Critical Inroads for LGBT Elders

The Task Force applauded Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ October 2009 announcement to establish the first national resource center for older LGBT people. When HHS awarded Task Force partner organization Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders (SAGE) $900,000 in February 2010, we congratulated SAGE.

These inroads made in the critical area of LGBT senior issues come on the heels of the release of Outing Age 2010, which highlights the Task Force’s recommendations for LGBT elders. The Task Force and a collaboration of expert organizations, including SAGE, have come together to form the New Beginning Initiative, designed to push for federal concrete change directly benefiting LGBT people’s live, including the specific needs of LGBT elders.

Joyce Pierson

The Task Force has a long history of working to improve the lives of aging LGBT people, and in conjunction with SAGE this year the Task Force presented Joyce Pierson with the SAGE Advocacy Award for Excellence in Leadership on Aging Issues.