Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults

Thursday, June 08, 2023

Celebrating older adults during Pride Month is a wonderful way to recognize and honor the experiences and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals who have lived through different periods of history. Older adults within the LGBTQ+ community have often faced unique challenges and have played significant roles in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. AgeGuide’s mission is to be a vital resource and advocate for people as we age by providing thoughtful guidance, supportive services, and meaningful connections, including LGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers.

AgeGuide staff and our funded partner organizations, with assistance from SAGECare trainings, are becoming SAGECare Bronze credentialed providers; this involves continued education in providing culturally competent care and fostering a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ older adults.

Here are some ways to celebrate older adults during Pride Month:

1. Share their stories: Take the time to listen to the stories and experiences of older LGBTQ+ individuals. Their prospectives can provide valuable insights into the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and shed light on the struggles they faced.
2. Host intergenerational events: Organize events that bring people together from different generations within the LGBTQ+ community. This collaboration can encourage a conversation between older adults and younger individuals where experiences and advice is shared.
3. Recognize their achievements: Highlight the accomplishments of older LGBTQ+ adults who have made significant contributions to the community.
4. Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights: Use Pride Month as an opportunity to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, including issues that specifically affect older adults. Support legislation that protects LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in areas such as housing, healthcare, and employment.
5. Attend a Pride Parade: Across the month of June, various towns all over Illinois are hosting Pride Parades and Festivals! Attend an event with friends, family, or coworkers! Follow this link to find an event near you.

Remember, celebrating older adults during Pride Month is not limited to June! These efforts should be ongoing throughout the year to ensure that the experiences and contributions of older LGBTQ+ individuals are recognized and valued.

Additional Resources

AgeGuide is proud to share the resources below to support the Aging Network’s ongoing efforts to create welcoming and affirming environments that will help LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe and accepted and offer services and resources to support their health, well-being and social connectedness in the communities where they live.

Local Resources for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

• Howard Brown Health: One of the nation’s largest LGBT organizations providing health and social services to LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages.
• Senior Rainbow Assistance Program: Mission is to provide temporary assistance for LGBTQ+ seniors experiencing temporary hardships due to medical or financial concerns.
• Center Link – The Community of LGBT Centers:
  • Find a local center: www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters
  • Aids Foundation of Chicago – HIV Resource Hub + COVID-19 Financial Assistance

National Resources for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

• LGBT Aging Center
• SAGE
• SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline: 877-360-LGBT (5428)
• Trans Lifeline Hotline: (877) 565-8860
• SAGEConnect – Matches LGBTQ+ elders with community members and allies for friendly calls and companionship.