‘I Used to Be Illegal and Now I'm a Priority’: A Critical Thematic Analysis of LGBTI + Voices From the Australian Royal Commission Into Aged Care

ABSTRACT Due to historic and anticipated discrimination, engaging aged care services can see LGBTI+ older adults conceal their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Recommendations from the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care claim to have addressed the needs of a range of diversity groups, including the needs of LGBTI+ older adults. However, on closer inspection, it appears diversity needs have been addressed as a collective. To give voice to the concerns of LGBTI+ older adults and LGBTI+ advocates, we isolated relevant content from the publicly available documents of the Royal Commission. Critical thematic analysis was used to identify recurring ideas and perspectives. Four themes were identified: (1) I used to be illegal and now I'm a priority, (2) We are not a list of equals, (3) Hidden identities and concealed communities and (4) It is time to let the pathfinders rest. Themes provide insight into the tensions between historic actions, social policy and present attitudes and actions. Fundamental to our findings are calls for greater recognition of the heterogeneity of people from diverse backgrounds and for providers to do more to facilitate inclusive safe spaces that enable LGBTI+ care recipients to maintain dignity and pride in later life.