Democracy Rules

Our growing population of LGBTQ seniors will roughly double to 6 million Americans by 2030. Unfortunately, decades of marginalization and legal and institutional barriers have left many LGBTQ seniors with considerable challenges in their twilight years. These obstacles include higher rates of poverty, pronounced social isolation, and inadequate access to health care due to barriers in the aging system and past discrimination. In 2016, President Obama reauthorized the 1965 Older Americans Act which provides services and support - including access to essential health services - for elderly people nationwide. However, this legislation did not specifically address the needs of LGBTQ seniors. Advocates say discrimination poses the greatest threat to these seniors. Studies show LGBTQ seniors face health problems linked to societal stigma, discrimination and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBTQ seniors has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse and suicide. Personal, family and social acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity affects the mental health and personal safety of many of our LGBTQ seniors.

Proposed legislation: Reintroduction of H.R.1777 - Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act of 2019
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR)

I oppose reforming current LGBTQ Seniors policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA).
I support increasing federal support to LGBTQ Seniors through the Older Americans Act (OAA) by: 1.) Including LGBT older adults among women, rural, and racial and ethnic minorities as a population with the greatest economic and social needs under OAA. 2.) Permanently establishing the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging to provide critical resources, information and tools for aging service providers to better address the needs of LGBT seniors. 3.) Requiring the Assistant Secretary of Aging to oversee data collection for LGBT adults, their needs, and efficacy of state aging resources to meet those needs. 4.) Require the long-term care ombudsman to collect and analyze data regarding LGBT discrimination. 5.) Prioritizing grants for organizations working to improve LGBT health, long-term care, and access to culturally responsive services. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Winning Option »» I support increasing federal support to LGBTQ Seniors through the Older Americans Act (OAA) by: 1.) Including LGBT older adults among women, rural, and racial and ethnic minorities as a population with the greatest economic and social needs under OAA. 2.) Permanently establishing the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging to provide critical resources, information and tools for aging service providers to better address the needs of LGBT seniors. 3.) Requiring the Assistant Secretary of Aging to oversee data collection for LGBT adults, their needs, and efficacy of state aging resources to meet those needs. 4.) Require the long-term care ombudsman to collect and analyze data regarding LGBT discrimination. 5.) Prioritizing grants for organizations working to improve LGBT health, long-term care, and access to culturally responsive services. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.