Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2022 October)
October 11 is National Coming Out Day, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals coming out to their family and friends. The day also serves to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and its members’ continuing struggle for equality.
Despite experiencing increased acceptance and inclusion in society, some LGBTQ+ older adults fear how they will fare in their later years. Will they have enough support to be able to age in place? Will they face discrimination in an assisted living or long-term care facility, or when hiring in-home care providers?
Some of these fears are rooted in a lack of familial supports. According to SAGE, a national advocacy group for LGBTQ+ older adults, older adults who identify as LGBTQ+ are twice as likely to be single and live alone and four times less likely to have children than heterosexual older adults. The good news is that there are organizations providing information and resources to help support LGBTQ+ adults as they age. Some of these organizations also offer inclusion training to aging network providers and caregivers to ensure that LGBTQ+ older adults are treated with respect and compassion.
Local Resources
Fairfax County’s Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP)
Visit FairfaxCounty.gov/humanrights or call 703-324-2953, TTY 711.
OHREP receives and investigates complaints filed by any person who believes they have been discriminated against in Fairfax County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, private education and credit. OHREP also administers the County’s Equal Employment Enforcement (EEO) program and ensures the County’s compliance with all federal, state, and county mandates granting equal access to all County services, programs and employment opportunities.
Inova Pride Clinic
Visit inova.org/locations/inova-primary-care/pride-clinic or call 703-522-1175.
Inova Pride Clinic provides medical expertise tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people. Staff provide inclusive and judgment-free care, answering questions and supporting long-term health and wellness – without barriers.
Equality Virginia
equalityvirginia.org
Founded in 1989 as Virginians for Justice, Equality Virginia (EV) is the leading advocacy organization in Virginia seeking equality for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ).
National Resources
SAGE - Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Older Adults
sageusa.org
Founded in 1978, SAGE is a national advocacy and services organization that works to improve the lives LGBTQ+ older adults. Resources include:
- SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline: 877-360-LGBT(5428)
Free, toll-free hotline for LGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages. Responders are certified in crisis response, offer support without judgment, answer questions factually and confidentially, and provide information about community support resources such as healthcare, transportation, counseling, legal services, and emotional support programs. - SAGECare: sageusa.org/what-we-do/sagecare
SAGECare is a cultural competency training program for organizations, facilities and individuals that provide services to older adults. You can also search their database to locate SAGECare certified providers near you.
The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging
Visit lgbtagingcenter.org or call 212-741-2247.
The country's first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers. Services include informational materials, educational opportunities, technical assistance to aging network providers, and an information and referral form for LGBTQ+ older adults, their families and caregivers.
Lambda Legal
lambdalegal.org
Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
- Help Desk - The Help desk provides information and resources relating to discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and HIV status. Use their online form or call the Southern Regional Office at 404-897-1880.
- LGBT Rights in Virginia – The website includes a state-by-state rundown of legal protections for LGBT people, their families, and people living with HIV.
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)
Visit glma.org or call 202-600-8037.
GLMA works to ensure equality in healthcare for LGBT individuals and health care providers. They offer a searchable healthcare provider directory so that LGBT individuals can find health care professionals who are open to their needs.
The Transgender Aging Network (TAN)
forge-forward.org/resource/transgender-aging-network
TAN exists to improve the lives of current and future trans/SOFFA (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies) older adults. They provide trainings and resources for service providers, transgender adults, and their allies.
AARP LGBTQ Pride
aarp.org/home-family/voices/lgbt-pride
Articles and resources for LGBTQ+ older adults and their families. The website also includes a link to their LGBTQ Community Caregiving Guide - A Planning Guide for Caregivers in the LGBTQ Community.
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
pflag.org
Founded in 1973, PFLAG provides support, information and resources for LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies. PFLAG chapters are in communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).