NEW YORK CITY (June 30, 2026) – SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization advocating for LGBTQ+ elders, today announces the “Forever Authentic: Celebrating Older Trans Lives” photo series, a Pride Month storytelling project launching June 30 that showcases the everyday lives of transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) elders.
At a time when over 660 anti-transgender bills are under consideration in the U.S., the series uses candid photography and personal storytelling to elevate TGNB elders’ lived human experiences over dehumanizing rhetoric. These photos are a testament to the power of trans joy, resilience, and community. They’re also proof for younger LGBTQ+ generations that aging as a TGNB person is not only possible, but beautiful.
“The transgender and non-binary community has always been here and always will be,” said Lynn Faria, CEO of SAGE. “The unapologetic beauty of these photographs shows the world that even in the face of hostility and discrimination, trans and non-binary people continue to live full and meaningful lives well into their older years. SAGE is honored to showcase our community’s resiliency and the beauty of aging authentically.”
Funded by the New York Community Trust grant program, the series captures moments of everyday life, offering a counter-narrative to common depictions of aging and of the TGNB experience. Each profile explores the elders’ chosen families, daily routines, and stories of creative reinvention.
Featuring the stunning work of photographer Anja Matthes, the project profiles five New York-based TGBN elders:
- Any V. (she/her, 69): A performer from Brooklyn, who participates in gardening and entertainment programs.
- Jobbi E. (they/them, 65): A nonbinary brand ambassador and actress who volunteers to support artists with mental illness.
- Josie F. (she/her, 63): A dedicated SAGE volunteer, who supports with cooking and gardening.
- Rena D. (she/her, 70): A visual artist and musician, who turned to art as a source of stability, healing, and purpose to reflect her journey and sense of self after navigating homelessness and transitioning later in life.
- Soraya S. (she/her, 66): A multidisciplinary artist, singer, painter, and DJ, who hosts a cooking show on YouTube and has appeared on Chopped and the Food Network.
SAGETrans, a New York-based program of SAGE, offers programming and resources for TGNB adults ages 50 and older and educates providers and individuals throughout the state to support SAGE’s mission of empowering LGBTQ+ older adults nationwide to live openly and authentically.
Follow SAGE on Instagram and Facebook to see more photos from “Forever Authentic: Celebrating Older Trans Lives” in the coming weeks.
# # #
About SAGETrans
SAGETrans is a New York-based program of SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization advocating for LGBTQ+ elders. SAGETrans offers support groups, case assistance and referrals, community programming and resources for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming adults age 50 and older. The program also educates providers and individuals throughout New York on transgender and nonbinary rights. Learn more at sageserves.org/what-we-do/new-york-programs/sagetrans/.
About SAGE At SAGE, we envision a world where LGBTQ+ elders are valued, have limitless opportunities, and thrive. Since 1978, we have led the way in advocating for policies, services, and resources that empower LGBTQ+ elders to live openly and authentically. Our dedicated team members work nationally and globally to protect our rights, build health and longevity, and preserve the vibrancy of our community as we age. Each one of us has a place to create a bright and vibrant future for the LGBTQ+ community as each one of us lights the way for the next generation to follow. Learn more at sageusa.org.
