Quebec publishes guide for aging homosexuals

A gay rights group and the Quebec government unveiled a guide Tuesday on caring for homosexual and transgender seniors in a bid to combat homophobia and abuse of the elderly."A first generation of openly homosexual persons is reaching old age and does not want to go back in the closet," said Laurent McCutcheon, president of gay rights group Fondation Emergence at the welfare charter's unveiling.The publishing of the document, along with related brochures and posters, is part of a CAN$400,000 (US$408,340) campaign funded by the Canadian province to promote gay and lesbian seniors' happy and healthy living.It encourages care givers to respect their wards and be "inclusive of all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity." Quebec Minister Responsible for Seniors Marguerite Blais said she hoped the campaign will help "combat homophobia and elder abuse."