28 Jun Learn About SAGE: LGBTQ+ Advocacy for Older Adults
For Pride Month, Learn about SAGE: LGBTQ+ Advocacy for Older Adults
June is Pride Month, and what better way to celebrate than by discovering how you can get involved in making a difference for LGBTQ+ elders in your community and across the world?
While much has been done to advance the cause of LGBTQ+ rights, there is still much work to be done – especially when it comes to ensuring that older community members can age with respect and dignity.
Older adults in the LGBTQ+ community face unique challenges when it comes to aging.
They are more likely to live alone, be single, and have no children – realities that can make finding support networks more complex; they often deal with discrimination and exclusion from family, friends, and care providers.
However, these individuals also have years of unique experience and wisdom. They have seen the world change and been a part of history in the making. So why not give back to these unique individuals by learning about SAGE?
As one of the leading organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ elders, SAGE has worked tirelessly for over 40 years to ensure that older community members have the resources and support they need. Read on to learn more about this fantastic organization and how you can get involved in their work.
What is SAGE?
Older adults need advocates who will fight for their rights, and that’s exactly what SAGE does. SAGE is short for Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders. They are a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders.
SAGE was founded in 1978 with the goal of providing support and services to LGBTQ+ seniors. Today, they are the world’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. They offer a wide range of services, including:
- Personal advocacy
- Legal services
- Health and wellness programs
- Social and support groups
- Housing assistance
- Financial planning resources
SAGE provides training and technical assistance to senior service providers, caregivers, and housing professionals. They also offer public education and advocacy on the issues that matter most to LGBTQ+ elders.
By helping LGBTQ+ elders age with respect and dignity, SAGE is also working to create a more just and inclusive world. Because when LGBTQ+ elders are supported, everyone benefits.
What Issues Face LGBTQ+ Elders?
SAGE works to address the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ elders face. Some of the issues they are most passionate about include:
Discrimination in housing and long-term care facilities
For various reasons, LGBTQ+ elders can be denied housing or kicked out of their homes simply because of who they are. SAGE is working to change these laws and ensure all LGBTQ+ elders have a safe and welcoming place to call home.
By helping equip and empower LGBTQ+ elders to fight for their rights, we can ensure that everyone has access to necessary shelter and care.
Lack of inclusive healthcare
Many LGBTQ+ elders do not have access to culturally competent healthcare. This can make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe when seeking medical care. SAGE is working to ensure that all LGBTQ+ elders have access to the quality healthcare they need and deserve.
Isolation and loneliness
Older adults in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to live alone and have no children. This can often lead to isolation and loneliness in the final season of life. SAGE works to connect LGBTQ+ elders with community members and provide them with the support they need.
Financial insecurity and elder abuse
As a result of isolation, discrimination, and exclusion, LGBTQ+ elders are more likely to experience financial insecurity and elder abuse. SAGE provides financial planning resources and advocates for laws and policies that protect LGBTQ+ elders from abuse.
How SAGE is Making a Difference
SAGE is working to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ elders in many different ways. Here are just a few of the ways they are making a difference:
Providing direct services to LGBTQ+ elders through their national network of SAGE Centers
A crucial part of SAGE’s work is providing direct services to LGBTQ+ elders through their national network of SAGE Centers. These centers offer various services, including social and support groups, health and wellness programs, housing assistance, and more.
Advocating for inclusive policies and laws
SAGE is also working to create inclusive policies and laws that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ elders. They lobby for laws and regulations that are fair and just, and they provide testimony to Congress on the issues that matter most to LGBTQ+ elders.
Educating the public about the unique needs of LGBTQ+ elders
Part of the issues facing LGBTQ+ elders is a lack of understanding of their individual needs. SAGE is working to educate the public about LGBTQ+ elders’ challenges and what can be done to support them.
Researching the unique needs of LGBTQ+ elders
As the largest and oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, SAGE has a wealth of knowledge about the unique needs of LGBTQ+ elders. They use this knowledge to conduct groundbreaking research on housing discrimination and financial insecurity.
Working Together for a Better Future
SAGE cannot do their essential work alone-they need your help! Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Donate to support SAGE’s work
- Attend a training or webinar offered by SAGE
- Share your story about how SAGE has made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one
- Volunteer at a SAGE Center or event
- Become an advocate for LGBTQ+ elders in your community
There are many ways to get involved with SAGE and make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ elders. Visit their website to learn more about how you can help.
At Vintage, we work tirelessly to ensure that all Colorado citizens have access to the quality care they need and deserve, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
We are proud to partner with SAGE in their vital work to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ elders. We invite you to join us this Pride Month in supporting SAGE and the LGBTQ+ community. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit SAGE online. To see how Vintage is helping to make a difference, join us online and become an Advocate for Change.