Advocating with and on behalf of our community
SAGE stands proudly with LGBTQ+ trailblazers who’ve spent decades fighting for dignity and respect.
Advocacy is central to our work.
We push for policies that respect and reflect the lives of LGBTQ+ older people, at every level of government. We:
- Mobilize LGBTQ+ communities and neighbors to defend and advance our rights
- Equip policymakers with knowledge to create inclusive, age-friendly policies
- Publish original research, briefs, and tools to inform and inspire action
- Build coalitions that ensure diverse elders are part of every policy conversation
- Show up – at rallies, in the streets, and in the halls of power – side by side with our community
Partnering to improve aging for LGBTQ+ people
Learn more about LGBTQ+ aging issues and become an advocate!
Policies and partnerships
SAGE is part of numerous partnerships and coalitions that help advance our policy priorities for LGBTQ+ older people. We are the only LGBTQ+ organization on the influential Leadership Council of Aging Organizations; a founding member of the Diverse Elders Coalition; the lead organization on the National LGBTQ+ Aging Roundtable; and a member of the New Beginning Initiative, led by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Coalition for LGBTQ+ Health.
Additionally, our partnerships with groups such as the National Academy on an Aging Society, the Movement Advancement Project, the Center for American Progress, the National Center for Transgender Equality, the International Federation for Ageing, and the Williams Institute, among others, have helped us produce critical policy reports and conferences on LGBTQ+ aging issues.
Equality Never Gets Old
From SAGE’s 40+ years of experience in serving LGBTQ+ older people and engaging in advocacy on LGBTQ+ aging issues, we know first-hand that social isolation, poverty, and a lack of access to affordable and welcoming housing are major challenges as we age. Most older people experience at least some of these issues, but they are compounded for LGBTQ+ elders due to lifetimes of facing stigma and discrimination, harassment, a lack of access to culturally competent service providers, and thin support networks.
Since 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has sought to help older people live independently in their chosen communities for as long as possible and to prevent people from entering unwanted and cost-prohibitive institutional care. It supports a wide array of services, like transportation and legal assistance, help with enrolling in benefits, congregate and home-delivered meals, community centers, job training, preventing elder abuse, and much more.
But for too long, federal programs like the OAA have felt inaccessible to our communities—people don’t know what programs they fund, who’s eligible, and even how our community is going to be treated when people walk in the door.
SAGE wants to end that—and create a world where LGBTQ+ older people and people aging with HIV can age how and where they want, with the resources, support, and programs they need to thrive.
We’re ready to serve as your resource on LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV and the OAA.
Join the Action Squad
We all have the opportunity to impact the lives of older LGBTQ+ people.
The Global Story Archive
The Global Story Archive features the powerful and inspiring journeys of dozens of LGBTIQ+ elders from around the world. As the first archive to document the lives of LGBTIQ+ elders on an international scale, this project is a testament to the resilience, courage, and triumphs of LGBTIQ+ pioneers globally.
The Global Story Archive was built in partnership with Outright International, CIPAC, Aspidh, Mitini Nepal, EnGendeRights, and dozens of activists and artists from around the globe.
We’re old and bold!
SAGE is working to ensure that LGBTQ+ elders and people aging with HIV nationwide receive culturally-competent care.
What is the Equality Act and why do we need to pass it NOW?
Partnering for LGBTQ+ older people
Our message of treating LGBTQ+ elders with the dignity and respect they deserve is amplified and strengthened by our partnerships and coalitions.
Advocacy Resources
Join the Action Squad
Action Squad: Energized and Ready for Change!
SAGE’s Action Squad is a community of bold individuals who are energized and ready for change.
Members of this ever-growing group are notified of breaking news and alerted to pivotal moments when your action is needed the most. We will provide tangible steps for moving your local community and our country towards greater justice. Steps like:
- Sending a letter to your representatives or calling to share why legislation matters to you
- Joining a training to learn how to leverage the power of your personal story for positive impact
- Attending an event or webinar to become more informed
We are committed to continuing the legacy that our LGBTQ+ pioneers ignited by raising our voices and taking meaningful action. From the spark at Stonewall that started it all, our elders remain at the forefront to demand equal treatment and opportunity. Help us take the journey one step further. Join the Action Squad!
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