Anyone who has ever had the pleasure to chat with Ailbhe Smyth on any topic will likely share my experience of leaving the conversation with a brain buzzing and brimming with thoughts and further questions. Last week was no exception to that rule when I caught up with Ailbhe by telephone to discuss LGBT+ life in lockdown for older members of the community forced to cocoon. I left the call energised and thanking the universe that we have such intelligent, dynamic and fabulous community leaders like Ailbhe to look to for guidance, wit and wisdom in a time that has pushed every last one of us to the brink, professionally, personally, emotionally and existentially.
Here are some of the fascinating insights Ailbhe shared with me about her experiences of lockdown, ageing in general and how that intersects for LGBT+ people particularly.