152: Learning From LGBTQ Elders – Dr. Jane Fleishman

Summary: At age 56, Jane went back to finish her PhD and completed this at 62. She tells us this brought her into her own intellectually. She chose to focus on sexuality, as she found it to be the root of humanity’s problems. Her specialty is sexuality and aging. Her book, the Stonewall Generation, focuses on LGBTQ elders and the process required her to find people to interview. <br><br>Her writing journey took her to the story of Stonewall “the birth of the modern day rights movement“ which stands today as a historical event for the gay community. <br><br>Inclusivity <br>Her goals include trying to combat ageism and the myth that LGBTQ is a young persons’ identity. With all this in mind, Dr Jane targeted people who are marginalized so that their stories could be told through her book. <br><br>Dr. Fleishman’s aim is to experience pride events with more exciting sexual politics. With current upheaval in terms of racial injustice and other injustices, Jane believes that things will change to include more LGBTQ elders. <br><br>Aging and Sex <br>One of Dr. Jane’s concerns revolves around older adults’ cognitive decline and sexuality. The question she asks is “Do people have the ability and the right to have a sex positive future?“ This brings up ethical issues but Jane is passionate about helping the elderly and ensuring that even in old age, they can enjoy consensual sex. <br><br>Background <br>Jane Fleishman, PhD, MEd, MS, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, is an award-winning educator, writer, program developer and researcher with a keen perspective on the intersections of race, class, and sexuality, particularly for marginalized populations. <br><br>She holds a PhD and MEd in Human Sexuality from the Widener University Center for Human Sexuality Studies. Jane is the Principal in her own consulting practice, Speaking of, LLC, specializing in program development, training, curriculum design, writing, and policy review related to human sexuality for older adults, parents, teenagers, young children, and members of the LGBTQ population. <br><br>She hosts a regular podcast on topics related to sex in the second half of life at <a href="http://www.ourbetterhalf.net" rel="noopener">www.ourbetterhalf.net</a> and recently completed a TEDx Talk entitled, “Is It OK for Grandma to Have Sex?” Her latest accomplishment is her book entitled, The Stonewall Generation: LGBTQ Elders on Sex, Activism, and Aging. <br><br>Her curious nature has led her to research many topics related to sexuality, such as the associations between internalized homophobia, resilience, sexual communication, satisfaction in relationships, and sexual satisfaction in older adults’ same-sex relationships. Her work has helped organizations of different sizes develop tools to understand their organizational plights and dilemmas and implement changes into their work environment that align with their values, principles, and vision. <br><br> <br><br>Links and Resources <br><br><a href="http://www.janefleishman.com" rel="noopener">http://www.janefleishman.com</a> <br><br><a href="http://www.ourbetterhalf.net" rel="noopener">http://www.ourbetterhalf.net</a> <br><br>More info:<br>Book and New Course – <a href="https://sexwithoutstress.com" rel="noopener">https://sexwithoutstress.com</a><br>Podcast Website – <a href="https://www.intimacywithease.com/" rel="noopener">https://www.intimacywithease.com/</a><br>Sex Health Quiz – <a href="http://sexhealthquiz.com/" rel="noopener">http://sexhealthquiz.com/</a><br><br>Webinar:<br>How to Make Sex Easy Without Making It Feel Like an Obligation – <a href="http://intimacywithease.com/training" rel="noopener">http://intimacywithease.com/training</a><br><br><br><br>Better Sex with Jessa Zimmerman<br><a href="https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/better-sex/" rel="noopener">https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/better-sex/</a><br><br>Source: