For the first time in history, the White House will focus on issues facing LGBT seniors in the United States. On Monday, May 7, the White House Office of Public Engagement, in partnership with the University of Miami Center on Aging, will host a day-long symposium tackling the unique needs of the aging LGBT population.
The free conference will be held on the University of Miami campus.
“We are thrilled that the President is directing attention to the inadequate services, discrimination and abuse LGBT seniors too often face,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “We have been working with a coalition of legal and advocacy organizations to identify ways to change policies, laws and attitudes to improve the daily lives of our substantial LGBT senior population. We look forward to informing and engaging participants in our Elder Equality effort.”
The conference comes at a time of renewed focus on the challenges and vulnerabilities of a growing LGBT senior population. Each day 9,000 people celebrate their 65th birthday in the United States. As our population ages, health, community and long-term care providers will need to address specific needs of a population that is increasingly more diverse. According to the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, research has consistently shown that LGBT older adults are less likely to have children to care for them, less likely to have someone to call on in time of need, and are at much greater risk for social isolation than their heterosexual peers.As a minority that faces discrimination throughout their lives, LGBT seniors face unique challenges as they age, including greater rates of disability, depression and loneliness.
Kathy Greenlee, the openly lesbian Assistant Secretary on Aging for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Raphael Bostic, the openly gay Assistant Secretary for Policy & Research Development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will deliver keynote remarks. Greenlee was instrumental in establishing the first-ever LGBT Resource Center on Aging, providing technical assistance to public and private organizations on how to serve the unique needs of LGBT older adults.
Reservations are required. For more information, visit Go.USA.gove/mGN
