What is SAGE? SAGE stands for Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Elders. It is the oldest non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of GLBT elders.
Although largely invisible until very recently, GLBT older adults make up a growing share of the overall GLBT population and the larger senior population. Estimates of the LGBT older adult population in Central Virginia range from 7,000 to 18,000, although the actual number is difficult to ascertain because of the social stigma that exists against the GLBT community and the fact that many LGBT seniors never publicly come out.
GLBT elders face an array of barriers and inequalities as members of a legally and socially disfavored minority. They are confronted with unequal treatment under laws, programs and services. A recent survey of 24 Area Agencies on Aging showed nearly 1 out of 2 respondents said that openly GLBT seniors would not be welcome at senior centers in their areas and 96% offered no GLBT-specific services. In addition LGBT elders are ineligible for the benefits afforded to heterosexual married couples. This leaves older LGBT people at high risk for financial insecurity in their later years.
Long-term care is another challenge for GLBT elders. Nearly 80% of long-term care in the U.S. is provided by family members. GLBT elders are more likely to be single, childless, and in many cases estranged from their biological families. Laws and institutional regulations prioritize legal and biological families, and deny same-sex partners and other caregivers the same access and resources.
SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender Elders) seeks to address these inequalities through a continuum of programs and services specifically for GLBT elders.
The mission of SAGE is:
- To improve the overall quality of life for GLBT Elders
- Support and advocate for the rights of GLBT Elders
- Foster greater understanding of aging in all communities
- To promote positive images of GLBT life in later years
In response to the community of GLBT older adults the Gay Community Center has worked with other agencies and organizations committed to the needs of older adults to create SAGE Central Virginia, an official affiliate of SAGE.
A Committee has been formed that encompasses individuals from aging service agencies, gay, lesbian and transgender community leaders, academia, and faith based community. The Steering Committee is focused on several goals. The first is the completion of a Needs Assessment, and then setting goals for SAGE. The steering committee is working to identify current and long term goals and sustainable strategies to meet the goals. The Gay Community Center of Richmond is committed to this project and has identified SAGE Central Virginia as one of its main priorities.
See our April/May newsletter by clicking here.
Click here to make a donation to SAGE Central Virginia.
Click here to learn more about the SAGE Central Virginia Coming Out Gala.
“Like” SAGE Central Virginia on Facebook here.
In addition, the AARP has great information for LGBT elders on their website.
For more information on how to become involved or be on the mailing list for SAGE events please contact Shannon Marling at Marlingsc@VCU.edu or Cindy Bray at Cindy.Bray@lgbtrichmond.net, or by phone at (804) 622-4646 ext. 22.
