In a recent interview on The View From Here podcast, Ted Brown, a veteran LGBTQ+ rights campaigner, former member of the Gay Liberation Front, and co-organiser of the UK’s first Pride march, is raising concerns about a growing issue of homophobia, transphobia, and societal prejudice in the context of elderly care and care homes.
In The View From Here, Ted reflects on a lifetime of activism that began in the 1960s and ’70s. He emphasises that for many LGBTQ+ individuals, one of the most severe experiences of homophobia and transphobia often occurs during end-of-life care.
In a startling revelation, Ted told the podcast: “If I was going into a care home now, I would not let them know that I was gay.”
Ted reflects on the treatment of his long-term partner, Noel, who suffered repeated homophobic abuse in a council-run care home. This ultimately led to Lambeth Council paying £30,000 in compensation, but tragically, this occurred only after Noel’s death.
“I had a civil partnership with Noel in 2017 because I realised he was getting dementia and I needed to make sure that I had a responsibility as a carer, and the council and various other people did not recognise our relationship.”
“They did not want to recognise that he was my partner. They didn’t want to recognise gay people as a relationship.”
Ted continues: “You’d be surprised how easy it is and how often a carer can just accidentally kick your ankle as they’re preparing your meal or changing your bed. Or, oops, did I spill tea on your lap again?”
“It’s a one-to-one. They’re in a room with you; you’re in a room with this person. There are no other witnesses.”
Ted introduces his latest campaign, Not Going in the Care Closet, which seeks to ensure no other LGBTQ+ person has to experience the abuse suffered by Noel, but also to ensure that people have the freedom to be themselves in the elderly care system. The initial aim is to share sources of legal and social advice that can provide support, if required, to protect a partner in a care home.
There are indications that Ted’s campaign is making a difference. Following the controversy surrounding the treatment of Noel, Lambeth Council seems to be starting procedures to ensure that the needs of LGBT residents are considered by the care homes with which it is connected.
The View From Here is a UK-based podcast that highlights LGBTQ+ history through in-depth interviews with some of the UK’s leading changemakers. Their goal is to preserve these stories and inspire the activists of tomorrow.
Ted’s full interview is available now, accessible on all major podcast platforms at www.tvfh.co.uk/listen
