Interview Music - Creativity - Art

As Age and Opportunity’s Bealtaine Festival approaches, two beloved members of our LGBTQ+ family who have devoted themselves to helping others discuss ageing in the queer community.

Portraits by Babs Daly.

Ciarán McKinney is a lifelong activist, committed to human rights and equality for all. He volunteers with Gay Health Network, BeLonG To and MPOWER. He spoke with Padraig Burke about activism and what the community needs to do to improve the lives of its members.

How would you describe life as/for an older gay man in 2022?

Speaking personally, I am working full time, love my job and volunteer with three LGBTQ+ organisations, so my life is quite busy. I have a small group of wonderful friends and family and feel privileged to be alive, as during the onset of HIV in Ireland in the ‘80s, I never expected to reach 40 let alone 62!

Society can be quite ageist, do you think it is even more acute in the gay community?

I am very aware of ageism in society in general and the fact that we can internalise so much negativity around ageing. I haven’t experienced ageism in the gay community but have heard others talk about feeling invisible because of being older. While I am quite happy being open about my age I don’t want to be a “daddy”. I think older guys are made to feel welcome on the Bear and Leather scenes. I don’t know what it’s like for older guys in other parts of the scene.

Do you think there are enough resources out there for older gay people?

I think all of us as older LGBTQ+ people need more resources and greater awareness of our needs as we age, particularly in terms of health and social care. I know that there is a sense of anxiety among some older LGBTQ+ folk about receiving appropriate care and fear that our identities might not be acknowledged.