Specialized programming at a local long-term care facility in Toronto is aiming to create an environment where 2SLGBTQ+ seniors can live their truth.
Led by Minhi Wang, a local drag superstar and contestant on Canada’s Drag Race, the Gay Ol’ Time programming at The Gardens at Kensington Health aims to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community while fostering inclusion in long-term care. Operating monthly, it features performances and storytelling in an affirming environment where residents can express themselves freely.
Wang explained that before the programming began, she was talking to a friend who worked in Kensington Health’s communications department and explained some of the nuances of being queer in long-term care. This includes discrimination from staff and other residents.
“All the weird, maybe racist, sexist, homophobic stuff that people say back in that generation, which they kind of grew up with…those kinds of prejudices still exist,” Wang told Queer & Now.
This can lead to situations where 2SLGBTQ+ people in long-term care facilities revert to hiding their identities because they do not feel safe, welcome, or like they can live their truth.
“Essentially they live out their last few days, going back into the closet,” Wang said. “And then essentially pass away not being their true authentic selves.”
“Those queer people fought hard for us to be able to exist the way that we are as queer people now,” Wang said. “They did all the hard work. They went through the AIDS epidemic, they went through people not taking them seriously or being discriminated against. They’re the ones that really had to take the brunt of that for us to be able to live as freely as we do now.”
Justine Humphries, vice president of people, partnerships and strategy at Kensington Health, explained that they are making a concerted effort to combat this.
“There’s a real risk for social isolation among all seniors, all older adults, and I can imagine that is exacerbated in the community where there’s a fear of stigmatization,” Humphries told Queer & Now, adding that social isolation leads to poor health outcomes.
GAY OL’ TIME
Wang first performed at a Pride flag raising event at The Gardens, and following the event asked the Kensington Health team if there was an appetite for more regular drag performances at The Gardens. The program then became a monthly affair, running for an hour.
Humphries explained that the joyous affair is also an opportunity for learning and affirmation.
“It allows for an opportunity for people to learn about the community, whether it’s residents or family members, some of our team members, and it really affirms our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members with celebration and community,” she said.
Originally, Wang and a friend would alternate between performances, and engage members of the audience in discussions about drag.
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“We tend to infantilize the elderly,” Wang explained. “These people, they’re adults, and we should treat them like adults as well. So, it was interesting to also hear some of their stories.”
One performance saw a 96-year-old woman in the audience explain that she was part of the queer community, but was forced to marry a man she did not like, because despite liking women she wasn’t able to be with one in the 1960s. But she would visit The Village to see drag queens perform.
“So, her take home message was, drag queens have been with us since the dawn of time,” Wang said.
Pandemic restrictions caused a temporary hiatus of the program, but it’s back in full swing, operating around once a month in the warmer months. Wang now operates the show solo, saying that one of her favourite parts of the program is being able to connect with residents who are unable to communicate.
“Some residents are non communicative, or it’s difficult to get any kind of response from them. But when you find the right song, it just taps into a part of their brain and it comes alive and it just lights them up,” she explained.
The queen explained that the programming is also important for residents who are not members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
“I think for residents that don’t identify necessarily as queer, it’s very important because they are exposed to things that are maybe outside of their comfort zone, that are still part of our world.”
As she does not have children herself, Wang anticipates one day living in a long-term care facility, and views this as laying the groundwork for a more inclusive culture in long-term care.
“Do I want to be in a space living out my final days, where I can’t be myself, when I’ve managed to live a very true and authentic life? So, if that means now having to do the work so that we see the fruits of our labour later on in life, I’m OK with that.”
