From pharaohs to actresses: Important women from history

Women make up almost half of the world’s population, are bringers of life and have influenced or been the driving force behind many significant historical events. Discovered or invented life-changing science, technology and innovations for thousands of years. In 2021 and to celebrate Women’s History Month, let us look back at all of the amazing things women have achieved throughout the centuries

LGBTQIA+ Online: Tips for being safe online

Social media and smartphone apps are a great way to network, connect and meet people with similar interests. With growing hostilities towards the LGBTQIA+ community in some countries worldwide, it is crucial that when you are online that you remain safe at all times. Our top ten tips for online safety are designed to help you protect yourself but still allow you to meet interesting people from around the world

Adult Adoption: creating the family you need

For many young LGBTQIA+ community members, accepting who they are and coming out can be very scary. One major concern is always that their family or friends might reject or disown them after discovering the real them. Even if their families and friends accept their new identity, many more become alone and without guidance at a very young age. In the past 30 years, there has been a trend where people are delaying having children until their mid-to-late thirties. Today, with many more older parents, there is the risk that more significant numbers of people aged 30 or younger will have lost one or both parents at a young age. All of which have been attributed to increased numbers of young LGBTQIA+ individuals classified as adult orphans. A lack of support framework, guidance and loneliness at a crucial point in many people’s lives has meant some have sought out and created the family they need. Many form their chosen families from suitable people within their local community and friend groups. When creating the families we need, can those relationships become legally recognised? How viable is adult adoption? And is it legal in all countries?

Has the gay community achieved worldwide equality in 2021?

LGBTQIA+ equality, laws and legal protection for many within the gay community continue to improve. Each year more countries are adopting new legislation to be more inclusive, from legal recognition of gender identities to people’s fundamental rights to marry and adopt. Even with all the positive developments, seventy countries still have antiquated laws in force. Today, twelve are handing down death sentences as a maximum penalty. With a long way still to go, what is the worldwide LGBTQIA+ equality status in 2021?

Demisexual or Polysexual: Understanding the spectrum

What does it mean to be demisexual or polysexual? For all those individuals who identify in this way, how are they different from those who identify within the better-known LGBT groups? The reality is that the LGBTQIA+ community is one of the most diverse groups worldwide and is made up of many smaller groups of people from non-traditional sexualities and gender identities. With such a diverse collection of groups and people, Why is it so important for many LGBTQIA+ individuals to create new terms or labels? Words and phrases and that ultimately best sum up or express their thoughts or feelings

Tips for providing inclusive care to the elder community

With the number of people aged 65 and over set to double by 2050 and many traditional care services and facilities unable to cater for the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, what measures and steps can conventional care providers take to become more inclusive? And what would it take for LGBTQIA+ individuals to consider using traditional care facilities and services?

Elder LGBTQIA+ Care: Understanding the challenges

Growing old is inevitable and something we all will face. The older we become, the more likely we will need some form of help and support to perform specific tasks or activities in our daily lives. Though care providers and services will vary by country, many of the problems and challenges faced are universal. From affordability to adaptive solutions, typically, there are many barriers to overcome when it comes to requesting and seeking out care. Though many of the challenges are similar, some are specific to the elder LGBTQIA+ community. From discrimination to isolation in care home settings, these barriers result in many not getting the help they want or need. The more senior LGBTQIA+ community members who need care and support today will likely come from generations and periods when it was not easy to identify as LGBTQIA+. A time when they were forced to hide their sexuality or gender identity, where it was illegal or where they were living in constant fear of persecution. After years of coming to terms with who they are, many now face new dilemmas when needing some form of support or care. So, what does eldercare look like for them? And what are the potential obstacles they might face?

2021: What might we expect from the year ahead?

After a challenging 2020, what might we hope for in 2021? Will we see permanent changes in the way we work and social behaviour? Improved equality for the LGBTQIA+ community, women’s rights and people of colour? Maybe, the removal of fake news from our daily news feeds and positive political changes worldwide? Let us take some time to explore what 2021 might look like

Ancient Gays: LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout history

Some believe that more people identify as LGBTQIA+ than ever before. Often calling it a fad, trend, or just a sign of the times; however, history shows that the community has existed for thousands of years. Many LGBTQIA+ members often played important roles within their communities, societies, and history. The past hundred years have seen many reforms in the laws and rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. However, what was life like for members of the community hundreds or even thousands of years ago?

LGBTQIA+ Relationships: Love across borders

Practical tips when falling in love with someone from a different country. With high-speed internet available worldwide and international air travel much more affordable, falling in love with someone thousands of miles away has become easy and occurs more frequently than ever before. For people who fall in love, what practical steps can they take to make the process of living together in the future easier?