the LAST person that a lot of gay people want to "come out" to is usually a grandparent... because they "come from a different time"... but are we underestimating the fact that they've lived in the world as it's progressed? Are the elderly really more inclined to hate gay people?...
2007-12-22 04:40:07 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
The elderly are the most accepting of differences in people. We've learned the most of the things the world judges us by are so superficial and insignificant. Race, religion, gender, sexual orientation--what does any of it matter? I'm suprised that a gay person would have more problems coming out to a grandparent. We're the family members who care the least. I mean, for me, I fought in a war and I sure didn't care anything about the other guy in the foxhole except that he was watching my back. I've spent this week with 3 different racial groups, a transgendered lawyer who I had a blast with, and members of 3 major religions. We had dinner last night with a gay couple who have been together 30 years--as long as I've been married. I think life has given us perspective about what is important about people--and it's what's in their heart, not who's in their bed.
2007-12-22 09:36:42 · answer #1 · answered by David M 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Hate is a very ugly word...... Just because you do not agree with the way someone lives does not mean you "Hate" them ..........I think people of some "cultures" are always underestimating the elderly. Most elders in most families are wise and maybe they are the last the gay person "comes out" to because the grandparent always knew and does not need to be told...... I think families members know before the person themselves may understand they are gay... my cousin She never had to say am gay we all knew from when we were kids...She is about 15 years older then me.....I do not remember any great proclaiming of "I am Gay" Like all of us we only bought the "one" to grandmothers house....When she found that one her partner that lived with her till she died just started coming to the family parties......
My Abuelo's just added another plate of "Mole"
2007-12-22 08:50:44 · answer #2 · answered by abuelamah 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no I don't think we or my contemporaries hate gay people,they don't really understand them. I am an RN who worked in psych and have had many dealings with the gay community,so I feel I understand them to the point that they are not different than the straight community,they just love the same gender instead of a different gender, they are warm and sensitive and are wonderful friends,and just like some rotten apples in a barrel,some are not.If the elderly could learn that lesson then they would not be upset.
2007-12-22 07:32:19 · answer #3 · answered by lonepinesusan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that necessarily they hate gay people, but a lot of elderly people were brought up in a day and age where most gay people were not out in the open as they are now, and don't understand it.
An elderly relative of mine was brought up as a Christian and her church taught that it was totally wrong, so she really does hate homosexuality, and refuses to understand anything about it, or believe anything but that it is evil. She believes they are all going to Hell, and they should reject their life style and accept Christ. She won't believe that there can be Christian homosexuals, because you can't be a Christian and be gay. I know other elders who feel the same way.
I do know several senior people with gay family members, however, and their families love them anyway. They may not agree with the gay lifestyle, but you know, your son is your son, and you love him in spite of it.
I have no problem with it, and if a friend or relative of mine is gay, I love and accept them for the people they are, not for their sexual orientation.That is their choice, not mine, and I have no right to judge them or criticize them for it.
2007-12-22 05:37:21 · answer #4 · answered by Isadora 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is really interesting. I work at an Assisted Living facility and I frequently overhear residents talking about "queers"...in a very derrogatory manner (this is mostly the "men's table.) They appear not to be aware that several of their care-givers are, in fact, gay. When I show movies, if there is a gay character it is always pointed out to me by men and women alike. I remember one very disabled 85 year old male resident who really wanted to take a cruise. He was asking the staff if any of them would accompany him and he'd pay their expenses, too. When I mentioned a very competent male CNA as a possitility, this resident was aghast as he was sure the others would think he, himself, was gay if he had a male attendant......I don't know just what to make of all of this except that I don't think that the elderly think any more, or any less of gays, than does the population in general.
2007-12-22 07:24:24 · answer #5 · answered by yoga guy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends how open they are to change and whats going on in the world. Also being uneducated on the subject prob has a lot to do with the inconsistency. Some older people love change and all the different things that have occurred since they were young. Some wish things had never changed and the world was better back in "their" day.
2007-12-22 04:48:39 · answer #6 · answered by mutant_blonde 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Some people become more set in their ways & their attitudes as they grow older. Others remember all of the changes they've seen in a poistive light & embrace the future. These are the ones who are open to new ideas.
2007-12-22 05:50:50 · answer #7 · answered by shermynewstart 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hate, dear is a very strong word and at this moment in time hate and indifference to everything is rapidly ruining the world.
MY nephews is gay and I love him with all my heart and so does the rest of this family.
Would I change his life if I could? Certainly not, his life is his to live and it is not my place or anyone else's to butt in or pass judgment.
2007-12-22 07:02:15 · answer #8 · answered by ncgirl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not really -- the elderly are more apt to have no hate for anyone...... however, they've lived to see some of the conditions of society that can, and often does cause unpleasantries (for just or unjust reasons).
2007-12-22 06:51:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Jake,
I was raised in the New England area and I came thru the "Stonewall Revolution" (Riots of 1969) and believe that many of us seniors have changed alongs with the times. Many of the younger generation find it hard to believe that "we" didn't come out of 'our closets' until many years after the LGBT revolution.
Hope this helps answer your question.
2007-12-22 08:45:41 · answer #10 · answered by Robert W 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋