Leaders and volunteers for SAGE ( Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elderly ) hosted a barbecue for more than 75 seniors on the Richard Daley Rooftop of the Center on Halsted July 31.
The event represents one of the many ways in which SAGE aims to provide help and support for LGBT elderly. Other services include government advocacy, a variety of wellness programming and training so that LGBT seniors can confidently seek out additional help for themselves without fear of discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
"We want [ LGBT seniors ] to feel safe and affirmed that they can go to an outside provider that's not going to discriminate and get consistently competent services," said Jay Very, SAGE program coordinator.
Although that is one of the overall goals of SAGE, Very said that small social events such as the barbecue help provide LGBT seniors with a much-needed sense community.
"We really want to create a community and a sense of family and people reaching out and helping each other," Very said. "As you age, you lose important people in your life: that could be your son, daughter, parents or lover. A lot of people come here to find a sense of community."
June LaTrobe, transgender program volunteer liaison for the Center, said that these events allow seniors a chance to be themselves.
"For a lot of LGBT seniors, facing retirement means having to go back in the closet or living alone because you don't have a family," she said.
SAGE was able to open the event to the public thanks to a number of donations from Whole Foods. During the afternoon, Very also introduced Britta Larson, who began working for SAGE two weeks ago as homesharing manager. The new homesharing program is expected to begin this fall.
On Friday, Aug. 27, SAGE will host the Early Bird NightClub for women at 7-9:30 p.m. Anyone who identifies as female may attend. To RSVP, call 773-472-6469 or e-mail jvery@centeronhalsted.org .
