May 8, 2013
May 8, 2013 - For over a decade Friendly House has provided a range of services for LGBT older adults with a mission to enhance the lives of LGBT community members through education, advocacy, outreach, resource development and case management. Previously known as Gay & Grey, we are now officially joining the SAGE network as the Portland local affiliate and will be known as SAGE Metro Portland. SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT elders) is the world’s oldest and largest nonprofit agency dedicated to serving LGBT older adults. Since its inception, SAGE has pioneered programs and services for the aging LGBT community, provided technical assistance and training to expand opportunities, and advocated for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBT older adults. Recent estimates suggest that there are at least 1.5 million lesbian, gay and bisexual people 65 and older in the U.S. and this population will double by the year 2030. In Portland, there are an estimated 10,000 LGBT seniors, a number that is growing as baby boomers reach retirement age. From the LGBT Movement Advancement Project report; LGBT older adults face challenges that their heterosexual counterparts do not, including: unequal treatment under laws, programs and services, effects of historical and present-day social stigma and prejudice, and an increased reliance on informal “families of choice” for social connection, care and support. These challenges make it more difficult for LGBT older adults to achieve key components of healthy aging; financial security, quality health care, community support and engagement. According to Vaune Albanese, Executive Director of Friendly House, “Our affiliation with SAGE is a logical partnership. Friendly House has over a decade of experience in advocacy efforts at the community, local and state levels. SAGE provides a national network that advocates for all LGBT older adults on issues from marriage equality to the inclusion of LGBT older adults in the Federal Older Americans Act. SAGE Metro Portland will continue to work with, and for older adults 60 and better, to create community and social change.”
