Thursday, June 12, 2025
Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, identity, and the progress made toward equality. For LGBTQ+ older adults, it is also a time of reflection—on the challenges they’ve overcome, the communities they’ve built, and the ongoing need for visibility and support as they age.
Today’s LGBTQ+ elders are the trailblazers of the modern Pride Month movement. Many came of age during times when being openly LGBTQ+ could mean losing jobs, housing, or family support. These experiences have shaped a generation of resilient individuals—yet they have also contributed to disparities that persist today.
Some of those disparities include the fact that, LGBTQ+ older adults are more likely to live alone, less likely to have children, and often face social isolation at higher rates than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Discrimination—both past and present—can impact their access to healthcare, housing, and aging services.
At AgeGuide, we are committed to addressing these disparities by supporting programs that promote connection and ensure that everyone can age with dignity and respect. Whether it’s offering welcoming caregiver support, culturally competent service providers, or opportunities to connect through events, we believe that every older adult deserves to feel seen and supported.
This Pride Month, let’s honor the courage and contributions of LGBTQ+ older adults. Let’s also recommit to building a future where everyone—regardless of who they love or how they identify—can age well.
Connect with Thrive with Pride
Thrive with Pride is a project of AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging of Suburban Cook County. Thrive with Pride is an award-winning project, and they provide LGBTQ+ older adults and caregivers with resources to connect and thrive. While they host some events in Cook County, they offer many virtual webinars as well. Learn more about Thrive with Pride now!
