity and Older People’s Care Networks is new Australian study project sponsored by the University of Queensland and led by Mark Hughes and Sue Kentlyn of the School of Social Work and Human Services.

It will be looking at the diversity of the care networks of lesbian and gay people aged 60 and over, and how care providers respond to these persons’ sexual identity. The research involves interviews with the older lesbian or gay person, as well as their paid and unpaid carers.