Intersectionality as a Practice of Dementia Care for Sexual and Gender Minoritized Latinxs

Abstract

Latinxs continue to be disproportionately impacted by dementia. Despite higher prevalence rates of dementia within the Latinx community, there is a dearth of literature that explicitly addresses the ways in which multiple forms of oppression (e.g., racism, ethnocentrism, sexism, cis-sexism, heterosexism, nativism) uniquely impact older sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) Latinxs with dementia. Using an intersectional framework, this chapter discusses the challenges and needs of older SGM Latinxs living with dementia. Namely, a discussion on the necessity of conceptualizing weak, strong, and transformative intersectionality in the lives of SGM Latinxs with dementia, as well as determining the institutions that, both alone and combined, serve to hinder this population’s well-being and access to equitable, humane treatment in healthcare is addressed. This chapter concludes with recommendations for healthcare providers and policy makers working with members of the SGM Latinx aging population with a focus on multisystemic levels of support, advocacy, and individual care. This chapter summarizes how the three forms of intersectionality (i.e., weak, strong, and transformative) can advance effective healthcare solutions for this population that requires greater visibility in all sectors of health policy, research, and practice.