Still here and still queer, our “greatest generation” won’t go back to the closet. But will they be forced to? Those who have fought—and continue to fight—to secure LGBT civil rights now face rampant homophobia and discrimination in eldercare services. As one pioneering social worker says in this touching documentary, “LGBT aging issues are an epidemic.”

In their most vulnerable time, some aging and ailing LGBT elders delay or refuse to get help from institutions that historically have criminalized or pathologized them. Others, who’ve spent their pre-Stonewall youth in the closet, revert to hiding their identities and isolating themselves from LGBT friends in order to get help.

Director Stu Maddux follows the stories and struggles of elders in Boston’s LGBT community. Married activists Sheri and Lois are determined to stay independent as long as they can. Krysanne, a transgender woman, battles a terminal illness alone, until a crisis lands her with the right social worker. Lawrence faces the overwhelming challenges of all caregivers, complicated by his search for gay-friendly nursing care for his longtime partner Alexandre. Mel and Walter have lived discreetly, in fear of persecution, but they find surprising acceptance when they need it most.

Gen Silent is a challenging and urgent call to arms, an eye-opening exposé of the distrust and fear felt in our communities. The way we tend to and honor our LGBT elders shows how far we’ve come. And how far we still have to go. — CAROL HARADA