Grief and loss are universal experiences but for older LGBTQ+ people, they often come with added layers; of invisibility, of complex family structures, of having lived through decades of stigma, and of watching chosen families slowly fade without recognition or ritual.

This episode of Older Queer Voices is a space to explore how grief shows up in our lives and our communities not just through bereavement, but also through isolation, displacement, and the loss of cultural memory. We are joined by Simon Blake, CEO, Stonewall, and Rachel Bret, CEO, Sussex Beacon, to reflect on personal and professional experiences of grief, dying, loss, and to discuss the early vision for a new LGBTQ+ inclusive hospice being developed in Brighton.

Simon Blake: Chief Executive - LGBTQ+ charity, Stonewall. Simon is also a Non-Executive Director of the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Simon believes we would benefit from a more open culture about death, dying and bereavement.

Rachel Brett: CEO - Sussex Beacon - the first LGBTQ+ Hospice, Brighton

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In this episode of Older Queer Voices, we turn our attention to Section 28, a piece of UK legislation that shaped the lives of LGBTQ+ people for over 15 years. Enacted by Margaret Thatcher’s government in 1988, Section 28 banned local authorities and schools from “promoting homosexuality,” a vague and chilling mandate that stifled support, erased representation, and instilled a culture of fear.

Though it was repealed in 2003, its impact still reverberates through the memories, traumas, and silences of a generation.

We are joined by two guests with deep knowledge and lived experience from this time:

Professor Emeritus Sanders – Co-founder of Schools OUT UK and LGBT+ History Month
John Vincent – A leading voice in libraries, equality, and inclusion

Together, we unpack the lasting legacy of Section 28, its effects on schools, libraries, educators, families, and LGBTQ+ youth—and ask what it means in today’s climate. With rising hostility toward trans people and controversial moves by institutions like the EHRC, are we seeing echoes of Section 28 again?
Watch, reflect, and share, these stories matter.

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South Asian Queer Voices

Older Queer Voices | Breaking Taboos in South Asian Homes: Mental Health, Care & Queer Futures

In many South Asian households, we are taught to stay silent about the things that hurt us most; mental health, domestic and elder abuse in our homes and even the idea of putting our aging parents in care homes. These conversations are often buried under the weight of “log kya kahenge?” (What will people say?), even when silence comes at the cost of safety, wellbeing, and dignity.

In this episode, we break that silence.

We explore what it means to confront these taboos as older queer South Asians, and ask: How do we build futures where we can age with care, connection, and pride?

We speak about:

· The stigma around mental health in our communities

· Hidden cycles of domestic and elder abuse

· The trauma of conversion practices

· Guilt and shame around formal care for elders

· And how we can future-proof our own lives as queer elders

Our guests bring wisdom and lived experience to this vital conversation:

🌟 Rita Hirani – Social entrepreneur and co-founder of Club Kali. A long-time changemaker, Rita’s “gay jobs” include rescuing charities and serving as a strategic adviser and former CEO of MindOut.

🌟 Saba Ali – Safety and MET Liaison Manager for UK Black Pride. A passionate advocate and community leader, Saba was recently named Role Model of the Year at the Diva Awards.

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