The Chicago Task Force on LGBT Aging will release the results of a study of older LGBT persons' needs this month.
In 2000, members of the Task Force, initiated by Horizons Mature Adult Program at Center on Halsted, decided that a study of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seniors was essential if programs and services for this segment of the Chicago community were to be developed—and funded. The survey represents the voices of nearly 300 individuals from across the metropolitan area.
'While there were few surprises in the survey results,' said Perry Wiggins, Task Force convener, and manager of Horizons Mature Adult Program, 'it does give us a much clearer picture of both the needs and desires of this growing segment of the LGBT community.'
Recommendations included in the report address concerns in four areas: social services, healthcare, housing, and awareness/acceptance.
The report will be released at a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the offices of AARP Illinois, 222 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 710. Along with Center on Halsted and AARP Illinois, other Task Force members include Howard Brown Health Center, Council for Jewish Elderly, Chicago Department on Aging, Chicago Department of Public Health, Secretary of State Jesse White's office, Heartland Alliance, Rainbow Life Services, and members of the LGBT community.
Following the release of the report, the Task Force will host a roundtable discussion of LGBT aging on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 1-3 p.m. at the offices of Center on Halsted/Horizons Community Services, 961 W. Montana St.
This discussion will include agencies providing services to seniors in the general community, agencies providing services in the LGBT community, community and political leaders, and interested members of the broader LGBT and senior communities.
For more information about the report itself, the press conference, or the roundtable discussion, contact Wiggins at 773-472-6469 ext. 245 or e-mail perryw@horizonsonline.org .