The Newspaper on GLBT Agimng atters FALL 2007

SAGE AND NGLTF LOOK TO GLBT ELDERS AROUND THE COUNTRY INTERNET RESOURCES THE FUTURE VISITS SAN DIEGO FOR GLBT SENIORS >> Michael Adams and Matt Foreman >> A volunteer-led organization, Azteca Project, >> Websites and blogs of interest discuss how SAGE and the Task Force is working to serve senior Latino GLBTs in to the SAGE community. can work together to advocate for the San Diego area. See page 8. See page 9. LGBT senior issues. See page 3. SAGE Launches New Web Site! SAGE is pleased to announce the launch of its new web site, www.sageusa.org

BY MIKE NADEAU

sageusa.org is a free service for SAGE members, GLBT seniors, and the community at large. It provides the latest information about SAGE and its programs, along with other important resources of interest to GLBT older people. You’ll find up-to-date information about SAGE services, links to other web sites of interest, a calendar of upcoming events, recent news articles, and the online version of the SAGE Matters newspaper. You can also make on-line contributions to SAGE, and can even watch the new SAGE video! Each time you visit sageusa.org you’ll see a different profile and photo of a SAGE member. So you’ll have the chance to “meet” somebody new with each visit. By reading their story, you’ll also learn about the SAGE programs that make such a difference in the lives of GLBT older people. For those who are new to SAGE, sageusa.org offers helpful background information on the nation’s oldest and largest organization providing services and advocacy to GLBT older people — just visit the site’s “About Us” section. Or view the “Services and Programs” page to learn about important SAGE offerings like social services and caregiving support. Feedback about sageusa.org is encouraged. If you have any suggestions, feel free to use the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of every page of sageusa.org to email SAGE, or use sageusa.org’s Website Feedback Form (also found on the bottom of every page of the site). There’s no better place to be on the world wide web than sageusa.org!

at SAGE Celebrating Left: Michael Adams (second from left) joined Bill Moore, Laura Hartstein, and Tony LaRocca (right) at SAGE’s 11th Annual Fire Island Pines Celebration. Laura and husband Mike were honored with the Doris Taussig Award at the event. Right: s

The annual Cherry Grove t a o o r C e Celebration brought together r r r e e h u

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of SAGE’s summer events. P 02 matters FALL 2007

Remembering Adrian Mayer: A Dedicated Leader of SAGE

BY BETH KLING

Adrian Mayer, SAGE address the gathering, Jim Lomax, who served tising throughout his also had style and a sense of member, volunteer, and whether it was a volunteer on the SAGE Board of career. He was an avid the - humor. Long-time readers former board president, recognition party or a Directors with Adrian, ater-goer who loved to trav - of the newsletter may passed away on June 3. pride celebration. called him a “true blue and el. A man of grace and remember that in every Adrian would have been 85 It was at one of those stalwart supporter” of quiet elegance, Adrian was issue he ended his columns years old on August 15, and events that I first saw him SAGE, who was generous known for his kindness, with an alliterative sendoff, friends and family gathered in the late 1990s. He was with his time and willing to gentle consideration and such as “Have a savory together at the Cornell Club wearing a blue blazer, an do anything to help the respect for other people. September” or “Have a on his birthday to celebrate open collared shirt, and a his truly amazing life. stylishly knotted ascot, and SAGE held a tribute for he spoke with an ease and Adrian at the LGBT grace that matched the ele - Community Center the gance of his attire. To me, night before, to honor his he seemed like an elder life, friendship, and com - statesman. mitment to the organiza - That Adrian took on this tion he joined over 25 years role is astounding, since he ago. Adrian was a leg - had kept his gay identity a endary leader in the SAGE secret throughout his work community — he will be life. Adrian was extremely sorely missed by the many close to his family, including friends he made. his two sisters, his niece Howard Oboler, Adrian’s friend of 40 years, remem - jaunty January.” bers that when Adrian During the last two years committed himself to of his life, Adrian became something, he stayed with very sick from Parkinson’s it forever. That helps disease, with which he had explain his tremendous been diagnosed more than devotion to SAGE over a decade before. Yet he more than two decades. always rose above his ill - Adrian served on the ness, said his friend David SAGE board for over 10 Brandenberg. He contin - years, starting in the late ued to attend SAGE’s 75+ 1980s, including a stint as group and received tremen - board president. He was dous support and care from Top: SAGE honored Adrian at a membership meeting in 2004, and his family came to celebrate editor of SAGE’s newsletter his family, as well as lots of with him. Above: Adrian with close friends Howard Oboler (right) and Bob Gorman (left). for about two decades. He visitors. also worked as SAGE’s first and nephew, and his grand organization. He was a true gentleman in Former SAGE volunteer Drop-In host (with Jerre nieces and grand nephews. Even before his involve - every circumstance — coordinator Susan Levine Kalbas), was a vital part of But he didn’t come out to ment with SAGE, Adrian always courteous, support - and I visited Adrian a few the 75+ group, and carried them until after he became contributed his time and ive, and kind. months before he passed the SAGE banner for many involved with SAGE, when energy to helping others. I had the great honor of away. He was, as always, years at the GLBT Pride he appeared on the Sally During his work life, he working with Adrian for gracious and kind, even Parade. And I’m sure he did Jesse Raphael program with spent every Monday night several years when he was through the pain and infir - many other things I’ll a group of SAGE seniors in for 30 years volunteering editor of SAGE Matters mity he was experiencing. never know about, too the 1980s. with an organization called (and of the earlier “SAGE He was himself to the end many to count. Family members were Volunteers of the Shelter News & Events”). He host - — as concerned about us as Adrian was also an active very supportive when they to help pre-adolescents ed all of our editorial meet - we were about him. public representative for saw him on the show, and with reading problems. ings in his apartment and Adrian’s spirit lives on SAGE, speaking at hospi - this experience seemed to He was also dedicated to was always extraordinarily with all of us who had the tals, schools, senior centers, pave the way for him to the organization Caring welcoming. He was a vital great pleasure to know and conferences about the become more proud of his Community. And he was member of the committee, him. And his great works organization and his life as identity. He gave many proud of his service fight - dedicated to producing a live on in SAGE — the a gay senior. At SAGE- more years of service to ing on the front lines dur - publication that would organization that he loved sponsored events, Adrian SAGE and worked to ing the Second World War. inform SAGE members so much. ■ was often called on to improve life for GLBT seniors. Adrian worked in adver - about important news. He

matters The Newspaper on GLBT Aging PUBLISHER: Michael Adams. EDITOR IN CHIEF: Beth Kling. EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Liz Ferris, Mike Nadeau, Garrison Phillips, Trumbull Rogers, Tom Weber. DESIGNER: Ken Pfeifer. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Lawrence N. Chanen, Esq., Co-Chair • Judith E. Turkel, Esq., Co-Chair • Carol Garcia, Treasurer • Jon Nathanson, Secretary • Phillip A. Saperia, Member-at-Large • Peter Catenacci • Herbert I. Cohen, M.D. Brian C. Craig • Mark D’Alessio • Bonnie Edwards, Esq. • Beth Jones Joan Koenig • Howard D. Leifman, Ph.D. • Kate Morrison • Stacia Murphy • Richard E. Oceguera • Ralph Michael Randazzo, Esq. Cindy L. Schwartz • Frank Stark • Michael Adams, Executive Director. Published three times per year by SAGE, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders, 305 7th Avenue, NY, NY 10001. www.sageusa.org. [email protected]. SAGE is supported in part by the United Way, Department for the Aging, New York State Department of Health, and through the generosity of foundations, corporations, and individuals. ©SAGE 2007.

To learn more about SAGE, please call (212) 741-2247 or visit www.sageusa.org FALL 2007 matters 03 SAGE and NGLTF Look to the Future SAGE’s Michael Adams Talks with Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman

Advocating for LGBT made by early LGBT LGBT delegate to the But equally critical power in 2008. We think it seniors has been SAGE’s activists. You don’t turn conference and working was the Make Room for could have a positive work for almost 30 years, your back on these coura - closely with people of color All counter-summit we impact on policy, funding and is also a priority for geous leaders simply organizations around organized during the open - and research that concerns the National Gay and because they’re older. “diversity in aging.” We ing day of the WHCoA, and affects LGBT elders. Task Force. Now, The concerns of our were able to secure critical which brought together This includes possibly the two organizations are community don’t solely language and recognition the first historical partner - strengthening the Older looking for new ways to comprise issues affecting of our community in the ships among LGBT aging Americans Act so it protects work together to push for younger LGBT people — final WHCoA report. What groups and other underrep - more vulnerable seniors more progress. SAGE’s they also include people do you see as the most resented communities in (including LGBT seniors); Michael Adams and Task the aging world, including getting LGBT elder issues Force Executive Director women and communities included in federal research Matt Foreman recently of color. This work helped projects; possibly expand - discussed these issues. plant the seed for a more ing and modernizing the inclusive aging agenda, and original footprint of Social Michael Adams: SAGE we’re now starting to see Security, Medicaid and has been working for some progress on that front Medicare; and enlarging almost 30 years to ensure among mainstream aging the federal funding we can that seniors in our commu - organizations. bring into our communi - nity have the support and ties for work on LGBT the voice they need to get Michael Adams: At aging issues. older with dignity, and to Matt Foreman (left) has been executive director of the SAGE we’ve seen what a And finally, the Task keep on enjoying life to the Task Force since May 2003. He and Michael Adams difference it can make to Force knows that we will be fullest. We’ve faced a lot of (right), executive director of SAGE, discussed future have a Mayor or a working around the entire challenges in doing this collaborations between the Task Force and SAGE. Governor who is LGBT- question of universal work, especially when it friendly. It’s had an impact health care, which is so comes to resistance from on the availability of public critical to so many parts of the “mainstream” retire - who are middle aged and important progress we funds for programs for our communities, especial - ment world. elderly. The Task Force is made? LGBT seniors, and it’s ly our elders. But to be honest, it hasn’t dedicated to creating grass - Matt Foreman: Securing opened up doors so we can always been so easy to get roots power from the a place at the mainstream start to change public Michael Adams: SAGE the attention of other ground up — and that aging policy table and cre - policies that assume all held its first national LGBT organizations either. includes LGBT elders. ating policy opportunities seniors are straight. With a conference on LGBT aging But the Task Force is differ - for LGBT seniors are both potential change in issues in 1998, and our ent — for many years now Michael Adams: One of extremely important, and Administration coming in fourth national conference it’s shown a strong interest the most successful joint we had a bit of both at 2008, do you see opportu - is slated for 2008. Past con - in LGBT aging issues. Why efforts of SAGE and the WHCoA. nities for progress on feder - ferences have focused on a does the Task Force make Task Force in recent years We valued the opportuni - al policies affecting LGBT wide range of topics — aging issues a priority? was at the 2005 White ty to work closely with seniors? everything from social House Conference on SAGE to create and organ - work to activism to policy Matt Foreman: The Task Aging (WHCoA). ize the Diversity-in-Aging Matt Foreman: The Task advocacy. Force has always under - I think we accomplished Coalition, which fought to Force is excited at the pos- If the Task Force were to stood the critical impor - a lot — getting SAGE bring a range of issues to the sibilities we see federally if be one of SAGE’s partners tance of the contributions named as the first official 2005 WHCoA policy table. there’s a continued shift in in the next conference (we

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Remembering Willet Fields BY TOM WEBER

Willet Fields, the oldest active volunteer at SAGE, died on July 5 than any other person Willet was responsible for bridge coming to just short of his 93rd birthday. It’s telling that Willet died right after SAGE. And what a skillful and graceful dancer! It was wonderful the Fourth of July, because he was an authentic patriot who spent a watching him cut the rug at the SAGE socials and sweep his partner good portion of his life as a proud American military man. Willet around the dance floor. was drafted into the military in World War II, and then made a Willet had admirers on both coasts. In addition to his SAGE fam - career for himself there. ily in New York City, Willet was much beloved by his family of ori - But Willet was also very proud of being gay. He found no contra - gin, who live in California. Every year they flew Willet out to see diction in those two identities. Instead, he was a proud and out gay them, and he would come back brandishing many photos and sto - World War II vet — every year he marched in both the ries. For his 90th birthday, they threw him a huge bash, which he Parade and the Veteran’s Day Parade. talked about for months. But those of us at SAGE know Willet first and foremost as our every At SAGE we will remember Willet above all else as our good friend other Tuesday Drop-In host, where he could always be counted on — sweet-tempered (though he knew how to get mad when it was to make the coffee and buy the cookies. In fact, many Drop-In com - called for), gregarious, kind, generous, and fun-loving. Willet cared munity meetings were punctuated right in the middle by Willet’s deeply about SAGE and we cared just as deeply about him. All of us declaration of “Last call for coffee!” who had the pleasure of knowing Willet are richer for it. ■ We also knew Willet as a passionate bridge player. In fact, more 04 matters FALL 2007

First GLBT Feature-Length Documentary Shocked 1970s Audiences Thirtieth Anniversary DVD Slated for 2008 Release

BY LIZ FERRIS

In 1977 when it opened & Television Archive and and acceptance. the show and her career as 16 of the original partici - in theaters across the coun - will be shown at public Although the participants an actress and storyteller pants have been located. try, the documentary events and theater festivals are not named or identified was launched. In the 1970s Those re-interviewed were “Word is Out” was consid - in Los Angeles and San as to occupation or where and 1980s, she performed asked three questions: ered radical and even Francisco. they live, they clearly repre - her four one-woman shows Why did you agree to be in shocking. Here on screen After that, the film’s long - sent a cross-section of in small theaters, colleges the film? How did you were real men and women time distributor, New American life. Surprisingly, and universities across the experience seeing the film? openly declaring their Yorker Films, will make it some of them at the time country. She was the first Were there any conse - and talking available internationally. didn’t realize the film lesbian performer that quences to being in “Word about being gay or lesbian The DVD will include new would be shown at theaters many young gay people is Out” for you? It has not or cross-dressing in a interviews with members or on television, suddenly saw.” been decided if they will be homophobic world. The of the original cast and finding themselves “outed” A young Hispanic les - identified by name. gay rights movement was crew and will pay homage in a very public way. bian, nervously perched on “Will the film still res - just taking hold in the to Peter Adair, the producer Some faces will be recog - the edge of a bed with her onate in 2008?” Veronica 1970s and a film like this, of “Word is Out” who died nizable. The late gay partner, displays an amaz - Selver wonders. “Will peo - showing perfectly ordinary of AIDS in 1996. activist Harry Hay, founder ing amount of wisdom ple today be able to appre - people speaking out about The documentary profiles of the Mattachine Society, about life and relation - ciate the impact it had thir - their lives, had never been 26 men and women in sits reminiscing under a ships. A middle-class white ty years ago?” Or in a time seen before. It gave the simple sit-down interviews. tree with his lover. Pat woman in her twenties when gay marriage is an movement a needed shot This is not fancy film- Bond talks about her expe - describes her unhappy ongoing subject of national in the arm. making by today’s stan - riences in the army, surviv - high school years as a debate, even legalized in A new 30th Anniversary dards, although producer ing the witch hunts, being cheerleader and straight A Massachusetts, will these Commemorative DVD of Veronica Selver says, “It a femme in the butch/ student. We meet Achebe 26 simply-told stories from “Word is Out” is planned was deceptively complicat - femme era bar raids and, in (Betty) Powell and feminist 1977 seem merely quaint? for distribution early in ed” to make. The partici - spite of everything, her activist Sally Gearhart, and Only time will tell. 2008. Also, the original pants are all ages, black and feelings of nostalgia for many others in this very negative is being restored white, Hispanic and Asian, those days. moving film. For more information, see and re-mastered as part of and they tell their stories of According to An exciting bonus of the www.wordisoutmovie.com, the Legacy Project for LGBT fear, frustration, discrimi - www.patbondaward.com/ DVD will be its new inter - where you can also add your Film Preservation by nation, and the long bio.html, “Pat’s perform - views. At the time of this own story to the “Word is Outfest and the UCLA Film hard road to self-discovery ance in this film . . . stole writing in mid-2007, about Out” blog. ■

When and How Did You Come Out? SAGE members, volunteers, and friends recently told their stories in honor of National Coming Out Day, which is celebrated October 11.

Gary Payne Carol Demech Connie Kopelov Albert Mcgrigor Jan Martinez Back when I was going I was 25 years old and it First I had to come out to I didn’t have to come I came out in 1961, to school, I didn’t even was in 1972. I was living myself, and that was a little out. I don’t come from an when I was about 26 years know what gay or homo - with but dating a late. It was about half a environment in which I old. I left home (Chicago) sexual was. I just knew man. After he and I broke century ago. It was dif- was ever threatened for and went to Philadelphia that I was different. I had up, one of their friends ficult because then there being myself. I think I and I met a lot of people a couple one night stands asked me out. So I were no organizations. always knew I was gay, that would come over to and decided what the thought, “Why not?” I There was certainly no and I was encouraged to New York to party. I just story was, and then went was a hippie, I’d try just SAGE. Until SAGE came flourish as myself. So I’m discovered that I wanted to New York and met about anything. So I start - along, I kind of stumbled one of those few lucky to be gay all the way. Dick. I came from upstate ed dating this woman. I around trying to find a ones who never had to Before that, I was hiding, New York — Niagara Falls. still went out with men community and then face the coming out but in 1962 I moved to That’s why I came to New for about five years, SAGE appeared. Of course, experience. New York. When I came York City. I figured it was women and men, and I wasn’t exactly old then, here, I played on the the only place for me. then finally I said, but there were many women’s softball league. I (Gary and Dick have been “That’s it.” young people at SAGE met a lot of women. That’s together for 50 years.) and I joined. That was a where you meet them. wonderful, supportive, happy thing. FALL 2007 matters 05

SAGE Members Advocate for GLBT Issues

Recently, SAGE members and staff participated in Senior Advocacy Day, joining Dan Tietz of ACRIA and Glen Francis of GRIOT Circle, pictured far right. The annual event provides an opportunity for advocates to lobby before the New York City Council for funding initiatives to benefit seniors. This year, their efforts really paid off! The City Council passed an initiative sponsored by Council Member Maria Del Carmen Arroyo that provides $1 million in funding to help address the growing rate of HIV among people over 50.

In addition, a band of SAGE members joined SAGE staffers to travel to the New York State capital for the annual Equality and Justice Day, sponsored by Empire State Pride Agenda. The event gathers advocates from all over the state, who meet with Senate and Assembly members in Albany to talk about legislation protecting the rights of GLBT people.

Photos by Tom Weber

Losing a Lover: A Self-Interview BY LESTER STRONG

On November 9, 2006, my partner of me realize that “my life” is not the same thirty years, Ted Rauch, died at St. Luke’s thing as “our life,” that I have to rechart a hospital in Manhattan, from complications social life based on my needs alone. But I’m of pneumonia and septic shock. At age 72, not always sure what my needs alone are. Ted was twelve years older than me, and we always assumed he would go first. But Question: Have you kept in touch with nothing prepares you for the pain of seeing friends and family? someone you love being hospitalized with a seemingly curable infection only to die a Answer: Yes. And they’ve kept in touch week later from complications no amount with me. I feel very fortunate to have the of intensive care is able to cope with. Lester (right), with his partner Ted in 1982. friends and family I do — including Ted’s What do you say when you lose a lover? family. People phone me regularly, and As a writer, I’m usually not at a loss for words. On this topic, however, those in New York invite me to dinner, movies, plays, and museums, for it’s easier to cry than to speak. What I offer here is an extremely walks and other outings. condensed version of an inner dialogue I’ve held with myself over the Those out of town have visited me, and have invited me to visit them. months since the loss of Ted. This has spanned . Ted and I were totally open about our relationship, and everyone in our lives clearly appreciates the fact Question: What was the hardest thing about Ted’s death? that I’ve lost a spouse with whom I lived happily for most of my adult life. I’ve made some new friends, too. SAGE, for example, sponsors a Gay Answer: The anguished week watching him lie unconscious at the Widowers Support Group twice a month, where I’ve met some very hospital, knowing there was nothing I could do to affect the outcome. interesting people. I’ve also joined a Bereavement Group run by SAGE.

Question: It sounds like you expected him to die. Question: How has the SAGE Bereavement Group helped?

Answer: After the first day or so when he was in intensive care, I did - Answer: It’s hard being a widower, and not easy exploring feelings of n’t hold out much hope. Ted was always a fighter. He had heart problems loss and loneliness. I feel like a vital part of my life has been severed, and for many years, undergoing two triple bypass operations, a mitral valve the bereavement group is helping me examine what’s left. It’s not a fun replacement, and the implantation of a pacemaker. Each time he activity. Still, it feels very necessary. bounced back. During his last illness, there was no bounce. In recent months, I’m reacting to my loss differently, and have started In ICU they kept him unconscious to deal with the discomfort of the exploring my life again as something I want to participate in. I’m sure breathing tube he needed to keep him alive. The first day he was there, this is related to being part of a group whose members have suffered the I squeezed his hand and told him I loved him, and I felt a faint squeeze same kind of loss I have, and where I don’t have to feel embarrassed back. I did the same thing on the following days, but there were no more about sharing my pain, my struggle to readjust, and my hesitations squeezes back. It was hard to believe he was in the land of the about starting a new life without Ted. living anymore. It’s curious. I expected to be the only gay man in the group whose part - ner didn’t die of AIDS. Instead none of our partners had AIDS. It’s sur - Question: What was your biggest challenge after Ted’s death? prising to learn just how many ways can die these days aside from AIDS. Answer: Coping with his absence. Suddenly it wasn’t “we” or “our apartment.” It was “I” and “my apartment.” I still don’t feel comfortable Question: So what do you say when you lose a lover? saying “my apartment.” Instead I usually opt for “the apartment” or “this apartment.” Answer: You have to write the script of your life anew. And after It’s also difficult coming home alone at night to an empty apartment. thirty years, that’s no easy task. Usually I leave a light on so it looks cheerier when I come in the door. And it’s been hard to reestablish connections with restaurants, movie Lester Strong is a writer and visual artist. He’s a regular contributor to theaters, and other places Ted and I enjoyed going to together. It’s made Out magazine, A&U, and The Gay & Lesbian Review. ■ 06 matters FALL 2007

at SAGE Celebrating

The GLBT , the Harlem Pride Party, the Fire Island Pines Event, and the Cherry Grove Celebration were just some of the opportunities available for SAGE members and supporters to Cherry Grove gather over the summer months.

Pride

Cherry Grove Pride Harlem Pride

Pines Event

Pride

Pines Event Pines Event FALL 2007 matters 07 SAGE Offers Services for Aging GLBTs

SAGE is the oldest and largest organization in the country Through direct services and a wide variety of enriching, dedicated to meeting the needs of GLBT people as they get life-enhancing programs, SAGE is creating a better aging older. SAGE provides dozens of activities, groups, and experience for GLBT seniors in New York City. Through programs to ensure the voices of GLBT older people are education and advocacy, SAGE is contributing to a better heard and to encourage GLBT seniors to connect with each future for older GLBT people throughout the United States. other and the community.

Support Groups Meetings Drop-In Parties Women’s Programming SAGE Communities Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Monthly HEAT (Harlem Elders Gay Pride Activities Women’s Dances SAGE Harlem NORC Group Advocating for Themselves) Holiday Parties Women’s HIV+ 50+ Support (Naturally Occurring SAGE Positive HIV 50+ Meetings SAGERCIZE Group – Harlem Retirement Community) Support Upper West Side Scrabble & Bridge Women’s Monthly Birthday Monthly HEAT (Harlem Elders Bereavement Group Programming Planning Socials Party Advocating for Themselves) Caregiver Support Group Meetings Walks Women’s Music Salon Meetings Friendship Circle Women’s Monthly Birthday Women: Our Spiritual Social Activities Gay Widowers Support Group Art & Cultural Programs Party Journeys Informational Presentations Men’s Coming Out Acting Class Women’s Dances Women’s Parties Information & Referral MS Support Group Art Studio Women’s Parties Women’s Support Group HIV Services Older Than Springtime - Booklovers’ Discussion Group Wonderful Wednesdays Men’s Support Group Book Readings Helping Services Clinical/Counseling Women’s Coming Out Group Creative Writing Workshop Benefits Counseling Services Uptown SAGE Neighbors Women’s Support Group Discounted Theatre Tickets Friendly Visitors Case Management Monthly Socialization Morning at the Opera Legal Clinic Individual Counseling Programming Discussion Groups Movies Lend-a-Hand HIV Related Counseling Conscious Creative Aging Women’s Music Salon Group Counseling Education & Advocacy Life Issues: Beyond Retirement Informational Benefits Counseling National Conference on Men 40+ Rap Social Activities Programming Legal Counseling Aging on GLBT Community Men 50+ Rap Brunch Bunch Health and Wellness Walk-In Social Services Clinic HIV and Aging Advocacy Senior Elders: 75+ Support Bus Trips Presentations Help Finding a Safe & SAGEConnect Tuesday Daytime Discussion Dating & Relationship Heritage and History Friendly Long-Term Care SAGE Curriculum: Women: Our Spiritual Journeys Workshops Presentations Facility “No Need to Fear, Daily Drop-In Center Legal Issues Presentations Help Finding Homecare No Need to Hide” Community Meetings Drop-In Monthly Birthday Money & Finance SAGE Matters Newspaper Monthly Drop-In Community Party Presentations Website www.sageusa.org

Services for Caregivers Do They Have That at SAGE? Respite Services Caregiver Support Group Services You May Not Know SAGE Offers to GLBT Elders Financial Assistance for Caregiving Needs Does SAGE offer Does SAGE have group Subsidized Home Care services for Spanish- support for older GLBTs? Subsidized Adult Day Services speaking people? Yes, SAGE offers several SAGE Positive Programming HIV Counseling Yes, SAGE Social Worker support groups for older HIV 50+ Men’s Support Emily Vargas provides clin - GLBT men and women. Groups – SAGE at the Center ical services in Spanish. Senior Social Worker HIV 50+ Men’s Support Emily works with GLBT John Genke facilitates a Group – Harlem elders who are bilingual or group called “Older HIV 50+ Women’s Support exclusively Spanish-speak - than Springtime,” which Group – Harlem ing to link them to enables older gay men to HIV Testing w/GMHC – resources and to advocate for needed services and entitle - support one another in leading positive, meaningful lives Harlem ments. She makes home visits and provides counseling as they age. John also facilitates one of SAGE’s HIV peer HIV Prevention & Education – in Spanish. Emily also refers Spanish-speaking clients to support groups for older men. Group members help one Harlem SAGE’s Harlem HEAT program, which offers bilingual another to address the difficulties of aging with HIV as socialization and advocacy opportunities. SAGE’s website they work to enhance quality of life. Volunteer Services (www.sageusa.org) is also accessible in Spanish. “In addition to helping members deal with relevant Friendly Visitor Trainings & issues, SAGE support groups give them a sense of belong - Support Meetings ¿Ofrece SAGE servicios para personas que hablan ing and often help them find a new voice,” says John. Monthly Volunteer Español? “And these groups give people a chance to have fun and Orientation laugh with each other.” Si, Emily Vargas es una trabajadora social en SAGE que SAGE also offers support groups for people coming out prove servicios clinicos en español. Emily trabaja con la later in life, and support groups specifically for women. clientela que es bilingue o que exclusivamente habla español. Ella sirve de guia y coneción para poder abogar por servicios que nuestra clientela necesite y tambien para programas/servicios de la tercera edad. Además, Emily refiere a nuestros clientes bilingues a nuestro For information about all SAGE services, programa de SAGE Harlem HEAT. Harlem HEAT ofrece please call the SAGE office at (212) 741-2247. programas para oportunidades de socialización y abogacia. Para más información por favor visite nuestro sitio en la red a www.sageusa.org, haga click “En Español.” 08 matters FALL 2007

GLBT ELDERS AROUND THE COUNTRY Azteca Project Reaches Out to Senior GLBT Latinos in San Diego

BY BETH KLING

“I don’t want people to transportation, discounts that it’s okay to address the understanding of where centers and nursing homes think if they’re gay, if on medicine or food, places caller as gay. He says he they are coming from,” about the need to offer a they’re senior, and if to volunteer, nutrition cen - understands many elder explains Acosta. welcoming space for Latino they’re Latino, it’s like the ters, and housing. Latino GLBTs need to Yet increasingly, he says, GLBT seniors. three strikes law — that Acosta faces formidable maintain the appearance of more GLBT seniors are Still, the effort to improve they’re doomed,” says obstacles in reaching the even when acknowledging their life for San Diego’s senior John Acosta, invoking people he is trying to help talking to him. sexuality after their kids gay Latinos is hampered by California’s draconian life because a cultural stigma “People call me, and they grow up and leave the the persistent lack of servic - imprisonment law for against homosexuality in say they have a friend. So I house. And in some cases, es specifically designed to three-time offenders to dra - Latino communities still tell them, ‘This is what you grown children approach meet their needs. There matic effect. keeps many people closet - need to tell your friend.’ him for help because they exist neither senior centers Acosta is working to ed and fearful of accessing Even though we both believe one of their parents nor social venues that improve life for Latino services. For a time, the know what we’re talking may be gay. openly welcome this popu - GLBT elders in San Diego Azteca Project tried to hold about, I try to have an Acosta’s choice of the lation. Azteca Project’s through the Azteca Project, name Azteca Project is con - long-term goal is to estab - a clearinghouse that pro - sistent with the sense of lish a gay Latino senior vides education, informa - confidentiality and discre - center where seniors can go tion, and support in both tion he feels he must main - for socialization, support, Spanish and English to a tain to reach his target pop - and services. population that is often ulation. “Azteca” doesn’t In the meantime, Acosta isolated and closeted indicate lesbian, gay, bisex - continues his work to because of cultural stigma ual, or identi - create spaces within exist - and a lack of culturally sen - ty; it is an indigenous ing gay and senior venues sitive services. Mexican name that is nei - to welcome Latino GLBT Acosta started the Azteca ther male nor . A elders. One noteworthy Project in 2003 after his large percentage of the accomplishment is his work in the community Latino population in San creation of a rest area for made it clear that senior Diego is Mexican or seniors along the route of gay Latinos are grossly Mexican-American. the San Diego Pride Parade, underserved in San Diego, Acosta works hard to let offering couches, coffee, where the Latino popula - people know about the and information for the tion is over 25 percent and Azteca Project, providing population. In addition to growing. Senior centers for All Azteca Project services are free of charge to anyone workshops at senior centers providing an excellent Spanish-speaking people who needs them. You do not have to be Senior, GLBT, and distributing fliers at amenity, this has proven to are designed for the hetero - or Latino to receive assistance or information. health fairs, telling people be a great opportunity to sexual community and to pass his phone number advertise Azteca services. more often than not are http://aztecaproject.org on to anyone they know “I always get a lot of calls not gay-friendly. And the http://[email protected] who might be GLBT and in at the end of July and few services that exist for (619) 426-6736 need of help. He is also August,” says Acosta, “after senior GLBTs in San Diego Azteca Project working to educate staff at San Diego Pride.” ■ are not offered in Spanish. P.O. Box 7678 mainstream day care To make matters worse, Chula Vista California 91912 services available to gay Latinos tend to ignore the meetings at the GLBT cen - existence of older people. ter in San Diego, but people “A lot of advertising refused to go there for fear about AIDS prevention and they would be seen enter - other things is focused on ing or leaving the facility youth. You see pictures in and would thereby be iden - safe sex ads and there are tified as gay. no seniors in them,” says “They’re really sensitive remember sage Acosta, who points out that because of the machismo, older GLBTs are just like the culture, the religion,” in your will anybody else — still at risk says Acosta. “Most of the because of unsafe sexual Latino community is practices. Catholic, and they think if Part of Acosta’s mission is they’re gay or homosexual to educate them about the they will go to hell.”  need to protect themselves, Periodically, Acosta will and to connect them with meet one-on-one with a clinics and other services person at a mainstream For more information, providing HIV testing, senior center or in a coffee call Alan Francisco-Tipgos at (212) 741-0381 treatment and safe sex shop, but most of the assis - materials. The Azteca tance he provides is over the Project also offers informa - phone or through e-mail. tion about other health, Even over the phone, economic, and quality of Acosta uses a discrete life services, including approach, not assuming FALL 2007 matters 09

INTERNET NEWS High-Speed Internet Service Beneficial for Seniors SAGE Volunteer Advocates for More Affordable Access

BY GARRISON PHILLIPS Last May, I was asked to to seniors in order to close medical community now building of the web site might collaborate so that testify before the New York the “digital divide.” informs us. “Senior Planet.” GLBT seniors have the City Broadband Advisory There is a worldwide Lester Johnson, another Because of my volunteer opportunity to get special Committee and several effort to provide affordable OATS volunteer, was also work with SAGE I was able training in how to effec - members of the New York broadband, or high-speed asked to testify. He spoke to refer to the SAGE web tively navigate the Internet. City Council about the connection to the Internet, of his need for employ - site and call attention to I’m excited that these two need for affordable broad - and seniors are one of the ment to supplement his the many seniors who use very important organiza - band Internet access. groups who could benefit retirement income, how the SAGE Drop-In room at tions are joining forces, and The hearing was held at from gaining access to this helpful OATS has been in the New York City LGBT was thrilled to represent Brooklyn Borough Hall and service teaching him computers, Community Center and both SAGE and OATS was sponsored by City As Tom Kamber, execu - and how he can now use the services SAGE provides before the New York City Council Member Gale A. tive director of OATs, the Internet to search for to the senior community. I Council. Stay tuned for Brewer, Chairperson of the explained at the hearing, work. also tried to educate New more news about how Committee on Technology the Internet can offer sen - I was able to speak as a York City Council members SAGE and OATS will work in Government and long- iors increased opportunities volunteer for both OATS by providing them with together to close the time supporter of SAGE. I for communication with and SAGE. I first heard statistics on the limited “digital divide” for GLBT represented both SAGE and family and friends, shop - about OATS in the SAGE retirement income of many seniors. ■ OATS (Older Adults ping, research, and access Matters newspaper. Since of SAGE members. Technology Services, Inc.), to games which serve not then, I have taken two of OATS and SAGE are cur - an organization that pro - only as entertainment but the OATS training courses rently exploring ways that vides technology training as brain exercise, or so the and now help with the the two organizations Web Sites of Interest

What is a Blog? www.seniorplanet.org Online Journal Writing that Encourages Feedback Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) has recently launched a new web site which they call a “digital com - BY MIKE NADEAU munity for older adults.” Still in its early stages, Traditionally, journal keeping was a private, solitary endeavor between a writer www.seniorplanet.org, offers a Resource Exchange listing, and his or her notebook. In the age of the Internet, however, keeping a diary an Events Calendar, and a link to blogs written by seniors. has become a more public activity. Blogs, or web logs as they were originally The Resource Exchange provides access to a wide vari - known, have become a widely used forum for expression and communication ety of web sites of interest. Visitors can browse the sites about a variety of interests and activities, from politics to personal matters. alphabetically, by category (e.g., employment, health, When they first appeared, blogs were nothing more than web pages with links and travel) or by location. The travel category, for exam - to other sites for Internet users to visit. Before long, the link gathering phe - ple, includes a link to the Elder Hostel web site, nomenon evolved into personal journal keeping with bloggers publishing their www.elderhostel.org, where users can find information private thoughts and musings for others to comment on. Unlike traditional about more than 8,000 different worldwide educational journal writers, bloggers encourage feedback, often providing links for readers to travel programs for senior adults. leave comments that can then be read (and further commented on) by other The Events Calendar page offers information on activi - blog readers. ties throughout the boroughs of New York City. The Many blogs provide news or political commentary that isn’t covered in the Senior Blogs section provides a forum for users to mainstream media. In the early days, several blog writers came under fire by exchange ideas and opinions on a wide range of topics. established journalists, who regarded them as irresponsible correspondents with The site currently contains two new blogs, Shop Talk, and no accountability. In recent times, however, these views are changing and some Everyday Strolls, edited by SAGE Matters contributing blogs are earning a reputation as reliable sources for information. writer Garrison Phillips. In a recent post on Everyday You can search for blogs on topics of interest by using blogsearch.google.com. Strolls, Garrison ponders the significance of the number While everybody’s tastes are different, and no blog is for everybody, some of the seven in mythology and literature. following blogs might be worth a look. (Also, see page 11 for a review of blog - Senior Planet is sponsored by JC Morgan Chase and ger Wayne Besen’s book, Bashing Back.) encourages ideas, entries, and comments. www.MyPartTimePRO.com www.pamshouseblend.com has been honored for the past two years as Best Retirement does not always mean the end of employ - LGBT Blog by the Weblog Awards. It is written by Pam Spaulding, who lives ment. Many retirees are drawn back into the job market with her wife in North Carolina and spends considerable time in New York City. in order to supplement their retirement income and want The blog describes itself as being “focused on current political events, LGBT and to find work that is interesting yet flexible enough to allow women’s rights, the influence of the far right, and race relations.” for the leisure time they looked forward to in retirement. www.designerblog.blogspot.com is written by a blogger named Will, a the - Philadelphia based entrepreneur Ilyse Shapiro recog - atrical designer who until recently was living in Massachusetts with his husband nized this growing market and created the web site and working as an arts administrator at MIT. Will’s posts give an inside view of www.MyPartTimePRO.com. The site is designed to help his activities, including building a retirement home with his husband in New retired, educated career veterans identify “meaningful Hampshire. and legitimate” part-time job opportunities. In addition to part-time and seasonal jobs in the New www.senior-living-tips.com/blog offers postings on a wide range of topics York City area, telecommuting jobs, or “virtual” job including retirement, travel, and dating. The blog provides links to articles of opportunities, may also be found on the site. interest posted on other web sites including a recent gay.com story about the Registration is not required to search jobs. Shapiro is Barbary Lane Senior Community, the first private senior housing development planning to expand the web site to include nationwide for GLBT people in Oakland, California. ■ employment opportunities later this year. — Mike Nadeau 10 matters FALL 2007

Professor Marjorie Cantor: Renowned Researcher in Field of Aging Recent Work Focuses on Caregiving in the GLBT Community and HIV Among Older Adults

BY GARRISON PHILLIPS

When SAGE needed working), and even the Men’s Health Crisis, notes Economics at Harvard statistical figures on aging transportation difficulties that this study has pro - University. She has two in the Senior GLBT elders face. duced dozens of articles children, a daughter who is Community, we turned to Professor Cantor’s work and book chapters and Chancellor of Syracuse Dr. Marjorie Cantor, in the GLBT community continues to be relied on as University and a son who is Professor Emerita and began almost a decade ago an important resource to a prominent real estate Brookdale Distinguished with a request from SAGE this day. broker in New York City. Scholar of the Graduate to gather research and Professor Cantor has Professor Cantor's honors School of Social Service information about GLBT also conducted extensive and awards are countless. of Fordham University. seniors — this data had research on AIDS and the For example, she was a She is also scholar in resi - never been collected or pre - elderly with the AIDS 1989 recipient of the presti - dence at The Lighthouse Professor Marjorie Cantor sented prior to that time. Community Research gious Donald P. Kent Award International and past pres - (left) with City Council Her involvement grew Initiative of America – The Gerontological ident of the Gerontological Member Maria del Carmen when she served as an advi - (ACRIA), serving as chair of Society of America; was Society of America. Arroyo, chair of the sor for SAGE’s first National an advisory committee to named Senior Fellow at the Professor Cantor is an Aging Committee. Conference on GLBT Aging produce the enlightening Brookdale Foundation; and internationally recognized in 1998. Professor Cantor “Research on Older Adults was recognized by both the leader in the field of aging conference held once every also participated in SAGE’s with HIV” (ROAH). City of New York and the and has published over 70 decade. 2004 national conference. Published in 2006, New York State Society on articles, books, chapters Co-author (with Mark That year her research on ROAH is a comprehensive Aging with the Walter M. and papers which have Brennan) of the book, over 400 seniors in the research study of almost Beattie, Jr. Award for been presented both here Social Care of the Elderly: The GLBT community was pub - 1,000 people over the age Distinguished Service in and abroad. She has visited Effects of Ethnicity, Class and lished in the study, of 50 living with HIV in Aging. China on two occasions as Culture, Professor Cantor “Caregiving Among Older New York City. According And of course, her pio - an invited participant at has reported extensively, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and to Steve Karpiak of ACRIA, neering work on GLBT sen - the International Forum on and been widely published, Transgender New Yorkers,” Professor Cantor’s work iors has made Professor Aging hosted by the on aging issues in the inner which she co-authored among seniors with HIV has Cantor a hero to SAGE. Chinese Government in city, including matters with Mark Brennan and R. had worldwide impact Remarkable achievements, Beijing. affecting black and Andrew Shippy. The report through exposure in the all, and she is still going Participating in both the Hispanic populations. was sponsored by the radio, television, and print strong at the age of 85! ■ 1980 and 1995 White Her work covers a wide NGLTF Policy Institute, media. House Conferences on range of aging issues, along with the Pride Senior Professor Cantor graduat - This article is part of our Aging, Professor Cantor including housing, Network and Fordham ed from Hunter College, occasional series about joined hundreds of dele - caregiving, finances, University Graduate School received a Masters Degree gates from around the family concerns (e.g., of Social Science. Sean in Psychology from Teachers individuals who have made country to influence grandmothers raising chil - Cahill, managing director College, Columbia University significant contributions to federal aging policy at a dren because parents are for public policy of Gay and did graduate work in the GLBT community.

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Plus, signing up is quick and easy — just call (800) 333-1795 or sign up online at www.GoDirect.org documents you will need to protect Direct deposit eliminates the risk of stolen checks and forgeries and helps protect sen - iors from identity theft. It also gives you more control over your money. Furthermore, your healthcare and legacy. direct deposit provides you with immediate access to your money from virtually everywhere, which can be vitally important in the case of a natural disaster or a major life change. Call 212-741-2247. Direct deposit also saves taxpayers millions of dollars. If every person who gets feder - al benefit checks in New York were to switch to direct deposit, it would save taxpayers more than $5 million dollars a year. Almost all the money saved remains in the Social Security Trust Fund — a benefit to all Americans for years to come. If you or those close to you are still receiving Social Security or other federal benefits by check, SAGE urges you to look into switching to the safest, easiest option — direct deposit — today! Go Direct! ■ FALL 2007 matters 11

BOOK REVIEWS Conversation with NGLTF

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 American Psychiatry and Homosexuality: An Oral History hope you will!), what are some of the things you would Jack Drescher, M.D. and Joseph P. Merlino, Editors like the program to focus on? 299 Pages, Harrington Park Press, 2007 Matt Foreman: The SAGE conference is one of a kind The title of Michael Moore’s latest documentary — and we look forward to being a partner in that event. We “Sicko” — could serve as the focal point of departure know that SAGE is doing some of the most important for this collection of profiles and interviews. The HIV/AIDS work anywhere and that is an area that the dividing line for pre-and post-“sicko” is December 15, Task Force feels strongly about. Too often these days there 1973, the date when the Board of Trustees of the is a separation between AIDS work and LGBT work. The American Psychiatric Association voted to remove Task Force wants to help rebuild a bridge between groups homosexuality from its official listing of mental disor - and organizations that connect HIV/AIDS and LGBT concerns. ders. No longer was homosexuality considered an “antisocial disorder” and a As a national LGBT advocacy and political organiza - “perversion” requiring the healing of psychiatrists and psychoanalysts. tion, we will also look forward to strengthening links This collection of individual profiles and interviews (17 in all) highlights the across LGBT aging organizations and programs and painful and often threateningly frightening pre-“sicko” experiences of those seek - increasing coordination of the work, with SAGE in a lead - ing to enter the psychiatric and analytic professions and who were forced to hide ing role. The conference is an opportunity to identify or deny their true sexual identities in the process. And it also charts new oppor - some places where we can make real progress if we set tunities and directions for psychiatry as a result of post-“sicko” realities. smart priorities. Here you will find profiles in fear, courage and ingenuity. You will meet the first gay psychiatrist to address a gathering of the American Psychiatric Association in Michael Adams: As the oldest and largest organization 1972, wearing a fright wig, an oversized mask and too large tuxedo, and billing in the country dedicated to serving and advocating for himself as Dr. H. Anonymous (actually Dr. John E. Fryer). You will learn the iden - LGBT seniors, SAGE has tried to share information to tity of the Roman Catholic prelate whose televised diatribe against psychiatry help other organizations serve older in their com - nearly scuttled the construction of St. Vincent’s Hospital’s Reiss Pavilion. And munities — we’ll be stepping up that work in the year you will be both reminded and informed concerning how it used to be not so ahead. We’ve also done our best to help organizations long ago. across the country connect around LGBT aging issues. A cautionary note: the plethora of abbreviations for psychiatric organizations, But we agree there’s still a lot more that needs to be done journals, caucuses, and titles sometimes leaves the reader feeling like he or she is to build a national network of LGBT aging organizations drowning in a vat of alphabet soup. But it is worth taking the plunge for the and advocates. Would such a network be helpful when it overall nourishment you will receive. comes to federal policy advocacy or national politics? — James R. McGraw Matt Foreman: Absolutely — the old adage that ‘all pol - Bashing Back itics is local’ is absolutely true. Most elected officials have Wayne Besen never thought about the needs of LGBT elders, and I’m 207 pages, Harrington Park Press, 2007 sure we would find many sympathetic ears. The chal - lenge is coordinating educational and other efforts In his oral history interview, Dr. Charles Silverstein toward a common goal, such as changing federal policy. described his personal experience as And, that’s exactly where an effective aging network follows: “That I am not going to be cowered by the could come in. bullies out there, whether it is society, the law, Former SAGE staffer Amber Hollibaugh has helped us religion, or the psychiatric profession. . . I’m going to convene the National LGBT Aging Roundtable to bring wallop the bastards in the face.” Wayne Besen is together LGBT aging advocates from around the country pursuing a similar project against the same targets! to compare and coordinate their activities and identify Bashing Back is a collection of 73 Besen columns shared national priorities. We’re looking forward to from PlanetOut.com, Gay.com, and the Washington Blade targeting a full range of strengthening the roundtable with SAGE as a key partner. cultural and political opponents of GLBT people and progress. Besen believes that “equality for gay men and women is the civil rights issue of the new mil - Michael Adams: At SAGE, we love the idea of working lennium. . . In essence, gay rights are the canary in the coal mine for freedom and closely with the Task Force. It’s such a natural partner - prosperity. Unfortunately, the bird is hacking, signaling a period of increased ship. SAGE has the expertise that comes from almost 30 oppression and a dangerous erosion of freedom. It is up to us to rescue this years of serving and advocating for LGBT seniors. And nation from the hazardous, retrograde path it is now on.” we’ve learned a lot about local and state advocacy. But With grit and wit Wayne Besen pursues his rescue operation, tossing his most we don’t know the ins and outs of D.C. politics and pointed barbs toward frauds and hypocrites in both church and state. Besen federal policy advocacy, and organizing and capacity- admits to having “little faith in most organized religion. It tends to have unde - building aren’t our core competencies. What kind of sirable side effects such as Crusades, Inquisitions, witch burnings, and the elec - opportunities do you see for SAGE and the Task Force to tion of George W. Bush.” “Conservatism,” Besen writes, “is no longer a mantra, work together and complement each other? but a mask, hiding hypocrites and concealing closets. . . Glance at who is running the GOP and it looks like a Harvey Fierstein cocktail party.” Matt Foreman: The Task Force also sees our working Besen also takes aim at the pious who continue to insist that homosexuality is closely together as an extraordinary opportunity. We’re pure choice and the “ex-gay” advocates who insist sexual change is as possible as excited about the possibilities, including working togeth - it is desirable. Citing Swedish scientific studies of the hypothalamus portion of er with SAGE to develop more LGBT aging work at our the brain, Besen concludes, “Now that it appears that sexual orientation is bio - Creating Change Conference (February 2008) and getting logical and connected to smell, it is time that opponents of equality acknowledge help from SAGE to create the new edition of “Outing that their oppressive behavior stinks. And to those who try to challenge gays to Age,” a groundbreaking report on LGBT aging issues go straight: Give it up and stop wasting your time. You can’t pray away a produced a few years ago by our Policy Institute. God-given brain. But you can start using it.” SAGE comes to this partnership with an extraordinary There’s much, much more in Bashing Back, and much knowledge and — indeed, unsurpassed — record in service delivery and inspiration to be garnered from reading it. expertise. We bring hard core grassroots organizing expe - — James R. McGraw rience and expertise in the D.C. world of funding and federal policy. Working together we can make great things happen! ■ matters FALL 2007 Faces of SAGE

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