Everyone in the UK has the right to defence from various prejudices, and the law is specific that organisations maintain diversity and good moral conduct. According to the Equality Act, 2010, age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity are protected characteristics, and these characteristics are aspects of a person's identity that make them who they are.
Whereas for many years, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals have generally lived their lives unobtrusively, drawing little attention to their individuality, there is now greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQI+ in the UK. Nevertheless, there are some shared issues among LGBTQI+ elders. They may have reduced extended families, which can increase isolation. They may be, or may have been, subjected to negative attitudes from others many times in their lives, and those who have experienced homophobia and suffered abuse may be traumatised in the longer term. Those who transition later in life may lose contact with family and friends, and may in consequence lack support. Moreover, those who have lived alone their entire lives may find it difficult to adjust to being with others in social situations.