The Trump administration is at it again, now with a proposed rule that would greenlight taxpayer-funded discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, including elders, and others under federal grant programs administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

What does this mean? Quite simply, the new proposal would erase Obama-era protections that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in government-funded grant programs. That means that Senior Centers, Meals on Wheels providers, and other aging services and supports could explicitly discriminate against LGBTQ+ older people for any reason at all — with no questions asked.   

For example:

• Federally-funded senior centers could refuse to allow legally married same-sex couples to participate in their programs.
• A home health aide, who works in a federally-funded program, could refuse to care for a transgender older woman.
• A federally-funded adult daycare provider could put a sign on the door saying “Straights Only.” 

All of this could happen if this proposed rule goes into effect — and all with our taxpayer dollars.  

Here’s your chance to protest! We only have until December 19. Send a message to the Trump administration using our template, or share your own story in the comment box, about why these protections matter.