Rethinking Gender and Dementia: Combating the Over-Pathologisation of Gender Non Conformity

Dementia care and ageing commonly ‘de-genders’ individuals due to an over emphasis on cognitive decline and ableist assumptions. However, Dementia can enable a person to perform their gender in a more authentic way, opposed to failing to present their gender due to the feeling of more freedom.

This session will explore the following:

The over pathologisation of gender in dementia care
The CIS heterosexual matrix that often limits dementia care
Ways of being more gender affirming in dementia care

About The Presenter

Phil Harper is currently a University Lecturer specialising in LGBTQ and dementia. They have worked in hospitals, charitable organisations and most recently care homes. They hold many dementia specific qualifications and I have studied at many universities exploring practice Development in dementia care. Phil has been involved in the development of dementia training for hospitals and care homes in the past.