THE MA GAZINE OF SERVICES & ADVOCA CY FOR G LBT E LD ERS

SPRING 2014 SAG E’S CommitmEnt to DivErSity AnD inCluSion thE lAtESt nEwS from D.C. SAGE ADviCE StArt En D-of-l ifE PlAnninG EArly MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SAGEMatters is the triannual magazine It’s hard to believe that we’re already more than halfway of Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders through the first year in SAGE’s new 3-year strategic plan! (SAGE), the country’s largest and oldest nonprofit agency dedicated to serving Our strategic blueprint outlines an exciting and ambitious LGBT older people. Our mission is to agenda to continue transforming the aging experience for take the lead in addressing issues millions of LGBT older peopl e—from forming new strategic alliances that can rapidly related to , , bisexual and advance an LGBT aging policy agenda, to replicating the best practices in LGBT (LGBT) aging. In partnership with its constituents and allies, SAGE aging to improve the experiences of LGBT elders nationwid e— and much more. works to achieve a high quality of life It’s truly an exciting time for SAGE to be leading and partnering to produce for LGBT older adults, supports and game-changing progress! advocates for their rights, fosters a One area of special significance in our new strategic plan is diversity and inclusion. greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes positive SAGE has long driven the effort to integrate the experiences and needs of LGBT older images of LGBT life in later years. adults into public policy, the aging and long-term care system, and the broader public conversation on aging in our country. Continually we have hammered away at the SAGE BoArD of DirECtorS notion that leaders in these sectors must focus on the needs of LGBT elders. Through Executive Committee persistent effort, we have had a growing impact on various sectors —the aging network, Rosalyn Richter, Co-Chair long term care providers, and the LGBT community itsel f—reshaping their thinking to William E. Weinberger, Co-Chair increasingly recognize that LGBT elders must be in the mix in meaningful ways. Dr. Charles Middleton, Treasurer Having said all that, SAGE also acknowledge s—as we describe in our feature Patricia Wiley, Secretary story in this issue of SAGEMatter s—that we must heighten our focus on diversity and inclusion in order to better support the full breadth of LGBT people who are aging Members-at-Large Timothy J. Atkin nationwide. We know we have much more work to do on this front, not only because David H. Braff, Esq. it’s the right thing to do, but also because it will powerfully increase our effectiveness Dawn Fischer in delivering on SAGE’s mission to dramatically improve the quality of life for LGBT Michael Nutt older people. Pioneers in the diversity and inclusion field have long described Wally Patawaran the many benefits that diversity and inclusion bring: reducing poverty and dangerous Victoria L. Raymont Reginald T. Stanley health disparities among those most at risk, combating inequality by promoting Kevin Williams opportunity, and designing services that meet acute real-world needs. A focus on Jason Young diversity and inclusion also leads to a more creative, innovative and effective workforce. George Zuber These are the reasons why we’re so excited about SAGE’s new diversity and EDitor inclusion campaign. Already, we’re making major advances, as described in this issue Christina DaCosta of SAGEMatters. For example, we recently partnered with the National Hispanic Council on Aging to launch a landmark needs assessment on LGBT Hispanic elders—a rapidly ContriButorS Keith Butler growing population with distinct needs. And we launched a high profile social media Jerry Chasen campaign to connect LGBT people age 40+ to our employment readiness program, Christina DaCosta SAGE Works; employment insecurity and disproportionately affects Robert Espinoza older people, women and people of color, as three notable examples. Hilary Meyer These exciting themes are laced throughout this latest issue of SAGEMatters . Aaron Tax Serena Worthington You’ll see updates on key LGBT aging policy priorities and numerous educational events and training sessions that SAGE has led around the country. And you’ll meet PhotoS new staff and board members who have joined the SAGE team to help us in Christina DaCosta: pp. 4, 5, 10, 11, 15 Kira Garcia: p. 9 improving the lives of LGBT older people nationwide. As always, thank you for your Ryann Lammer: p. 17 support now and in the months ahead as we work to transform the LGBT aging Chris Jones: p. 18 experience across the country! David M. Warren, Philly.com: p. 17 American Society on Aging: p. 18 Serena Worthington: pp. 23, 24 GrAPhiC DESiGn RD Design Michael Adams, Executive Director

2 SAGEMatters SAGE NATIONAL INITIATIVE

In this Issue SAGE’s Commitment ...... 3 UPPING SAGE’S To Diversity and Inclusion Federal Policy Update ...... 6 National Resource Center . . . 7 COMMITMENT Employment & Workforce SAGE Faces ...... 8 TO DIVERSITY SAGE W inter Roundup ...... 14 SAGE Advice ...... 20 Start End-of-Life Planning Early AND INCLUSION SAGENet ...... 22 Stories from Around the Country Last Fall, SAGE launched a visionary A hiStory of ADDrESSinG strategic plan to guide its work over the next three years on behalf of LGBT older ExCluSion AnD CrEAtinG people. Among several top priority Community Did you know you can give mandates, such as growing SAGE’s In many ways, the spirit of diversity and online? Visit sageusa.org/donate national impact and expanding best inclusion has been at the heart of SAGE If you have inquiries, feedback or practices in aging services, we committed since its beginning. In 1978, SAGE noted comments, please email us at ourselves to a new campaign to decisively in one of its founding documents that its [email protected] strengthen SAGE’s diversity and inclusion purpose was "to reach out to the older efforts. As aptly described in our strategic and women who are living in Please help SAGE Go Green blueprint, “SAGE will integrate diversity isolation and without the help and support and let us know if you’d prefer and inclusion strategies into all of our of a social and friendship network." to receive SAGEMatters electronically. internal and external functions. We’ll also SAGE’s founders understood that LGBT Email us at [email protected] develop culturally competent service people were living in a time of widespread Services & Advocacy for models that target more vulnerable misinformation and discrimination— GLBT Elders (SAGE) elders, and we’ll share this learning with a hardship that was compounded by the 305 Seventh Avenue, 15th Floor our peers in the aging and LGBT field.” challenge of aging without family or supports. While attitudes toward LGBT , NY 10001 This article takes a look at SAGE’s history people have evolved over the last few 212-741-2247 of ensuring that LGBT older people are decades, these general challenges sageusa.org recognized by government, practitioners continue for too many LGBT older people, lgbtagingcenter.org and the public at larg e—as well as our in all parts of the country. facebook.com/sageusa efforts to date to reach diverse older twitter.com/sageusa people from across the spectrum. In the ensuing decades, SAGE developed youtube.com/sageusa It highlights the rationale and multiple more and more programs to address the benefits that undergird diversity and distinct needs of LGBT older people. inclusion as a priority. And it shines Recognizing that many LGBT elders a spotlight on some of SAGE’s notable become homebound because of mobility On cover: 2013 NYC – accomplishments in this area, with an eye issues related to disability and frailty, The SAGE contingent marches past toward the important progress we can SAGE developed the country’s first our offices. and will make in the years ahead. "friendly visiting" program for LGBT older

SAGEMatters 3 SAGE NATIONAL INITIATIVE

adults, which paired volunteers with The strategic blueprint that SAGE our firm commitment to close that gap homebound elders to reduce their isolation. adopted in 2008 helped the organization and to show what it means to lead when it Then, as the AIDS epidemic emerged build a national presence, including by comes to crafting and delivering on a truly and peaked in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, opening a federal policy office in inclusive LGBT aging agenda. SAGE has devastating a generation of LGBT people, Washington, DC and growing a network made this commitment not only because SAGE developed the nation' s first support of 26 SAGE affiliates throughout the it’s the right thing to do, but also because group for LGBT older adults living with country. With breakthrough government leaders in the diversity and inclusion field HIV/AIDS. Both of these programs still support, we seeded the country’s first have persuasively demonstrated the exist—at The SAGE Center in New York technical assistance center for LGBT concrete benefits that such efforts have City and across many SAGE affiliates older people, SAGE’s National Resource on both the well-being of the people an around the country—demonstrating that Center on LGBT Aging, and we launched organization serves and the health of the our innovations have withstood the test the country’s first full-time innovative organization itself. of time and that LGBT older people need senior center for LGBT older people, The Among its many benefits, emphasizing consistent support as they age. SAGE Center in New York City. Both diversity and inclusion: advances speak to the importance of Just as the numbers of older people providing services that meet the holistic n Reduces social inequality, improves started exploding and gaining extensive needs of diverse LGBT older people, as health and wellness, and creates public attention thanks to the aging of the well as helping aging professionals economic opportunity for those most Baby Boom generation, SAGE and our effectively serve their increasingly diverse in need. For example, a diversity and partners successfully pushed to help clients. The guiding principle animating inclusion approach at SAGE can highlight LGBT aging issues gain traction in the this chapter of SAGE’s work has been and prioritize the acute needs of public conversation. By 2008, it had that LGBT older people should feel especially marginalized LGBT elders, become clear that visibility alone would affirmed, welcomed and at home, providing them with greater social not change the reality on the ground for regardless of where they live or where acceptance while addressing severe LGBT older people across the country and they receive services. challenges like poverty. that SAGE’s primarily local scope needed to evolve into a national approach in order n Better reflects the true face of the to bring about game-changing progress. thE BEnEfitS of DivErSity community. Research shows that our That change needed to touch public AnD inCluSion country’s population is not only aging officials at every level of government, rapidly but also changing rapidly in its While SAGE has made tremendous aging and lon g-term care practitioners racial and ethnic composition. Today progress over the decades in reaching nationwide, and LGBT communities and 1 in 5 elders in the U.S. is a person of marginalized communities, we also organizations of all sorts. color; by 2050 it will be 1 in 3. acknowledge that we have fallen short in our commitment to effectively serve the n More fairly distributes decisio n-making full breadth of LGBT older people. SAGE’s authority. Studies show that people of new strategic plan represents color and transgender people are especially underrepresented in the places where important decisions get made, including at board and managerial levels; a diversity and inclusion approach can reverse these trends.

From Left to Right: Michael Mallon, Special Assistant & Liaison to the LGBT Community; Office of Council Member Daniel Dromm; Michael Adams, SAGE Executive Director; Dr. Yanira Cruz, President & CEO, NHCOA and NYC Councilmember Rosie Mendez.

4 SAGEMatters SAGE NATIONAL INITIATIVE

n Leads to a more innovative and effective workforce. Diverse workforces have been shown to reduce “group-think” and promote better problem solving. And research shows that diversity in the workplace reduces turnover and enhances employee satisfaction. DID YOU KNOW? Most Americans are open to diversity and supportive of steps to reduce inequality and see their benefits. According to an October 2013 poll released by the Center for American Progress and PolicyLink, 7 in 10 people support new steps to reduce racial and ethnic inequalit y— and only 10 percent believe that these steps would hurt the U.S. economy.

In the first year of our new 3-year strategic blueprint, SAGE has already begun Top photo: from left to right: Michael Adams of SAGE; Dr. Yanira Cruz and Jason Coates of the National Hispanic Council on Aging; Dr. Gary Gates of the Williams Institute at UCLA delivering on its enhanced diversity and and Roz Lee of the Arcus Foundation. Bottom photos : Questions from the audience. inclusion commitment. Some recent highlights and developments include: n In February 2014, SAGE, the National strengthen SAGE Harlem, one of only Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) and two initiatives in the country specifically n SAGE has released a landmark report the Diverse Elders Coalition co-released designed to provide broad-based services on the health disparities facing LGBT older the first-ever report on LGBT Hispanic to LGBT elders of color. In June, we’ll people of color—and the policy remedies older adults, authored by NHCOA. The inaugurate SAGE’s first-ever dedicated that would improve their lives. The report report describes the numerous challenges giving circle, designed to encourage has gained significant traction, and builds faced by many Hispanic LGBT older people community leaders to step up and off the successes of a previous SAGE and has generated widespread attention support SAGE Harlem with major report on transgender elders, another among aging, health and LGBT leaders. philanthropic gifts. important population that merits targeted attention and supports. n SAGE recently sponsored a major These important advances are just the diversity and inclusion training initiative beginning! SAGE has additional exciting n SAGE is helping LGBT elders of color for its 26 affiliates around the country. projects brewing over the next two years increase their visibility by telling their This training engaged our local leaders that will help us reach more and more stories. Through an innovative partnership in a mutual conversation about the ways diverse LGBT older people. Follow us on with The Freedom Center in Charlotte, in which diverse programs and services Facebook and Twitter to learn more about North Carolina, SAGE is training older can better reach the full breadth of their these initiatives and the difference SAGE LGBT African Americans in how to tell communities, while simultaneously is making through its new diversity and their stories online. enhancing their overall programs and inclusion campaign. organizations.

n This spring we’re launching an Read the full reports—and learn ambitious multi-year effort to sustain and more about SAGE—at sageusa.org

SAGEMatters 5 FEDERAL POLICY UPDATE THE LATEST NEWS FROM D.C. By Aaron Tax, SAGE Director of Federal Government Relations SAGE has been busy in our nation’s capital advocating for LGBT-inclusive federal aging policies – including policies that recognize the growing population of HIV positive older adults. In this issue, we’re highlighting three areas of policy accomplishments over the last few months. olDEr AmEriCAnS ACt (oAA) Sen. Bernie Sanders (I- VT), her bill and Aaron Tax from SAGE presented to rEAuthorizAtion included all of our LGBT -inclusive the full meeting of the Leadership Council priorities, including: (1) designating LGBT of Aging Organizations on these issues On January 6, 2014, the Senate Health, older adults as a group of greatest to help raise awareness across 65 Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) social need; (2) data collection; and (3) leading national organizations in the Committee passed S 156 2— a bi-partisan, permanently establishing SAGE’s National aging network. OAA reauthorization bil l— out of Resource Center on LGBT Aging. While committee. While it included few of the this is a great start, we look forward winDSor imPlEmEntAtion aging network’s priorities, many were to tackling the challenges ahead as the To date, those in unions and glad that the bill brought us further process continues. domestic partnerships as well as those in down the road towards reauthorization. no n- marriage states still do not have Meanwhile, work has begun on the hiv & AGinG access to Social Security spousal reauthorization in the House. On January SAGE and our allies ACRIA (AIDS Comm - benefits. As a result, SAGE has been 10, 2014, several representatives unity Research Initiative of Americ a) working with our aging and LGBT allies to introduced a bi-partisan, straight and GMHC continue to advocate for and push the Social Security Administration reauthorization, HR 3850, designed to raise awareness about HIV-positive older (SSA) to more swiftly and expansively demonstrate that bi-partisanship is adults. Our three top priorities remain: implement the June 26, 2013 United possible. On February 11, 2014, the (1) eliminating the upper age limit on States v. Windsor decision, which struck House held a hearing on the OAA, “routine” HIV testing for all adults, which down the Defense of Marriage Act. SAGE during which Rep. Suzanne Bonamici would expand routine, or universal, has also provided ideas to SSA on how to (D -OR) drew attention to the unique testing to include all adults without engage in outreach with LGBT older barriers to successful aging faced by regard to age or a provider’s assessment adults. We recognize that every day LGBT older adults and spoke about the of risk; (2) reporting surveillance data in there is a delay more same-sex married importance of an LGB T-inclusive fiv e- year increments across multiple risk couples suffer—so we will continue reauthorization. And on February 28, categories; and (3) funding for targeted pushing SSA on this front. It’s important 2014, Rep. Bonamici introduced the prevention among older adults, most to note that if you think you might be House Democratic bill, which built notably among older women of color, eligible for new or increased benefits, you upon S 1562, the bi-partisan Senate and men of color who have sex with should apply. There is no penalty for bill. Echoing earlier bills introduced men. To that end, on February 5, 2014, doing so, and benefits are retroactive to by Sen. Michael Bennet ( D- CO) and Dan Tietz, Executive Director of ACRIA, the date of application.

6 SAGEMatters SAGE NATIONAL RESOURCES

EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE FROM SAGE’S NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER ON LGBT AGING

The number of older adults in the U.S. pensions and mor e—SAGE’s National workforce is growing, though many Resource Center on LGBT Aging older workers are mistakenly seen as created a website section devoted not having the same value as younger entirely to resources on these issues. employees. LGBT older workers face additional barriers, including bias based on and . To date, there are no federal laws explicitly protecting people from being fired based on one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Given that so much of this country’s financial security comes from current and past employment —including income, Social Security benefits,

Visit our newly redesigned website www. lgbtagingcenter .or g, and go to the Employment and Workforce section to see these new resources, including cutting-edge reports from partner organizations, NRC-exclusive articles, and a new video with first -hand testimonials from LGBT older adults navigating the workforce.

From top: Lambda Legal's Employment Discrimination and LGBT Seniors ; Information on the SAGEWorks employment program; A Broken Bargain , the Movement Advancement Project's report on employment discrimination.

SAGEMatters 7 SAGE FACES

LEGACY AND SUCCESSFUL AGING Jerry Chasen, SAGE’s new Director of Legacy Planning talks about Legacy and Successful Aging whAt Do wE mEAn By Today’s generation of LGBT older people for that conversation, which we’ll begin “lEGACy”? faces greater challenges than the general unveiling in fall 201 4: Preparation, aging community. We confront higher Wellness, Momentum, Reflection, and A fair definition is: what we each leave rates of isolation and depression. We rely Legacy. We’ll be drawing on those behind when we’re gone. That in turn is on a lateral support system instead of themes through town meetings all made up of what we do and what we a multi -generational one, which meanst over the country and through various give. Legacy planning, then, is putting that support likely thins as we age. And online resources that offer lessons to energy into planning each of these areas. we are often reluctant to seek help from LGBT older people age 45 and older. In regards to “what we give,” my position institutions that we perceive as being Stay tuned. includes cultivating and encouraging hostile to who we are as LGBT people. planned gifts to SAGE (i.e. gifts made in So there is something of a premium on So why mE in thiS joB? conjunction with estate and financial our ability to “age successfull y”—to I was an estate planner for most of plans). While SAGE has long benefitted maintain a relatively low risk of disease my professional career with a boutique from planned gifts, it has never had a staff and disease -related disability, to keep estate planning practice focusing on member dedicated solely to coordinating high mental and physical function, and philanthropic gifts and the LGBT that effort. Thanks to a very generous to enjoy an active engagement with life. community. I was also a certified life grant from a major dono r—itself a coach, often working on the non- planned gif t—we’ve been able to support financial issues of retirement. At 62, and acknowledge those who choose to “Today’s generation of I was ready for a new challenge. make SAGE part of their own legacies. LGBT older people faces I jumped at the chance to combine Examining “what we do” is an equally greater challenges passion with career. critical aspect of my position. Individually, than the general aging Successful aging will be the capstone and as a generation, our legacy of deeds is community. ” on the already extraordinary legacy of remarkable, having accomplished a — JERRY CHASEN our current older adult generation. seismic shift in human rights. We’re not Together with all of SAGE’s supporters, done, for sure, but we’re farther along The good news is that a lot of what goes part of my legacy will be helping to than I ever thought I would see. The into “successful aging” is a matter of make that happen. question now is whether that extraor- choice, and conversations about those dinary legacy will be further burnished by choices make up the rest of my job’s “what we do” as LGBT older adults. duties. SAGE has teased out five themes

8 SAGEMatters SAGE FACES

TRACY WELSH SAGE’s new Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer

In September 2013, Tracy Welsh began hEr ExCitEmEnt: policy efforts. Welsh holds a Juris as SAGE’s Senior Director for Finance, Doctorate from CUNY School of Law “I am excited to step into this new role, Operations and Planning. Fast-forward to and a Masters in Policy and Public which will involve driving down an 2014 and Tracy has become SAGE’s Administration from Columbia ambitious strategic plan, developing new Deputy Executive Director & Chief University's School of International new strategic alliances and partnerships, Financial Officer. Meet Tracy. and Public Affairs. and taking an entrepreneurial approach to long-term sustainability,” Welsh said. hEr ExtEnSivE ExPEriEnCE: “I believe SAGE is poised to continue Tracy Welsh has more than 20 years as the leading organization for LGBT of experience in providing critical legal older adults and their allies in the nation. and advocacy services for people living I look forward to working closely with with HIV/AIDS and championing positive our board, supporters, constituents women's health and empowerment. and other organizations in the LGBT Before joining SAGE, she was the and aging fields to make this a reality.” Executive Director of the HIV Law Project , where her expert business planning hEr imPrESSivE led to the successful merger of the HIV Law Project with the larger national trACk rECorD: organization, Housing Works. Tracy’s history of entrepreneurialism places her in a unique position to hEr formiDABlE SkillS: create a better system for the delivery of services for LGBT older adults. “Tracy is that rare non-profit leader For example, as the founder for the who combines a deep commitment to Center for Women and HIV social justice with outstanding financial Advocacy, which was created to acumen, business savvy and a powerful meet the needs of women living entrepreneurial spirit,” said Michael with HI V/AIDS, Welsh has Adams, executive director of SAGE. first -hand knowledge on “She is exactly who SAGE needs as its how to balance Deputy Executive Director to help ensure successful program that we continue our cutting-edge work implementation on behalf of the rapidly growing with national population of LGBT older people.”

SAGEMatters 9 SAGE FACES

WHO’S WHO ON THE SAGE DEVELO PME NT TEAM SAGE’s development team ensures that SAGE remains sustainable for generations to come —broadening our network of supporters and partnering with leaders in the public and private sectors. We asked them to offer us a glimpse into their work. Here are their thoughts.

right in the midst of what I’m working to SAGE, I believe that more and more support. When I’m having a stressful day, people want to talk about their legacy. all I need to do is go upstairs to The SAGE What book would you want with you on Center and my reason for working at a deserted island? A deserted island? SAGE is there. I’m working to ensure I would bring my iPad, assuming there is these LGBT older adults—these pioneers— wifi, of course! are afforded dignity and self-respect.

JERRY CHASEN KEITH BUTLER Director of Legacy Planning Director of Major Gifts What is the biggest stereotype about fundraising? It’s not just about the money! What is the biggest stereotype about Fundraising is about relationship and fundraising? For me, the biggest values, not just how money best stereotypes about fundraising are that expresses all that. I love hearing about the all we do is beg for dollars, and the only reason we’re interested in someone is KENNETH COX so they’ll write a check. I came to Senior Director for development because it was the perfect Institutional Advancement combination of my different skills and interests; I love to write, I love to learn What is the biggest stereotype about new things about people and fundraisin g? The stereotype I face daily organizations, and I love to share my own is that fundraising is only about money. experiences and find similarities with While our goal is to raise funds for others. I stay in development because at our work, our real job is to create the end of the day, it’s all about building relationships. Some days we tell stories trusting relationships with people. of courag e—like when a constituent lives people have led and what impact comes to SAGE for the first time or comes What's the best part of your job? The they want to leave behind. Whether or not out later in life. Other days, we just strive best part of working at SAGE is being that translates into a contribution for to keep the issues that LGBT older

10 SAGEMatters SAGE FACES

adults face in front of policy leaders by people who work in fundraising are What's the best part of your job? Having picking up the phone, sharing stories focused on hitting certain income targets. worked internationally for much of my or making appearances. Every time we While targets are important, the best career, being able to take an elevator nine get the chance to share what we do fundraising is built upon a commitment to floors up to interact with onstituents is with a donor, we get the chance to bring organizational mission, as this creates the best part of my job. another person on-board to support relationships with funders deeply rooted What book would you want with you our critical work around the nation. in the organization’s goals and helps to on a deserted islan d? I would probably build long-term funding relationships. bring along Pablo Neruda’s Twenty Love What's the best part of your job? I love Poems and a Song of Despair to any seeing the “light bulb” effect happen island, deserted or not! when talking with a funder. At some point in the conversation, you can physically see that someone fully grasps what a partnership with SAGE can accomplish and how it can impact the lived experiences of LGBT older adults across the country. What book would you want with you on CHRIS FRANCIS a deserted island? To Kill a Mockingbird Database Manager by Harper Lee. What is the biggest stereotype about fundraising? Being able to maintain a near JUSTIN ROSADO perfect database is the best part of my job! Development Associate What book would you want with you on What is the biggest stereotype about a deserted island? If I had to be stranded fundraising? One stereotype people have on a deserted island, I would want lots of is that only rich people donate money. We DC comics to keep me occupied. have people giving at all levels—from $1 and up! SCOTT FRENCH What's the best part of your job? The Director of Institutional Giving best part about working at SAGE is the dedicated and amazing staff. What is the biggest stereotype about ELISE COLOMER fundraising? A lot of people think that GRIMALDI What book would you want with you on Assistant Director of Institutional Giving a deserted island? I would definitely bring How to Survive on a Deserted What is the biggest stereotype about Island by Tim O’Shei with me on a fundraising? I think a common notion is deserted island. that nonprofits lack the expertise and capacity to create shared-value partnerships with the private sector, which consider both social impact and the bottom line.

SAGEMatters 11 SAGE FACES

GEORGE ZUBER JOINS SAGE FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FL This winter, SAGE welcomes George Zuber to its national board of directors. Zuber is a longtime LGBT advocate and the first SAGE board member from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Zuber shares some insights on why he became involved with SAGE and what we can achieve together.

What attracted you about joining the safeguarding our youth. Those issues are public and private institutions throughout SAGE board of directors? I had the extraordinarily important, but we cannot the . I also wish to opportunity to watch SAGE go through an afford to ignore the needs of our older encourage creativity with local incredible metamorphosis over the past adults. Many of our elders, including organizations to team with SAGE in decade as it has become one of the pioneers who risked everything to make developing new programs responsive to leading national organizations effectively our lives safer and happier, are now the needs of LGBT older adults in their advocating for the fair and equal among the most vulnerable within the community. treatment of all LGBT older adults. LGBT community. SAGE’s advocacy is Because of the involvement of friends critical in providing our older adult and colleagues with all aspects of community with essential government George Zuber has over 30 years SAGE—particularly as SAGE officers, services, meaningful connections with of professional experience as a CPA. donors and service providers—I have peers, and safe and respectful services in He recently retired as a partner in seen how much SAGE accomplishes with assisted living environments. Supporting the New York Office of Deloitte where the limited financial resources typical of SAGE’s mission will be an immense he provided audit services to many most national organizations serving the benefit to all of us someday. valued clients and recently specialized LGBT community. I am thrilled with the in forensic investigations and dispute What do you hope to accomplish as a vision that Michael Adams and the staff services. He also served on the Deloite Board member? I look forward to helping bring to SAGE every day. Touche Tomatsu Global Executive increase awareness of the important work Committee as the firm’s specialist in Can you define the importance of SAGE’s of SAGE throughout the country. I believe arbitrations and as the Diversity mission in your life? Over the past years, that greater national awareness among & Inclusion Partne r. He is a former the principle focus of the LGBT members of the LGBT community and board member of Lambda Legal and community has been on issues of their allies will foster support for SAGE’s has been a trustee of the Actors Fund marriage equality, fair treatment in advocacy for change in how LGBT older since 2006. housing, healthcare, the workplace and adults are respected and treated by both

12 SAGEMatters SAGE CENTER NYC PROGRAMS & SERVICES

NEW YORK CITY SERVICES &PROGRAMS

SAGE offers dozens of activities, groups and programs that encourage LGBT older adults to stay connected with each other and the community. With venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn, we provide an array of English and Spanis h-speaking programs, including:

SuPPort GrouPS Zumba DiSCuSSion GrouPS Skills Building Seminars Bereavement SAGErcize Conscious Creative Aging Computer Classes Breaking Anxiety & Depression Health Fair Current Events Job Coaching Sessions From Isolation to Socialization Wii Bowling and Boxing Life Issues Beyond Retirement Resume Assistance Dating & Intimacy Meditation Thursday Men’s Cyber Center Walk-in Tai Chi and Qi Gong Multiple Sclerosis Discussion Group Brooklyn Women Our Evolving Lives Ping Pong Men’s 50+ Discussion Group Women’s Relationship Group 75+ Senior Elders Group Case Management ARTS AND CULTURE Need Listing PROGRAMS Women’s Discussion Group SAGE PoSitivE Current Events Booklovers Discussion hArlEm Case Management Foreign Language Classes Health & Wellness Men’s HIV Support Group Intergenerational Theater SoCiAl Presentations HIV Prevention/Education Workshop & Films Bridge Arts + Craft for Healing New Beginnings Harlem Theatre Desk Mah Jong Buddy-2-Buddy Men’s HIV Group Morning at the Opera Brunch Case Management Walks/Outings to Cultural Bus Trips thE SAGE CEntEr Women’s Support Group Institutions Daily Drop-In at LGBT Center Cultural & Social Programs HOT DINNER Knitting Group Genealogy Men’s Support Group MF :: PM Creative Writing Workshops SAGE Center Cafe New Beginnings Men’s HIV $2 suggested donation Art Classes Dating and Relationship Support Group for 60 yrs and older; Musical Theater Writing Programs Latino Men’s Support Group $4 for others Workshop Celebrations (Spanish) SAGE Singers History and Heritage Programs SOCIAL SERVICE CASE HEAT (Harlem Elders Aging Singing Out! Holiday Parties ASSISTANCE Together) Meetings SAGE Center Library Intergenerational Programs By appointment: Meditation Comes to Harlem Musical Performances and SAGE Socials MF :: PM (AA Meeting) Drop-in: M, W, F Concerts Women’s Dances :: PM Women’s Programs SAGECA P—CArEGivErS SoCiAl SErviCES Information and Referrals HEALTH, WELLNESS AND Support Groups informAtion Case Management FITNESS PROGRAMS (afternoons and evenings) ProGrAmS Benefits and Entitlement Beth Israel Nurse Services Respite Support Ask the Docs Assistance Wellness Groups Supplementary Help Ask the Pharmacist Friendly Visiting Health and Wellness Friendly Visiting Drop-in Community Meetings Brief one-on-one counseling Presentations Home Care Legal Clinic Support Groups Men’s Cancer Survivor Group Lend-A-Hand Women’s Cancer Survivor Group Money and Finance Programs McBurney YMCA Voucher SAGECA P— Volunteer Orientation Outreach and Tabling For a full listing of SAGE Program CArinG AnD PrEPArinG activities, including a calendar SAGE Walking Club initiAtivE Yoga SAGEworkS of events, please visit us Orientations at sageusa.org.

SAGEMatters 13 SAGE WINTE R/SPRING ROUNDUP

Over the past several months, SAGE led and participated in a number of activities throughout the country, including our nationa l headquarters, in New York Cit y—home to the country’s first ful l-time, innovative, LGBT senior center. Here, in words and photos, are the highlights. For more photos, visit flickr.com/sageusa . virtuAl BowlinG BuilDS rEAl ConnECtionS. In late nEw! monthly tEA DAnCES At hEnriEttA huDSon’S. More October, a group of LGBT older people got together to play than 150 LBT women showed their support for SAGE by getting some games. But we're not talking about Canasta or Bridge. their groove on at famed lesbian lounge Henrietta Hudson on Partnering with Microsoft, SAGE is hosting weekly Xbox Bowling December 22. The festive night was the start of many, as we tournaments. Participants in “Exergamers NYC,” including blind are thrilled that Henrietta Hudson–considered one of the best and low-vision seniors, utilize Kinect for Xbox as a fun way to lesbian bars in NYC –will be hosting a series of Tea Dances stay active while keeping up with technology. “The Xbox has throughout the year to raise money and support for SAGE. created new friendships among our members,” says SAGE program manager Sarah Savino. “People who may not normally sit with each other at dinner now do because they come to play and support each other on the Xbox every week.” toyS AnD holiDAy ChEEr. On December 15, SAGE, along with hosts Robbie Brown, David Tufts, and Chris Kann held the 28th Annual Toys Party at Chelsea Piers, Pier 60. Hailed as the best LGBT holiday party of the year, over 2,500 attendees donated toys that were delivered to various local charities for children during the holiday season. Inside, guests mixed and mingled to the sounds of DJ Johnny Dynell while enjoying cocktails and photo booths. Special guest Lorraine Bracco introduced Mayor Bloomberg, who attended his last Toys Party as Mayor of New York City. Hakim Rashad McMillan & former SAGE Board Member, David Canter, volunteer at The SAGE Center's Christmas lunch.

SAGE fAmily ChriStmAS. Christmas Day brought together friends old and new to celebrate the holiday and acknowledge another year of love and support from the SAGE family. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch complete with a wide assortment of holiday treats. This annual tradition is always a joyous occasion and an opportunity to reflect on how blessed we are to have our SAGE community and each other. toAStinG to hEAlth AnD hAPPinESS. On December 31, SAGE opened its doors for a special New Year’s lunch. Members and their guests enjoyed a delicious healthy meal and reflected on 2013. It was the perfect way to kick off the Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the 2013 Annual Toys Party. New Year and start 2014 off on the right foot.

14 SAGEMatters SAGE WINTE R/SPRING ROUNDUP

nEw SitE, nEw rESourCES for thE nrC. On January 15, SAGE unveiled the new-and- improved National Resource Center on LGBT Aging (NRC) website. The NRC is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults. Established in 2010 through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the NRC provides training, technical assistance, and educational SoC iAl mEDiA CAmPAiGn BrinGS nAtionAl AttEntion resources to aging providers, LGBT organizations and LGBT to SAGEworkS. On January 27, SAGE launched a weeklong older adults. SAGE collaborates with 18 leading organizations social media campaign promoting SAGEWorks, the only from around the country to ensure that the site is comprehensive national employment support program for LGBT people age and user-friendly. Some of our new features include a Volunteer 40 and older. The campaign included Facebook memes, Education program, new training opportunities, and more tweets, an exclusive hashtag (#SAGEWorks), blog posts and in-depth information on age-related health and wellness bulletins on LinkedIn. The theme "SAGEWorks Works" focused concerns. Check out these brand new features and programs on spreading the word about what SAGEWorks has to offer, at lgbtagingcenter.org and let us know what you think! as well as educating employers and organizations about the skilled workers who’ve gone through the program. hAPPy 2nD BirthDAy to thE SAGE CEntEr. January 18 The campaign was a huge success, introducing people to the marked the second anniversary for The SAGE Center, the first SAGEWorks website and innovative LGBT senior center in the country. To commemorate new LinkedIn group as and celebrate this exciting milestone, a group of members and well as registering new volunteers gathered to share stories, snacks, drinks, and a participants to the delicious anniversary cake. The festive night included music by program nationwide. the talented SAGE Singers and a high-energy dance party complete with bouncing disco lights. It was an altogether perfect way to celebrate the birth of this important and significant place that is providing support to so many. BESt womEn’S wintEr DAnCE BrinGS Down thE roof. Now celebrating their 25th year, the Best Women’s Dance parties just keep getting better. The Winter Dance, held on January 19, was no exception. More than 300 LBT women gathered at midtown’s Club LQ to show off their moves in support of SAGE. It was a memorable night bringing together fabulous women and great music, all with the perfect excuse to stay out late on a school night.

SAGEMatters 15 SAGE WINTE R/SPRING ROUNDUP

Stu mADDux AwArDED for GrounDBrEAkinG DoCumEntAry SAGE mEEtS nEw friEnDS in miAmi. More than 100 SAGE on lGBt AGinG. At the 2014 Creating Change conference, SAGE supporters gathered in Miami on January 31 for SAGE & was thrilled to give the SAGE Advocacy Award for Excellence in Friends, SAGE's first ticketed event outside of New York City. Leadership on Aging Issues to Stu Maddux (pictured below), Held in conjunction with our triennial National Board Meeting, the award-winning producer and director of the massively the group mixed and mingled with members of the board, including executive director Michael Adams, while enjoying cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and fabulous music by Miami pianist Sam Garner. SAGE & Friends was a huge success for the organization, spreading our message on LGBT aging to new supporters and friends. DoCumEntAry SCrEEninG of thE nEw BlACk At thE film forum. In honor of Black History Month, on February 12 SAGE members and friends met at the Film Forum in the for a special afternoon screening of The New Black. Written, directed and produced by Yoruba Richen, this critically acclaimed documentary explores how the African-American community is grappling with the gay rights issue in light of the recent marriage equality movement and the fight influential Gen Silent, a beautiful though heart -wrenching film over civil rights. The film journey that chronicles the lives of six LGBT elders as they documents activists, navigate aging, care-giving, terminal illness, and loss. families and clergy on both “Almost every day in my conversations with LGBT and sides of the campaign to aging providers, activists, constituents, students, researchers legalize gay marriage. and members of the media, someone cites this remarkable film It examines as an inspiration, cause for action and—very often—for their in the black community’s realization that LGBT elders face unique challenges as they age,” institutional pillar —the says Serena Worthington, SAGE's Director of National Field black churc h— and reveals Initiatives. Maddux was honored at Creating Change, the the Christian right wing’s nation's pre-eminent political, leadership and skills-building strategy of exploiting conference for the LGBT social justice movement. this phenomenon in order to pursue an anti-gay political agenda. lGBt-friEnDly SEnior houSinG ComPlEx oPEnS in PhilADElPhiA. On January 14, Philadelphia became the third cit y—after Minneapolis and Los Angele s—to offer designated LGBT friendly, affordable senior housing. The $19.5 million Anderson Apartments, named for city councilman John C. Anderson who fought for gay rights in the early 80s, sits in the affectionately nicknamed “Gayborhood.” When the leasing office opened last fall, hopeful tenants sat in a block-long line to drop off applications. At the 56-unit building, monthly rents range from $192 to $786 based on income and nearly all the residents identify as LGBT. Two more LGBT-friendly complexes A crowd gathered for SAGE & Friends in Miami are under construction in and San Francisco.

16 SAGEMatters SAGE WINTE R/SPRING ROUNDUP

nEw StuDy finDS DiSCriminAtion in SEnior houSinG for olDEr SAmE-SEx CouPlES. On February 26, SAGE, in partnership with the civil rights organization Equal Rights Center (ERC ), published the results of a 10-state investigation documenting adverse differential treatment against older same- sex couples seeking housing in senior living facilities. Opening Doors: An Investigation of Barriers to Senior Housing for Same-Sex Couples found that in 48 percent of the 200 tests, the LGB tester with a same-sex spouse encountered at least one type of adverse differential treatment compared with John C. Anderson Apartment Building Photo Credit: Philly.com, the heterosexual tester David M. Warren, Staff Photographer with an opposite-sex SAGE inSPirES A SonG for BroADwAy GivES BACk. On spouse. “Existing laws February 24, Broadway Gives Back held its second annual need to be enforced, “Broadway Charity Songs!” concert. The creative charity event, because there is a lot held in ’s Le Poisson Rouge, pairs a group of of this problem even award-winning musical theater composers with a group of where protections outstanding charities and tasks them with composing an exist,” said the ERC’s original piece that each prospective charity could use for Executive Director, fundraising purposes. The result is a group of songs gifted to Don Kahl. Kahl said the charities - with the hope that the songs "go viral" while the study is “a really good tool increasing awareness for these outstanding organizations. to show policymakers and legislators that this is an issue “I Never Knew Your Rose,” written by Zoe Sarna, was inspired that needs to be addressed.” To read the full report, visit by the work of SAGE. It was performed by Lilli Cooper and Gabe sageusa.org/housingreport . Violet and accompanied by Jonathan Breit (piano/musical EDiE winDSor CElEBrAtED At “EiGht ovEr EiGhty” GAlA. director), Edward Krosney (bass), Kaveh Haghtalab (drums), When LGBT trailblazer Edie Windsor was honored at Jewish and Hussein Velaides (guitar). To hear the song written and Home Lifecare’s “Eight Over Eighty” gala on March 5, it was a performed for SAGE, please visit sageusa.org/broadway . thrilling reminder of Jewish Home’s embrace of the LGBT community. The 165-year-old nonprofit provider of eldercare services has been working hard to become a place where LGBT elders can live openly and proudly, knowing that they will be treated with complete respect at all times. SAGE, which honored Jewish Home with its Aging Services Leadership Award in October, is partnering with the organization on a multi-year, institution-wide training program. The goal is to make sure every staff member understands and is sensitive to the needs and concerns of LGBT residents.

Left photo: Lilli Cooper performing “I Never Knew Your Rose” at Le Poisson Rouge on Feburary 24, 2014. Photo credit: Ryann Lammer.

SAGEMatters 17 SAGE WINTE R/SPRING ROUNDUP

Training and Education for our Cultural Competency Training at the American Society on Aging Conference. The program, administered through our National Resource Center, features a curriculum designed by leading organizations: SAGE, the LGBT Aging Project, GRIOT Circle, FORGE Transgender Aging Network, Centerlink, Openhouse, PHI, and Hunter College; and delivered by a network of dedicated trainers across the country. SAGE At 60th AmEriCAn SoCiEty on AGinG ConfErEnCE. More than 2,500 professionals attended this year’s Aging in America conference hosted by the American Society on Aging. SAGE staff members participated in 14 of the more than 40 NRC Director Hilary Meyer (2nd lef t), poses with other awardees at the 60th American Society on Aging Conference in San Diego , CA, workshops including a remarkable panel with SAGE Executive March 2014. Photo: American Society on Aging/Sandy Huffaker Director Michael Adams on the influence of the Affordable Care Act on elders. The panel also explored training methods for SAGE PArtiCiPAtES in PAnEl At SxSw intErACtivE. On March community health professionals to ensure that their work with 14, Robert Espinoza, SAGE’s Senior Director for Public Policy and older adults is culturally relevant and ethnically appropriate to Communications, represented SAGE at the annual SXSW diverse populations. Interactive Festival. In its 21st year, the Festival is considered the place to preview the latest technology and hear from innovative SAGE hArlEm rESPonDS to ChurCh’S homoPhoBiA, leaders in digital creativity. Espinoza was part of a panel on nAtionAl ControvErSy. In March 2014, the ATLAH World “Reducing Social Isolation of LGBT Seniors and Youth Through Missionary Church in Harlem, New York City posted a sign Technology, Centers, and Libraries.” The panel explored the range that reads: "Jesus Would Stone Homos. … Stoning is Still the of issues that the youngest and oldest members of the LGBT Law"—among other disturbing statements. The sign elicited communities face and how technology, centers and libraries may controversy and concerns from members of the Harlem serve as the best partners to reduce isolation and homelessness. community, as well as from news outlets and advocates throughout New York City and around the country. nrC rECoGnizED AS ChAmPion of SoCiAl ProGrESS. SAGE's National Resource Center on LGBT Aging (NRC) was SAGE’s LGBT elder constituents from Harlem reimagined a more chosen as one of the Top Five Nominees in LGBTQ rights for welcoming sign for the community by answering the question: the Annual CLASSY Awards. The CLASSY event is the largest “What alternative message should Pastor Manning have placed social impact awards ceremony in the country, highlighting the on this sign to make it welcoming to all Harlem residents, greatest champions of social progress. The nominees represent including its LGBT members?” Below are their responses. an elite pool of high-impact organizations driving measurable social change around the world. They are selected through an intensive evaluation process and the winners are announced on May 3. “I am thrilled that the NRC is being recognized as a finalist nominee,” said Hilary Meyer, Director of National Programs at SAGE and head of the NRC. “We’ve always been proud of the strength of our program and being in this class of competition illustrates how far we've come in just four years.” Through a combination of in-person and interactive trainings, plus webinars, the NRC teaches organizations and providers how to create an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for LGBT older adult populations. Additionally, on March 11 SAGE was thrilled and honored to receive the 2014 Gloria Cavanaugh Award for Excellence in

18 SAGEMatters SAGE EVENTS

PRIDE PRIDE THROUGHOUT EVENTS NEW YORK CITY AND FOR SAGE THE UNITED STATES junE 7, 2014 SAGE celebrates Pride throughout the month of June in New York City, SAGE’s Annual celebrating and tabling at all outer borough Pride events. Our SAGENet Fire Island Pines Celebration affiliates also participate in Pride marches and events throughout the 225 Bay Walk, Fire Island Pines, country. Here’s a list of where you can find SAGE: 4-6 pm, Tickets available at sageusa.org/pines QUEENS GAY PRIDE UTAH GAY PRIDE PARADE junE 7, 2014 Sunday, June 1, 2014 Sunday, June 8, 2014 SAGE’s Gay Pride Social BROOKLYN GAY PRIDE LONG ISLAND PRIDE The SAGE Center, 1- 5 pm Saturday, June 14, 2014 Saturday, June 14, 2014 $10 advanc e/$15 at the door HARLEM PRIDE SOUTHERN MAINE PRIDE junE 13, 2014 Saturday, June 28, 2014 PARADE & FESTIVAL SAGE Harlem Pride Party Saturday, June, 14, 2014 Union Theological Seminary , 6- 10 pm NYC GAY PRIDE MARCH Sunday, June 29, 2014 PORTLAND GAY PRIDE FESTIVAL junE 16, 2014 Sat. & Sun., June 14 –15, 2014 Screening of STATEN ISLAND PRIDE FEST “Growing Old Gracefully” Saturday, July 12, 2014 WILMINGTON GAY PRIDE WEEK with filmmaker Joe Ippolito June 9 –15, 2014 The SAGE Center, 7-8pm finD A SAGEnEt! RHODE ISLAND PRIDEFEST junE 15, 2014 Saturday, June 21, 2014 HUDSON VALLEY GAY PRIDE Women’s Pride Tea Sunday, June 1, 2014 BELLEVILLE, IL – METRO EAST PRIDE Henrietta Hudson, 3-9 pm Saturday, June 21, 2014 $10 tickets at the door – CHICAGO PRIDE PARADE Fundraiser for SAGE Sunday, June 29, 2014 DENVER PRIDEFEST Sat. & Sun., June 2 1–22, 2014 junE 21, 2014 PRIDEFEST MILWAUKEE Women’s Pride Party June 6, 2014 OLYMPIA GAY PRIDE The SAGE Center Saturday & Sunday, WASHINGTON D.C. CAPITAL June 2 1–22, 2014 PRIDE PARADE Saturday, June 7, 2014 SEATTLE PRIDEFEST Sat. & Sun., June 28 –29, 2014 TULSA PRIDE PARADE Saturday, June 7, 2014 ST. LOUIS PRIDEFEST Sat. & Sun., June 28 –29, 2014 PHILADELPHIA GAY PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL CHARLOTTE PRIDE Sunday, June 8, 2014 August 16 –17, 2014

SAGEMatters 19 SAGE ADVICE

START END-O F-LI FE PLANNING EARLY TO REDUCE THE CHANCE

OF GUARDIANSHIP By Robert Espinoza In October 2012, as Hurricane Sandy devastated the Northeast, Rebecca, 72, and her partner of 38 years, Barbara, 85, holed up in their New York City apartment to weather the storm.

Over the course of four days, with no become unable to make healthcare and scenario for Barbara, unless the proper electricity or water, Rebecca began noticing financial decisions for herself. Without the advance-directive legal documents were a difference in her partner. “I realized that execution of these documents, and with a filed, the legal guardian may not know she was not taking in information and partner who has Alzheimer’s, if Rebecca her final wishes and might not have her would ask me again and again, ‘Why isn’t became incapacitated, it’s a very real best interests at heart. This is a challenge the light on?’ ” possibility that a court-appointed for many LGBT people with limited, guardianship may one day be necessary legally unprotected or estranged next Shortly after the hurricane, Barbara was to help with her medical care, financial of kin, as well as for married same-sex diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. decisions and property matters. couples in states where same-sex As Barbara’s dementia worsened, her marriage is not legal. doctor and Rebecca helped her execute Many LGBT people enter these life a healthcare proxy—a legal document moments in crisis, without proper legal allowing a person to appoint someone to arrangements. They encounter a long-term make medical decisions in the event of care and legal system that’s fraught with incapacitation—to complement her bias—a lifelong experience for many— existing will and living will. These advance- and they remain unaware of available planning documents provided security for resources to support these decisions. Barbara that her wishes regarding medical care and the distribution of her belongings In Rebecca’s case, she feels too over- According to the National Guardianship would be respected. whelmed by daily life to consider the gravity Association’s standards of practice, a legal of guardianship and advance directives. According to Rebecca, Barbara still lacks a guardian is a person or entity appointed by financial power of attorney. They are a court with the authority to make some or “Everybody has the same problem,” she fortunate to live in a state that recognizes all personal and-or property decisions on says. “They want to care for that person. same-sex marriages. As Barbara’s legal behalf of an incapacitated individual. And they don’t want to really think about spouse, Rebecca will likely be the lead Common reasons for diminished capacity what’s going to happen tomorrow or decision-maker on most of her healthcare include dementia, developmental disabilities the next day, down the road. There’s so and financial matters. and traumatic brain injuries, among others. much you have to do every day.” Yet their situation would change if The court in guardianship proceedings Throughout her 10 years at SAGE, Senior Rebecca’s capacity diminished. The often look to “next of kin” —individuals Director for Programs Catherine Thurston challenges would intensify if none of these related by blood or marriag e— to has witnessed a variety of reasons advance-planning documents were in determine guardianship appointments, preventing LGBT older adults from place because, unlike Barbara, Rebecca has which can leave out family of choice, establishing advanced directives and many not taken steps to plan should she such as close friends. In a worst-case LGBT people lack these documents.

20 SAGEMatters SAGE ADVICE

Conversations about diminished capacity HIV-positive longtime survivors at SAGE center, maintains an online clearinghouse and aging are charged and many people and a cancer support group co-led by of educational resources on end-of-life prefer to avoid them. Also, Thurston says SAGE and CancerCare, a national issues, caregiving and more. And the that a person’s closest loved ones—a organization that supports people dealing Alzheimer’s Association provides a 6-step spouse, a best friend—might not be the with cancer. “legal plans” resource for people assisting best, most rational person to designate as individuals with dementia. For some members of Mendez’s support a beneficiary or guardian, which is also a groups, the fear discrimination in moments Online resources are abundant, with clear difficult discussion to have, especially if of crisis is a driving force behind not instructions and online submission these relationships are strained. And many executing advance directives. capabilities. Additionally, the Cardozo LGBT elders focus exclusively on survival, School of Law Guardianship Clinic in New having lived through the AIDS epidemic or Mendez describes the concerns of a gay York City offers assistance to families and personal life trauma, making conversations member in one of his support groups who, loved ones with questions concerning or documents about incapacity off-limits. with his spouse, had various end-of-life adult guardianship. documents in place. “Their fear was that Yet Thurston knows these discussions the medical establishment was not going And while an attorney can be helpful in become more difficult after a person loses to honor those wishes regarding quality of long-term planning, and many nonprofits capacity, with tougher consequences. “You life. He made it clear, ‘I don’t want to be offer legal support, most of these don’t want to put people you love in the documents do not require approval by an very difficult place of having to make these “People need to talk about attorney, says Thurston. decisions for you,” she says. these issues—emotionally, More importantly, she advises that these LGBT people are also at greater risk of documents be updated, filed regularly and needing a guardian should they become practically and ethically” made readily available—taped on a incapacitated, because they are more likely —CATHERINE THURSTON, SENIOR DIRECTOR refrigerator, placed in one’s pocketbook to be single and many are estranged from FOR PROGRAMS, SAGE and shared with one’s network of friends, their biological families, which the legal hooked up to machines. I just want to go family members and a primary physician. system often privileges in a guardianship peacefully.’ His concern was whether his proceeding. These days, Rebecca focuses on managing doctor would abide by his wishes and his Barbara’s health one day at a time. Rebecca And with few supports, an LGBT person partner’s wishes, or would the doctor just admits she hasn’t completed any advanced dealing with dementia may be unable to say, ‘No,’ and continue to prolong his life.” directives for herself, though she’s not manage their personal and-or property These fears might be overstated and they clear on the rationale. “I don’t know, to tell needs. Without advance directives, if the don’t negate the benefits of proper you the truth. Because I’m younger, maybe. court appoints a guardian, this individual planning, says Thurston. And I feel it’s not necessary, you know. She will have no documented information on [Barbara] knows where everything is if the LGBT person’s final wishes. To aid in planning, various national something happened to me.” organizations offer instruction to ensure Thurston recounts the story of a gay one’s final wishes are respected. In Rebecca pauses, then adds, “You’re right. man she knew who passed away and addition to living wills, healthcare proxies I should probably take care of that.” his son couldn’t decide what to do and financial powers of attorney, other with his father’s body, which remained documents include wills, beneficiary in the morgue for a month. Robert Espinoza, MPA, is Senior Director, designations, real estate ownership, Public Policy and Communications at “People need to talk about these issues— funeral directives and hospital directives. Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders emotionally, practically and ethically,” Lambda Legal, a national LGBT rights (SAGE) in New York, N.Y. Reprinted with says Thurston. group, offers advice on legal and financial permission from Aging Today (February SAGE Case Manager Bill Mendez runs planning measures. SAGE’s National 13, 2014). Copyright © 2014, American support groups in New York City for gay Resource Center on LGBT Aging, a Society on Aging, San Francisco, and bisexual men, including a group for federally funded technical assistance California; www.asaging.org .

SAGEMatters 21 SAGENET

SAGE S TORIES FROM trAininG SkillED AROUND THE COU NTRY Stor ytEllErS Each site coordinated four training By Serena Worthington sessions—two on the basics of storytelling and two “How To” sessions on a specific medium—the majority of SAGE Story, our national digital storytelling “We hope that these videos will sites elected to use video or photography. and anti-isolation program for lesbian, be used to introduce the world Then, each site collected stories from gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) their trained constituent storytellers to be elders was piloted in New York City (NYC) to who we are as LGBT people, used in local and national campaigns. in April of 2013. The purpose of the and to hopefully advocate for In SAGE’s experience, the stories and program is to strengthen the storytelling our rights as seniors .” perspectives of LGBT elders vividly skills of LGBT elders to diversify the public —LES GELLER, BOARD CHAIR, SAGE RALEIGH demonstrate the importance of equality narratives on aging, long-term care, and LGBT rights. SAGE Story offers skill- The work of the second project, SAGE building workshops, maintains an online Story NC, includes not only the skill- story booth for digital submissions, and 1 building workshops and dissemination partners with storytelling experts and activities of the Oregon, Oklahoma, and policy-based organizations to bring these Utah sites, but also—in partnership with stories into the public conversation. Equality North Carolina—an initiative to Through the generous support of the positively impact public opinion and further AARP Foundation and The Ford Foundation, advocacy for policy initiatives and non- SAGE Story was expanded to various discrimination protections in the state. sites across the country, including SAGE Metro Portland, SAGE Tulsa, and thE GoAlS SAGE Story aims to reduce isolation From left: Cedric Harmon and Lauren Franklin, Many Voices; Bishop Tonyia Rawls, “SAGE Story has been a among LGBT older adults, while increasing Freedom Center for Social Justice; and Serena learning experience and one media representation, and furthering social Worthington, SAGE. change advocacy, through workshops I believe has the potential to that teach the fundamentals of storytelling to LGBT people of all ages, but especially really deepen our work within as well as how to tell impactful, personal to those who are vulnerable time. life stories in a variety of print, electronic, the Elder community.” These powerful stories also convey how creative and issue-based formats. —BISHOP TONYIA RAWLS , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR discrimination has affected their health FREEDOM CENTER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE In addition to capturing the critical voice and well-being over their lifetimes. of LGBT elders on equality advocacy SAGE Utah. Additionally, a second SAGE struggles, SAGE Story NC will use these non-DiSCriminAtion Story initiative, funded by the Evelyn stories to enhance grassroots efforts to ADvoCACy in north and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, was launched at pass state and local nondiscrimination three sites in North Carolina: SAGE Raleigh, laws and to move policy initiatives CArolinA SAGE Wilmington of the Cape Fear Coast, including: relationship recognition, funding In addition to these policy goals, our NC and the Freedom Center for Social Justice for LGBT services, and creating pro- sites are educating service professionals —a leading faith-based organization. equality public opinion. in the aging and LGBT fields about the

22 SAGEMatters SAGENET AFILIATES

SAGE Net MEMBERS

importance of equitable treatment of LGBT northEASt rEGion South rEGion older adults, the need to enact nondiscrimi- SAGE of the SAGE Atlanta nation laws in public accommodations, Genesee Valley sageatl.org including long-term care and assisted living gayalliance.org settings, as well as the need for LGBT SAGE Central Virginia cultural competence among aging SAGE Hudson County gayrichmond.com providers. Our sites have been provided hudsonpride.org SAGE Metro DC with a cultural competency module created [email protected] by our National Resource Center on LGBT SAGE Hudson Valley Aging that has been further customized for lgbtqcenter.org SAGE Raleigh lgbtcenterofraleigh.com North Carolina with nondiscrimination SAGE Long Island talking points written especially for our sageli.org SAGE South Florida sites by Equality North Carolina. sagewebsite.org SAGE Maine sagemaine.org SAGE Tulsa okeq.org SAGE Philadelphia waygay.org SAGE Wilmington of the Cape Fear Coast SAGE Rhode Island thefrankharrfoundation.com/sage [email protected] SAGE Upstate wESt rEGion sageupstate.org SAGE Albuquerque SAGE Western Pennsylvania pflagabq.org persadcenter.org SAGE of the Desert From left: Bishop Tonyia Rawls, Freedom Center thecenterps.org for Social Justice; Serena Worthington, SAGE ; Anne Stanback, Equality Federation; and Alex Rupprecht, miDwESt rEGion SAGE Metro Portland Freedom Center for Social Justice SAGE Center on Halsted friendlyhouseinc.org/programs/ centeronhalsted.org gay-and-grey “We spent three months SAGE Olympia SAGE Metro St. Louis sageolympia.org researching, filming and editing sagemetrostl.org these fascinating stories. These SAGE of the Rockies SAGE Milwaukee glbtcolorado.org powerful interviews capture mk elgb t.org the resilient spirit of eight LGBT SAGE Utah utahpridecenter.org seniors who reside on the Wilmington Cape Fear Coast.” —TAB BALLIS, CHAI R SAGE WILMINGTON OF THE CAPE FEAR COAST To learn more about SAGENet, including how to become a SAGE affiliate, visit us at sageusa.org/sagene t.

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