SAGE - We told our stories—and it made a difference

Bipartisan legislation introduced after momentous trip to Capitol Hill Never underestimate the power of sharing personal stories. Six weeks ago, SAGE organized its first-ever National Day of Advocacy, bringing dozens of LGBT elders together from across the country to speak directly to their representatives in Washington, D.C. These elders sat down, face-to-face, with their members of Congress to bravely describe the challenges they continue to confront as a result of their LGBT identities and the lack of federal support for LGBT aging programs in their communities. And it made a difference! Weeks later, for the first time, bipartisan federal legislation to support LGBT elders was introduced in the U.S. Senate, championed by Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Senator Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, and Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. The Inclusive Aging Act would, among other things, ensure that our community’s pioneers have equal access to critical federally funded aging programs like Meals on Wheels and senior centers. It would also permanently establish the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging (which is run by SAGE) and create a rural grant program to support care and services for LGBT and other minority elders. This is a groundbreaking accomplishment and was only possible thanks to the many people who participated in SAGE’s National Day of Advocacy on Capitol Hill last month, which laid the foundation for this monumental achievement. Read more »

Help SAGE advocate for LGBT elders This year, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, we have a special opportunity to lift up the stories of LGBT pioneers and educate the public about our community’s history of activism and the rights we are still fighting for today. SAGE is looking for individuals to participate in a variety of ongoing projects to help highlight the stories of LGBT elders and advocate for LGBT equality. SAGE is specifically looking for elder advocates, allies and providers in Florida, a state where LGBT people are not protected from discrimination. SAGE wants to change that, and we need your help. In partnership with Equality Florida, SAGE is organizing in-person meetings between LGBT elders and allies and their members of Congress in Florida. If you are interested, please SIGN UP to advocate on behalf of LGBT elders, who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. SAGE will help you prepare for your meetings and work with you every step of the way—all you need is to be willing to share why you feel that LGBT people urgently need protections.   SAGE is also continuing to collect stories about Stonewall experiences. Did you participate in the 1969 Stonewall uprising? Do you know someone who participated? Do you want to simply share what Stonewall means to you? (Applies to people of all ages and identities.) If you have a Stonewall story to share, we want to hear from you! Participate in our Stonewall stories project by filling out our form.

A toast to fierce LGBT advocates in Philadelphia On Thursday, April 4, SAGE supporters gathered at the Comcast Center in Philadelphia to honor LGBT trailblazers Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania's secretary of health, and Ed Miller, the senior programs coordinator at Philadelphia’s William Way LGBT Community Center. The event raised funds toward SAGE’s continued work with and on behalf of LGBT elders. SAGE also supported the William Way LGBT Community Center and their work with the LGBT and aging communities. See photos »

Mark Your Calendars!

Fire Island Pines Celebration June 1, 2019 | 225 Bay Walk Join us for the 27th annual edition of this classic summer event. Buy tickets »   SAGE & Friends DC June 7, 2019 | The Wonder Bread Factory Rooftop, 641 S Street NW Washington, D.C., 20001 Enjoy cocktails and appetizers as we kick off Capital Pride weekend. Buy tickets »   Hamptons Tea Dance July 13, 2019 | Nova’s Ark Project, 60 Milestone Rd, Water Mill, NY 11976 Join SAGE and Callen-Lorde as we celebrate summer and raise money to support services for the LGBT community. Buy tickets »