Visible Lives is a research project that aims to explore the lives, experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Ireland who are aged 55 and over. This study is commissioned by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) and funded by Age and Opportunity and the HSE. A wide range of organisations are also working with GLEN on this study including older people’s groups and a number of LGBT organisations. The project advisory group and the research team are comprised of people of various sexual orientations and gender identities. It is being carried out by a team of researchers in Trinity College Dublin, School of Nursing & Midwifery.
The research team has tried to ensure that the survey allows for people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, sexual orientations, and gender identities to describe their situations. We realize, however, that some people may not see a response category that describes their individual circumstance. If this is the case for you, we encourage you to write additional comments in the sections provided. We are conscious that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have varied experiences and needs and we will analyze the responses to reflect this diversity of views and situations. In addition, we will be doing in-depth interviews with older LGBT people allowing for a more detailed discussion of their specific experiences and needs. The final report is expected by the end of 2010.
If you are interested in participating in the survey, please read the following information carefully.
Very little is known of the specific experiences and opinions of older LGBT people in Ireland, as there is a lack of specific research and older LGBT people are often underrepresented in other studies. To address this gap, we are collecting data using an anonymous survey (online, postal and telephone).
The findings from this study will be used to improve services and make recommendations for how best to address the identified needs of older LGBT in Ireland.
To make sure that these recommendations are based on the genuine needs of people 55 and over, we are asking as many people as we can find to complete this survey.
The survey should take about 30 minutes to complete. Questions will ask you some details about yourself, your experiences and your views. There are no right or wrong answers. You are not required to provide any contact details, and all of the information you give us will be anonymous and confidential, so no one will be able to link your responses back to you. Your consent to participate will be assumed on completion of the survey.
It is hoped that the findings will have a positive impact upon services which could make things better for older LGBT people in Ireland.
At all times your wellbeing is of paramount importance. It is hoped that the questions do not cause any undue upset. If there is a question you do not want to answer, you do not have to.
You may not participate in the study if are under 55 years of age, not currently living in the Republic of Ireland, or not attracted to people of the same sex or identify as LGBT.
You will not receive any form of payment for completing this survey. The study is covered by standard institutional indemnity insurance. Nothing in this document restricts or curtails your rights.
Your identity will remain confidential. You will not be asked to give us your name or address. Data will be stored on a password protected computer that is only accessible by the researchers.
This study has received research ethics committee approval from the Faculty of Health Sciences Ethics Committee at Trinity College Dublin.
If you are interested in participating, you can complete the anonymous survey on the internet, by post or over the phone. To take part, please click on how you would like to fill in the survey:
Thank you for your interest in this study.
