The historian Arnold Toynbee once said, "A society's quality and durability can best be measured by the respect and care given its elderly citizens." That sentiment was, in part, the object of celebration at the Center on Halsted on Feb. 15 because Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders ( SAGE ) received $475,000, the second largest federal grant in history for an LGBT seniors' program.
Congressman Mike Quigley, who spearheaded the request for federal monies for SAGE, attended Monday's announcement at the Center. He noted that Illinois' budget crisis is having a direct effect on organizations that rely on state funding, saying, "We have to make up for it, to the extent possible, at the federal level until our economy recovers. And, for a very vulnerable community, this grant is very important, particularly at this time. Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders at the Center on Halsted addresses the unique challenges of LGBT seniors. This program is vitally important. I'm proud to be able to provide support for critical community programs like SAGE."
Serena Worthington, the center's senior director of public programs, said that within the greater LGBT community, seniors are unique "in that they are more often isolated" especially within assisted living facilities. The SAGE program, she said, improves the quality of life for LGBT seniors.
"LGBT seniors are often forced back in the closet when they seek housing and healthcare. So our program—SAGE at Center on Halsted—is designed to provide access and information around benefits and referrals, but also to provide a safe and affirming environment for LGBT seniors to be themselves. We provide a safe place for them to come out [ of the closet ] , to explore gender identity change, and to feel a sense of community. That's needed because, without a support system like ours, seniors are more likely to face depression and, overall, poor health outcomes," Worthington explained.
As reported earlier by Windy City Times, the grant will be used for programs to train senior service care providers on how to be more culturally aware and sensitive to the unique challenges and circumstances faced by LGBT seniors. Worthington said that other "special programs" include research on cognitive loss in adults with HIV; adaptive computer equipment for seniors, and an HIV-prevention film for individuals over 50.
Gloria Allen, 64, also attended the event. She said she was pleased by the news of the day because, as she puts it, "I'm older—not that old—and I could use some help with my living situation."
Allen identifies herself as a gay woman. Unlike most gay women, however, Gloria used to be a man. She is a post-op transgender individual and she explained that, as she's gotten older, prejudices still run deep, especially within her low income, senior citizens' building.
"I know many people don't understand me; that they think I'm not living the right life. I hear it. I see it in their eyes when they look at me. But, I'm not a bad person; I human just like everybody else. But, that's why I come here. Folks are good to me here. I'm hoping they [ COH ] can help me find a better living situation," she said.
