In the time predating the COVID pandemic (hard to remember, but there was a lot of good stuff going on), the UNC Partnerships in Aging Program partnered with SAGE of Central North Carolina (SAGE CNC) and the Orange County Department on Aging to sponsor a gathering of older people in our area who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, along with some intergenerational allies. Participants in that gathering noted the desire for greater social connection and networking around relevant issues. Currently, as SAGE lobbies at both the state and national level for passage of the Equality Act, we wanted to highlight their work in advocating for and providing services to LGBTQ+ persons ages 50 and older.
SAGE USA was formed in 1978 to advocate for the rights and needs of older LGBT people (https://www.sageusa.org) and currently has 30 affiliates in the United States, one of which is an active component of the LGBTQ Center of Raleigh, NC. As with the national organization, SAGE CNC seeks to improve the quality of life for the older LGBTQ community through education, advocacy and promoting social connections. The group provides weekly and seasonal events ranging from topics that are health-related to political issues to pure fun. The COVID pandemic hasn’t stopped their work; in the last week of March alone there are multiple opportunities to connect, including Walk and Talks held twice weekly.
Why have a group specific to older LGBTQ+ concerns? Older adults who identify as part of the LGBT community in the current time have experienced an evolution of societal opinions and legislative changes concerning equal rights, but many have lived through very trying times as younger adults. LGBTQ older adults are twice as likely as other older adults to live alone and four times less likely to be supported by children in their aging process. In order to live out their lives with dignity and respect, they turn to SAGE for advocacy, resources, and social connections with other LGBTQ-identified people and allies. SAGE CNC mobilizes the community to educate policy makers, lead coalitions to address diversity, and model care for one another through the aging process.
The UNC Partnerships in Aging Program salutes the important work of SAGE CNC and looks forward to continuing the partnership!
© JLWomack, Professor Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy UNC-Chapel Hill 20210326
Leave a Reply