Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Each June, Pride Month celebrates the history, achievements, and resilience of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. This year’s theme, “Free to Be Proud,” honors the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations and advances the vision that every person can live openly and authentically.
For older adults, Pride Month serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made while recognizing the unique experiences many LGBTQIA+ older adults have faced throughout their lives. Many have navigated decades of social, legal, and cultural barriers, making it especially important that aging services foster environments where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported.
At AgeGuide, our mission is rooted in helping older adults live healthy, fulfilling lives as they age. As we serve an increasingly diverse aging population across our eight-county region, we remain committed to promoting inclusive practices and ensuring that every older adult feels welcome when accessing services and supports.
OutSAFE Training for AgeGuide and Funded Partners
To further this commitment, Billy Rodgers, Statewide LGBTQ Advocate with the Illinois Department on Aging, recently led an OutSAFE training for AgeGuide staff and funded partners. The training focused on increasing understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity through the exploration of affirming terms and language.
Participants learned about the diversity and intersectionality of LGBTQIA+ older adults, their families, and caregivers, and discussed ways to foster environments characterized by inclusion, respect, and dignity. In addition, the presentation highlighted data and statistics related to violence and victimization within the LGBTQIA+ community, helping participants better understand challenges that can impact the lives of LGBTQIA+ older adults.
Through educational opportunities such as OutSAFE, AgeGuide and its funded partners continue to strengthen their ability to serve all older adults with respect and compassion.
