The number of lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) older adults is increasing. The
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force estimated that one to three million Americans over 65 have LGBT sexual orientation. By 2030, roughly four million older Americans will identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 2005).At later life this issue commingles with age in many ways that expand the need for cultural competencies beyond that of just getting older and have an LGBT identity. If the essence of cultural competence is to affirm and value the dignity of the person different from the mode, then issues of age and LGBT require special attention (see National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 2006 and the Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation, 2009).