THE SAGE MAGAZINE SAGEMatters is the magazine of SAGE, the country’s largest CONTENTS and oldest nonprofit agency dedicated to serving LGBT older people. Our mission is to take 40TH the lead in addressing issues related to , , bisexual ANNIVERSARY and (LGBT) aging. In FEATURES partnership with its constituents and allies, SAGE works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBT 2 older people, supports and CHANGE advocates for their , fosters In the a greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes Beginning... positive images of LGBT life in A talk with two of SAGE’s later years. fierce founders Chris SAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Almvig and Doug Kimmel Executive Committee

PHOTOS: DIANA LUNDIN & FRED SPIGELMAN DIANA LUNDIN PHOTOS: Elizabeth F. Schwartz CO-CHAIR “The LGBT community has to Dr. Kevin Williams CO-CHAIR start changing the culture Dr. Charles R. Middleton TREASURER of what it means to be older.” Douglas E. Harris — MISS BARBIE Q SECRETARY William E. Weinberger DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR OUR STORIES Members at Large Michael J. Burke 3 David Canter-McMillan Through the Years 6 Lisa Davis Carlene “CJ” Jadusingh A timeline of SAGE Coming Out Trans Chris Kann Notes from trans advocate Bruce J. Lederman history year-by-year Philip Lumpkin since its founding Theo Hutchinson Jim Obergefell Barbara Peda Laurie Peter 18 Cindy T. Rizzo Linda E. Scott Aging in the Americas Elliott R. Sernel Frank Stark A talk with ESMULES’s Roy Wesley Andrea Ayala Jason Young SAGE 305 Seventh Avenue, 15th Floor 8 20 NY 10001 212-741-2247 SAGE as Edie’s Legacy sageusa.org Home Introducing the lgbtagingcenter.org Our constituents Edie Windsor SAGEMatters talk about what SAGE Challenge Fund EDITOR Nancy Blaine means to them ART DIRECTOR Christina DaCosta EVENTS CONTRIBUTORS 10 Jerry Chasen Let’s Talk! 22 Alysa Stryker DESIGN Sounding off On the Town Deirdre Reznik, dpi.nyc on LGBT history, culture Celebrating SAGE sageusa.org/sagematters Please help SAGE Go Green. and the road ahead across the country E-mail us if you would prefer to receive SAGEMatters electronically: facebook.com/sageusa twitter.com/sageusa [email protected] [ LETTER FROM THE CEO ]

SAGE’s Past, Present, and Future could not be more excited to share this 40th anniversary issue of SAGEMatters! When SAGE was founded in 1978, neither the dramatic progress we have made on LGBT Iequality nor the particularly challenging moment we now face as a nation could have been imagined. Jimmy Carter was president, the modern LGBT rights movement was in its infancy, and the country was recovering from the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War with a new emphasis on ethics and transparency in government. Today, much work must be done to achieve full equality and acceptance for all LGBT people. Nonetheless, we have achieved many historic milestones as a community, with SAGE’s numerous important advances prominent among those 40th anniversary legacy campaign. You’ll read about milestones. Yet our country has plunged into one how the future of SAGE’s work—and the future of our of the darkest eras in decades as a result of the LGBT elder pioneers—is being secured by the leadership in Washington, D.C. Edie Windsor Challenge Fund, and how you can All of this makes SAGE’s 40th anniversary get involved. slogan—40 Fierce Years—particularly poignant. Anybody who is aware of Edie’s legacy knows that It took fierce advocacy by our pioneers—our elders— she always thought big. So as we think about a future to secure so many victories for LGBT equality. of boundless possibilities, it’s only fitting that this Today, we need the wisdom and fierce perseverance issue includes a conversation with Andrea Ayala of of our elders both to protect those gains from current ESMULES, an organization focused on older attacks and to keep bending the moral arc of the in El Salvador. SAGE is partnering with ESMULES universe toward justice even in the face of renewed and other groups in Latin America to forge a vision ignorance, bigotry, and bankrupt leadership. for LGBT elder rights that extends not only across We hope this issue of SAGEMatters is just the the , but all of the Americas. antidote for the current moment, offering wisdom This is the inexorable movement with and on behalf from our history, determination from our present, of our LGBT elders that 40 Fierce Years has forged. and an inspirational vision for our future. Please join SAGE in building that movement so that Wisdom from SAGE’s history jumps off the pages, all of our elders can grow old with the opportunities, including the lively conversation between SAGE dignity, and support they have earned. founders Chris Almvig and Doug Kimmel that I had the privilege to join. Similarly, SAGE’s fierce Sincerely, determination in the current moment emerges from the insights and testimony of today’s LGBT elder justice leaders and advocates throughout the issue. In this issue we double down on our vision of a Michael Adams bright future for LGBT elders by announcing a SAGE CEO

40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 1 SAGE in the Beginning What better way to celebrate 40 Fierce Years than to hear from SAGE’s fierce founders Doug Kimmel and Chris Almvig? Here are some highlights from an interview with SAGE CEO Michael Adams.

Michael Adams: For those who rummy or canasta. In my adult Q don’t know about your history, life, I converted that passion into what was your background before action. I dedicated my studies and starting SAGE? my career to gerontological services administration. Doug Kimmel: When I was in CHRIS ALMVIG graduate school back in the 1960s, Michael: What were some of the received NOW’s Susan B. homosexuality was a medical Q biggest challenges and Anthony Award for founding condition that was considered opportunities in founding SAGE? SAGE. Her research “The Invisible a mental illness. I was studying Doug: Well, let me take you back to Minority: Aging & Lesbianism” Human Development and I was (1982), was among the first on 1977. In those days not many of us wondering whether I would be able the lives of older lesbians. could be open about being gay, but to become a licensed psychologist. because I had tenure, I could be. By 1973, the American Psychiatric Chris called and invited me to have Association was persuaded to remove coffee and we started talking about homosexuality from its list of mental this project of hers about providing disorders and so I attended the first services for older LGBT people. Then, meeting of the Association of Gay we organized a meeting at the home DOUG KIMMEL Psychologists. At that time, aging of one of the people that she had been is a SAGE founder and retired was something that wasn’t very talking with who also provided some professor at City College, CUNY popular in the gay community, but I financial support to get us started. (1970-1998). A member of the was studying and teaching aging. I We came up with the name SAGE Maine Psychological Association, decided that it was natural to start at the second meeting. We liked the he founded SAGE Maine. doing research on gay men and aging. sound of it but recognized that this Chris Almvig: I’ve had a lifelong name had been incorporated already interest in older people. I never by a publishing company. So, we had wanted to babysit; I grandma-sat to come up with an acronym that back in the 1950s. There weren’t fit. It was 22-year-old Lee Sullivan any assisted living or retirement who, sitting cross-legged on the floor, MICHAEL ADAMS communities—elders lived at home came up with the idea ‘Senior Action is Chief Executive Officer and so if they wanted to play cards in a Gay Environment.’ It lasted of SAGE and has led the or do something, they would call for decades. We began developing organization for 12 years. on me. I spent hours playing gin protocols for friendly visiting and for

2 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS Left: Socials and dances got the word out about SAGE in the early years. Below: Chris Almvig at the Gerontological Society of America’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. in 1979.

reaching out to these lonely, isolated, today—about bathrooms. She couldn’t older people. We developed trainings go into the men’s bathroom and she 1978 for friendly visitors and we got all this couldn’t go into the women’s bathroom First community meeting in place. But we didn’t have any clients. and I witnessed that she could only leave and Certificate of Nobody came. So we invited the New York home for short periods of time because Incorporation Times to write an article about us. A man she had to come back in order to use named Ron Alexander did a fine article the bathroom. She had a dishonorable but the Times wouldn’t discharge from the army. publish it because, in There was a witch-hunt those days, they wouldn’t and somebody turned her publish anything that was in. She had problems with positive about gay men. My dream was employment all through And then Chris organized to be part of her life just because of a social—a dance—and creating housing the way she looked. So that’s what got the word sometimes people have for the elderly. out. People came and this big impact on you to 1979 danced and began talking Eventually that start understanding the Nation’s first Friendly about SAGE. Eventually dream turned kind of that into coffee Visitor program matches we wound up having a people experience. This volunteers from the spot on the Phil Donahue with Doug and combined with my early community with LGBT Show. blossomed into experience with LGBT older adults Chris: Dreams seem SAGE. elders—the amount of to start sometimes —CHRIS ALMVIG depression, alcoholism and 1980 isolation I saw—my dream unconsciously and First Executive Director, was to be part of creating sometimes through Jim Flanagan the relationships you housing for the elderly. have with other people. One of my first Eventually that dream turned into coffee relationships was with someone who with Doug and blossomed into SAGE. would’ve wanted to have a sex change Michael: So many themes are still if she could have, but at the time they Q present today, like outreach, choosing weren’t very available. I started to leadership, invisibility, discrimination, see the struggles that she had—some trans issues, substance abuse, isolation, of the same struggles we’re having

40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 3 [ SAGE IN THE BEGINNING ]

desperation. Looking ahead, our new who were among the very first people we strategic plan has a big emphasis on visited. It turned out that Bruhs Mero increasing our impact on the lives of LGBT had been a former dancer and singer elders. As you think back, that notion of big and his partner was a pianist and so impact—in what ways is that reflective of they came and played for the socials. the spirit of SAGE? They wound up transforming their lives Doug: One of the issues that was always into a very famous gay couple—on the there was gender parity. I think one cover of some magazines, on TV and of the brilliant things we did was to ultimately a book called The Oldest Gay Couple in America by Gean Harwood. Early SAGE Board recognize the importance of having of Directors. male and female co-chairs of the board. The remarkable thing about the socials We also had a vision that somehow we was that they were all intergenerational. needed to move slowly and establish a My husband and I really enjoyed the firm foundation—to be an organization brunches because we were young people that no one could assail—because of the at the time, and we would dine with many stereotypes and prejudices about these couples who had been together old gay and lesbian people. If you read 30 or 40 years and we learned how to some of the documents at that time do it. We learned that it was possible. It we were described in some of the was really so important to have those most pernicious ways, so we had to mentors. That was the thing that we got be above reproach in order to change out of SAGE. More than what we gave in those attitudes. That was our many ways—the mentorship. biggest challenge. Chris: In terms of learning the needs of our LGBT elders, I like to use the Michael: One part of our strategic Q example of our very first client, Audrey. I plan is what we call “taking care of was her case manager and I knew there our own”—a continued commitment to the were neighbors who were shopping Doug Kimmel marches most vulnerable elders in our communities. with SAGE at Pride in for her so I wondered why we needed To what degree was that the orientation in to continue our services if she had 1998. Below: SAGE the early days? supporters Gean someone to shop for her? But then I saw Harwood and Bruhs Mero Doug: Indeed I think we were focused that there was something else that she as Grand Marshals of the on taking care of our own from the very needed. She needed someone to talk to. NYC Pride March in 1985. beginning. There was a gay male couple You see, when her neighbors came over to help her shop, she turned the portrait of her lifelong partner who had passed away face down on the piano so that they couldn’t see it. When we came to visit she was able to talk with us about her. This was of monumental importance to the heart of the work that we were learning how to do—to cater to the needs of our LGBT elders that we were only just recognizing.

Michael: We are living in a time Q when more than 50% of people living with HIV are 50 and older. AIDS played a tremendous role in our history.

4 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS What impact did Almvig, Kimmel AIDS have on the and Adams at a organization and are conference in 2016. there any lessons we Doug: If there’s a can derive from that? silver lining in the Doug: Our first AIDS epidemic, it was president was Emery that a lot of people Hetrick—you’d came out who would recognize his name not otherwise have come out and we know from the Hetrick-Martin Institute. from research that knowing someone who His partner was Damien Martin and is gay is the most effective way of reducing they both died of AIDS. We signed the prejudices against gay people. the incorporation documents in their Michael: As we celebrate SAGE’s apartment in 1978. One of SAGE’s Q executive directors, Ken Dawson, died 40 years, are there any other words 1981 in 1992 at the age of 45 from AIDS. you want to share? AIDS certainly had a major impact Move to 208 West Chris: I’m aware that many cities 13th St.—today the across the board. that seek SAGE affiliation do so with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Chris: Richard Gold was one of the support groups in mind, but it ends Transgender Community first organizers. Richard was a colorful there. I would like to see SAGE help Center character and was very interested in affiliates with the natural evolution of SAGE’s work. Suddenly, support groups to direct he stopped coming to services. We always said Board meetings and that “community means taking care of our most we couldn’t reach him. SAGE is bringing vulnerable.” I see SAGE So I went over to his our 40 years taking that to a larger apartment and his mom of experience level with their federal answered the door and to the political advocacy efforts, but 1982 wouldn’t let me come in. discussions of The next week we heard I would love to see the Ken Dawson becomes this new era in the Executive Director, shifting he died. This was at the affiliate networks expand struggle for the SAGE’s focus to activism same time that Time even more. rights and dignity and self-help Magazine had the cover, of all persons. Doug: I would say that the “The Gay Plague.” He was I’m very excited changes since the AIDS the first one and it was for the future. crisis have been amazing: all very mysterious to us marriage, LGBT-friendly DOUG KIMMEL at the time. Going to his housing for seniors, SAGE funeral—it just took our senior centers around breath away, and there , and SAGE was this snowball effect. There was affiliates across the country—to name never a time that you weren’t grieving. It only the most obvious ones! Now SAGE was constant. It would go on and on and is moving into the forefront of aging 1983 you’d be mourning three people at once. advocacy organizations, bringing our SAGE You never get over it. Through it all, we 40 years of experience to the political receives went on. I can’t even talk any more about discussions of this new era in the struggle Gerontologist Award for Achievement in Advocacy what happened during that time because for the rights and dignity of all persons. or Service and is declared it was too much. It was just too much. I’m very excited for the future. l a national prototype of supportive services for 40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 5 LGBT elders [ COMING OUT IN THE TRANS COMMUNITY ]

NO ONE DESERVES TO BE INVISIBLE by Theo Hutchinson

n the day I was born 63 years ago, I became a ghost when these words were uttered: O“Congratulations, it’s a girl!” I am a person who is transgender. Although the signs were present throughout my life, the conversation and knowledge about trans folks were not a part of mainstream life in the U.S. back then. I was invisible to myself and to others. But I’ve come to realize that no one deserves to be invisible. No one deserves to be forgotten. No one deserves to be erased. It is in the nature of being human that we seek to make meaning in our lives. This meaning often derives from relationships that mirror back to us a sense of ourselves. When that mirroring is positive and loving, we know we are seen and we flourish. If that mirroring is absent or misguided, then, too often, so are we. Too many mirrors have distorted who trans people are and have fed the fires of hate and bigotry. The Trump administration tried to make the trans community invisible by actions taken immediately after the inauguration.

“NO ONE DESERVES TO BE FORGOTTEN. NO ONE DESERVES TO BE ERASED.”

6 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS DR. THEODORE J. HUTCHINSON teaches at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and was the winner of the 2017 SAGE/Airbnb Pride Contest. After his SAGE Pride experience, Theo became an outspoken advocate for SAGE and trans elder rights.

First, they worked against a two years working through , previous guidance that transgender introspection, struggle and education students in public schools be allowed to inch forward. Finally, in January to utilize the bathroom that matches 2016, I made my public and professional their self-identified gender. Trump announcement that I would be affirming claimed it as a “states’ rights issue,” my gender—physically, socially and effectively removing it from the national legally. The positive strides made by the 1984 conversation. Next, it tried to remove transgender community at that time—in SAGE opens nation’s LGBT people from a key survey that the media and in the social and political first senior LGBT funds older adult services. With no small discourse—were my mirror. It seems drop-in center effort from many advocacy groups, and ironic that in only one year, I would SAGE leading the way, we were able to begin to be erased again. reinstate LGB people into the survey. So where will trans elders be? Who But what about the T? The transgender will see us with our unique and pressing community remained erased—and needs? With attacks on Medicare and SAGE stepped up again. Because of this Medicaid, will we be able to access our second comment period, led by SAGE, specific trans-related medications? Are the 2017 survey included trans people. the physicians and nurses and other We still need to fight to be included health care professionals working in the 2018 survey. Finally, the Trump with older folks knowledgeable and 1988 administration issued a directive to ban compassionate about the unique health trans people from military service. That care needs of trans elders? Can we 75 volunteer directive has recently been reaffirmed access safe and clean LGB and T-friendly friendly visitors organized to meet the and is likely to result in a military housing? And if housing in health care needs of homebound depleted of its brave trans soldiers. facilities is divided along the gender elders amidst the Three for three. We are erased. binary, where will trans elders find AIDS crisis So why does this matter? ourselves? These are the questions I ask It was only four years ago when I myself—and I am relieved that there is realized who I was. I recall sitting in an organization asking these questions 1989 my therapist’s office and saying, “I have too. SAGE is here for the long game, and SAGE establishes the something to tell you.” I said these I’m proud to be a part of it. nation’s words in a tentative whisper: “I’m a No, Trump administration… first AIDS and the boy.” Then a little louder: “I’m a boy…” You will not make me invisible again. Elderly and finally with a joyful grounded sense You will not make me forgotten again. Program of myself, I declared aloud, “I’m a boy! You will not erase me now—or ever. I am trans!” And, for the first time, my I am here; we are here and will raise life made sense to me. I naively thought our voices until all of us, brothers, I had “arrived” with this declaration, sisters, siblings, comrades in the LGB but it turned out to be only the and T community are all counted beginning of my journey. It took another and included. l

40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 7 [ QUOTE, UNQUOTE ]

Gwen Offley “SAGE has been my #1 place to go since my 60’s.” As SAGE celebrates 40 Fierce Years, we asked our community Glen Rubin Marie Spivey of elders from Roger Hoffman “Warm, friendly home “SAGE allows my SGL across the “When I first started environment where I (same-gender loving) going to SAGE my country to am welcome anytime. lesbian family to have partner had recently reflect on what A second home.” a safe place to be died and I was feeling SAGE means real. We have a home!” alone. I was in a to them. wheelchair and felt confined to my home. SAGE introduced me to new friends and fellowship.” Paulette Thomas “SAGE allows you to Danielle Hayduk not have isolation “SAGE Cleveland has and depression, allowed me to face especially coming aging without fear.” into your senior years. To be around like-minded people Radhames Senior who understand your “It offers a support age, understand your system and a good identity—as a woman place to go to get out of color, as a lesbian— Joy Robertson of the house.” it’s great.” “It’s my family.”

8 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS Kam Low Rocky “Where a single guy Lujira Cooper “It means having can get a balanced “Without SAGE I would a place to go.” meal and meaningful have floundered and conversation with a been washed away. 1992 diverse crowd.” Thank you SAGE for SAGE national network of being here.” affiliates launches

Terri Deboze “SAGE remembers Michael Carbonaro that lesbians are VOLUNTEER people, too!” “It means so much John Chism 1993 to me to volunteer “Gives me an outlet Older for a wonderful to express myself in Lesbians group of people I a safe environment Project can call my friends while learning from launches and my adopted other people.” grandparents.” Elspeth Macdonald “A chance to be myself.” 1995 Joyce Banks Michael SAGE opens its Feuerstein headquarters at “SAGE has been “SAGE has been a 305 Seventh a safe haven for me. Avenue, NYC We are at our third great life saver to year in the Bronx and me—the support of Dorothy Durlach so many people; so we are going strong.” “SAGE means many great friends.” survival!!!”

40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 9 Let’s

Vega Subramaniam has been involved in LGBT organizing since 1983 and is a Talk SAGECare certified trainer. Pat Lin is a recent graduate of NYU and LGBT activists from was instrumental in organizing last year’s SAGE Table event. multiple generations Who inspireD you? Vega: I was thinking about when I was sound off on LGBT first coming out in college in 1983. At the time there was some really rich creative history, culture, and work being done by black and brown women of color—lesbians and bi women— partly through a publisher called Kitchen the road ahead Table Press. Some who come to mind are In honor of SAGE’s 40th anniversary, Barbara Smith, Audre Lorde, Cherrie Moraga. Books like This Bridge Called we paired LGBT trailblazers and My Back, All the Women are White, All the influencers of varied generations Blacks are Men, But Some of Us are Brave, to reflect on our collective past and Homegirls, and many anthologies. These discuss our future. These eight pages writers and artists, along with a very reflect life experiences that span several vibrant music scene—Holly Near, Chris Williamson, Ferron—were inspirational. decades and geographical divides. I got really immersed in creative All illustrate burning passions for a better expression. So folks doing creative tomorrow. Watch for more from these expression spoke to me as a lesbian conversations in the months to come on woman of color, in the mid 80’s—I was enveloped by that world. the SAGEUSA website. Pat: So much of what is LGBT in America is white and black, so it’s interesting to

10 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS hear my experiences mirrored, even back to the 80’s. As a young Asian- American I am really inspired and indebted to the work done by black and brown people to pave the way for CHANGE other people of color, especially as I continue to confront anti-blackness in my own community. There’s still a lack of nuanced representation of people 1998 of color, and for me a lot of work to SAGE hosts the first be done educating and uplifting my & FRED SPIGELMAN DIANA LUNDINF PHOTOS: National Conference own people and building together on Aging in the LGBT across cultures. Robert Patrick is a writer and singer. Community for service providers, activists and Vega: Mala and I founded an Miss Barbie Q is an actor, producer, researchers from across organization in Seattle called Trikone director, dancer, singer, drag queen, poet, the country Northwest for the queer South Asian writer, club legend, radio event host, and community. We had a 20th anniversary performance artist. celebration and the room was full of people—some as young as 16 who were What are the challenges the LGBT saying, “oh wow, I didn’t know you were community faces as we age? here. I’m not out to my parents yet. I’m Robert: The first challenge is that afraid to lose my family’s support.” And everybody is living longer and there are this is 2018! So there’s still so much going to be a lot more old people and more work we need to do. a lot more old LGBT people. They’re Pat: Definitely agree. I don’t see not all going to get married so there 2000 much that is queer, Asian and are going to be a lot of older, single SAGE runs full-page ad intergenerational, so that’s fascinating LGBT people who are alienated from about its services in the and I’d love to know more! That’s why their family. So some kind of new social New York Times we need more conversations across structure is going to have to develop queer generations. What is queer today particularly aimed at the old and alone. 2001 I never thought I’d be 80, and I’ve been is influenced hugely by the trans tipping SAGE and incredibly lucky health-wise—I’m active point and trans voices. A lot more AARP collaborate for the young people are identifying gender and still creating—but I don’t know any first time non-conforming than necessarily other gay people my age. I think they’re lesbian, gay or even bisexual. I wouldn’t all in homes. 2003 identify with any of those identities. Miss Barbie Q: The LGBT community SAGE’s I just use queer—for the ambiguity has to start changing the culture of first long- and fluidity. And knowing queer what it means to be older. The LGBT term care elders is crucial to this understanding culture needs to really take a look at curriculum developed for as well. The elders I met at SAGE how we value our elders. We’re one health care providers and really influenced me for the work I’d of the few communities that really nursing homes receives like to do. has a hard time honoring our elders. an award for excellence from University of 40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 11 Pennsylvania [ LET’S TALK! ] Japanese, Mexicans, Indians, and so President John F. Kennedy. He’s the reason many other cultures hold their elders in I live in Washington, D.C. high esteem. We discard our elders. We Jim: I was going to say my late husband treat them as bitter old queens, jaded John, so I love that we both started with lesbians, angry. I think the biggest job for our partners of multiple decades. When SAGE is to change that dialogue. SAGE is I feel tired, I just think about John and We knew part of changing the culture by bridging the fact that I fought for him and for our the gap—not just between older LGBT marriage, and that just keeps me going there would and youth. I’m the in-between—between forward. And I was also going to say Frank be a backlash 25 and 60. There are many of us who Kameny because he was instrumental don’t want to get old because we’re afraid in so many things. He was one of those after of how we’re going to be treated because people willing to put his entire life on the we see how elders are treated. We are line for what he believed in—for himself marriage living in fear. That’s why there’s such a and for his community. And I also have equality, but high percentage of my generation who are to say—Edie Windsor. I think about her HIV+ because they are living like there is almost every day and I wouldn’t be in the when they no tomorrow. I have many friends in their place that I am in the fight for equality 40s being diagnosed because of condom if it weren’t for Edie. I love and miss lost, they fatigue, and they don’t want to get old her dearly. Also, l’d like to point out the really went because they see no redeeming value in inspiration of our younger generation in that, which is a shame. general, and, in particular someone like after our Adam Rippon who is so unapologetically transgender himself. Here he is, in the limelight. He inspires kids everywhere, and he inspires community. PROGRESS me because I see the difference created in our world because of people like Frank, — JIM OBERGEFELL Harvey Milk and Edie. So, it’s really the kids today because they aren’t afraid to wave their flag of individuality, and they don’t apologize for it. What about the backlash of the past year? Did you see it coming? Paul Kuntzler was one of the earliest Jim: We knew there would be a backlash members of the after marriage equality, but when they lost, in Washington, D.C. they really went after our transgender Jim Obergefell won the landmark community. Am I surprised at the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges backlash? Am I surprised at the vitriol we that gave same-sex couples the right to are experiencing? I am, unfortunately. But marry in all 50 states. Jim is also a SAGE I try to be hopeful and think that hatred Board Member. won’t win. We just need to remember that and we have to keep on fighting for every Who inspireD you? other community that is at risk. Paul: There were three people who deeply Paul: I believe that in terms of what’s been inspired me. First, my partner, Steven happening around the country in local Brent Miller, who I was with for over 42 elections and congressional seats, it points years when he died in July of 2004. Of to strong gains—especially encouraging course, the late Frank Kameny who I met for next November. Back in the 60’s we on Sunday evening, February 25, 1962. And couldn’t conceive of the progress we’d

12 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS make. And I’ve been astonished— came before us. We’ve encountered so especially in the past 10 years—how much. In the 50’s with the Lavender much progress there’s been. We can’t Scare. In the 60’s at the forget that. and into the Gay Liberation Movement of the 70’s. I think bars in the gay community created a safe space. They weren’t necessarily frontline at the marches or rallies, but they were behind PIONEERS the scenes and they were the ones making sure that there was comfort, acceptance and love. And people like my parents were truly part of a pioneering movement that established a community among the LGBT family. Why is SAGE’s work critical 2005 moving forward? SAGE participates in Jewel Thais-Williams is a lifetime Jewel: There’s an African proverb 2005 White House LGBT activist and Founder of Conference on Aging as The Village Health Foundation, Inc. that says, “If the elders are lost, then the adults are lost. If the adults are the sole LGBT delegate Joey Wasserman is Director of lost, then the children are lost.” The Major Gifts at SAGE. sense of community, of organizing 2006 the intergenerational events like the Michael Who inspireD you? dinners that SAGE promoted last year, Adams Jewel: The most inspirational person are critical. Individuals by themselves becomes for me over the past 40 years without are isolated. Television shows and SAGE’s eighth a doubt is Dr. Donald Kilhefner. He discussions on the internet are helpful Executive Director was one of the founders of the Gay and but as in any movement we need Lesbian Community Services Center numbers and we need dedicated people here in Los Angeles, which was the to make real sustained changes come first one of its kind in the world. I came about. So interacting with other elder to him as a client and we ended up organizations, that may or may not be becoming great friends. I always called LGBT, would be advisable too. him my brother and I tell him that he’s Joey: I think SAGE keeps the spotlight on much blacker than I am in his thinking. what’s important. Its mission is critical to He is also one of the founders of The an ever-growing population of the LGBT Radical Fairies that helped kicked off the community. As we see the Baby Boomers 2008 gay and lesbian revolution back in 1969. age into retirement, we also see, for SAGE launches award- We are probably two of the oldest LGBT one of the first times in our history, our winning marketing activists in this area still out there doing LGBT community retire. It’s important campaign—“SAGE Is” the work. that we don’t lose sight of this trend. Joey: I think it would have to be my And it’s important that we don’t lose Calamus parents. My parents started a gay and sight of the resources and the support Foundation lesbian bar back in the 70’s. Around needed to take care of our own. SAGE’s awards the same time, Jewel, as you started work is important because it takes a $1 million The Jewel Room in 1973, which was the more comprehensive approach to what matching grant in honor of SAGE’s precursor to The Catch. Growing up in that means. And as Jewel mentioned 30th anniversary that affirming environment made me before, it also includes intergenerational always appreciate the pioneers who engagement. I don’t think segmenting

40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 13 [ LET’S TALK! ] our community based on age or different Phillip: That’s a great point. There’s a minority groups is going to be beneficial lot of talk about taking care of LGBT as we grow. We weren’t founded upon homeless youth as central to the mission those principles. We were founded on the for the media brands that I work with, but principles of cohesion and camaraderie then I think about what happens when and as we grow older SAGE’s focus will people are displaced from their families I think we can continue to take a more comprehensive and or loved ones and they have nowhere to collective approach to aging. turn and nowhere to go… And then the all take some older folks—our elders—who’s taking care of them? Who is offering them help, satisfaction resources, connections, and interaction? in knowing As a community, we are only as good as our most vulnerable, and I think we often leave the world CONNECT our elders out of that conversation. Age is an important intersection when we talk we live in about diversity and representation. It’s so may not be important to keep SAGE in mind because those interests are the most important. perfect, but And the stories and the lessons we can learn from our elders are among our most it’s getting a valuable. So taking care of them is just as little better Tom Leonardis is the President of vital as securing the next generation. Our as the years Whoop, Inc. and Executive Producer at missions have to be two-fold in that respect. One Hoe Productions. Tom also served Tom: You’re lucky because you get to see go on. as chair of the 2017 SAGE Table/NYC a generation in front of you, right? Most of Steering Committee. the people in front of me have died because — PHILLIP PICARDI of AIDS. When I look at the generation that Phillip Picardi is the Digital Editorial has gone, there are not a lot of people left Director of teenVOGUE and Allure. to look up to. I think there is a sadness to WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES THE the people my age. I look at you guys, and LGBT COMMUNITY FACES AS WE AGE? I think that you’re lucky because you can Tom: For me SAGE is like a big mama, with see how the people in front of you are aging, these gigantic arms extended to hold us all. whereas we didn’t get that. We lost a whole We’re all on the conveyor belt of age and I generation—gone! think when we’re young, we don’t get that. Phillip: Right! Therefore, you guys had As I age up in the gay community, I always to pave your own road and be your own feel like I’m in the world where is example. You were able to lay a template rampant. In the entertainment world there for a generation of kids who needed you is ageism, and in the LGBTQ community to do that. Because if it wasn’t for you, there is ageism, and I think when you have there would be hundreds of thousands a SAGE, it bridges the gap to have us all of kids who would have to do that work unite. That’s why I’m such a fan of SAGE themselves. Every queer generation that because these are the conversations that comes out, we’re paving a road to make it need to be had. Sometimes I think that I’m easier for them to exist. I think we can all looking at someone younger and having take some satisfaction in knowing the world negative thoughts, and I think “Come on we live in may not be perfect, but it’s getting Tom, why is that? Are you jealous? Is it a little better as the years go on. There is because you’re losing that?” That’s why going to be immense power in being queer these conversations need to happen. for kids moving forward.

14 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS hard for me. I have younger friends but they have their own life. I don’t push. When I see them, I see them. I had my 100th birthday party a few weeks ago. Inspire Many people came. Stacy, who was my first Friendly Visitor, came in from England. So it was really a great party. Nobody thinks I’m 100! Teresa: I work a lot with caregivers, and their concerns are ‘who’s going to care for me when I age?’ People have Jerre Kelbas is a long-time supporter concerns around how they are going to of SAGE and is currently a recipient of avoid isolation and where they can have safe, affordable housing. SAGE services. Jerre just turned 100. 2009 Teresa Theophano is Assistant SAGE Harlem opens Director of Care Management Services in the historic Theresa at SAGE and is Jerre’s Care Manager. Hotel, strengthening Who inspireD YOU? SAGE’s responsiveness HISTORY to communities of color Teresa: This might sound cheesy, but it was about 20 years ago when I first learned about SAGE. I didn’t know I would end up working for SAGE, but SAGE joins the how exciting it was to see the SAGE Leadership Council of bus at the first Pride March I ever Aging Organizations as attended in NYC. It was such a huge only LGBT member deal for me. I’m inspired by a lot of JonathAn Barrio is the Founder the LGBT grassroots organizations of of the Gay Vista Social Club. 2010 the past, and to be part of one now is Reynaldo Mireles is Program SAGE is incredibly exciting. Manager for SAGE of the Rockies. founding Jerre: There were a lot of people I member looked up to because I was a very What keeps you going on of national Diverse shy and scared person. I looked up a day-to-day basis? Elders Coalition and Reynaldo: I have the opportunity to to people and copied their behavior helps organize Coalition’s and I moved forward that way. Chris work with older adults on a daily basis. first Capitol Hill briefing Almvig asked me to come to her house I get to meet them in person or over the so that I could be part of SAGE. I was phone, and it gives them the opportunity about 60 at the time. I put up fliers to share their story. They have an on telephone poles to try to recruit amazing history. As I’m listening to people—which we did. their voices, I am inspired by what they have done to protect our rights. That is What are the challenges the what gives me the strength to not give LGBT community faces as we age? up. I can’t. I mean, they did so much for Jerre: There are still people who will us to have the rights that we have now. The U.S. Department deny the LGBT community. And so we I want to make sure that those rights of Health and Human still have to fight back. I think we’re are protected for them, and me and my Services awards SAGE doing very well though. I have outlived community, and for the generations to the country’s first grant all of my friends and, of course, that is come. What about you, Jonathan? to establish a National Resource Center on LGBT Aging 40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 15 [ LET’S TALK! ] Jonathan: It’s interesting that you mention of the things that I do remember was the working with older LGBT people, because protests against Anita Bryant. I would I started on the younger side of the have probably been about to graduate spectrum. I was executive director of an high school and not quite sure what all the organization that I founded three years ago uproar was about, but it was my first time called “Gay Vista Social Club” (GVSC). The seeing LGBTQ folks in the public space We as a whole mission behind the org was taking protesting for their rights. So that has young gay men outside of the nightlife always stuck with me. people scene—away from drugs and alcohol— Sandy: Probably earliest inspirations— need to be putting them in safe spaces and scenarios once I came out in my 40’s—were Del where they could build intentional and Martin and Phyllis Lyon. They had been recognized lasting friendships. Having that safe space, out, activist lesbians for many years. They and hearing the stories from people—it were the first older lesbian couple to be and, no has just turned into something magical in married in California when it became legal. matter what Miami. I hear from people who tell me that They were activists. They were proudly it’s so refreshing to be in a space where out. They fought for everybody else to be era we are they are not judged. It empowers people to out. They tackled the issues as they came really interact with one another in a way at them, and I definitely admired them. in, we need that we never would have if GVSC wasn’t around. This makes me push daily to make Why is SAGE’s work critical to know that sure that I am doing all I can to give all the moving forward? somebody has resources that I benefit from, to all of the Sandy: We have to enable more members other young folks in our community—who of the community to speak up and speak our back. are our emerging leaders. for themselves. We still have to go back — CONNIE KURTZ and fight and make healthcare available all over the country. SAGE has to continue its community response for older people— especially those who live alone. mentor Kim: I think that’s right on and I would add two things. One is the extra vigilance that SAGE has to have these next few years, at least through this administration, because we’re seeing the constant chipping away of everything we’ve fought for, including these national Kim L. Hunt is the Executive Director survey questions. People are being totally of the Pride Action Tank of the AIDS erased. So any kind of data gathering Foundation of Chicago. would be very helpful. The other is educating younger people about aging Sandy Warshaw is an activist and an and older adults. I know SAGE has the author, and a longtime friend of SAGE. intergenerational mentoring program, but the more spaces that SAGE creates for Who or what from the past 40 years older and younger folks to learn from each of our movement inspires your work? other, the better. It is important, especially Kim: So, 40 years ago I didn’t know I was for young activists, to learn that activism a lesbian. Like Sandy, I didn’t come out doesn’t stop when you get older. Older until I was in my thirties, and had been adults want to advocate for themselves married and had children. So looking back and be mobilized, empowered and a part on what was going on 40 years ago, one of the work that’s going on.

16 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS Ruth: I had three children. I had the best of all possible worlds, and then I fell in love with my best friend. There was no turning back, but it was a JUSTICE little bit of a nightmare coming out. So who inspired me in this particular time of my life as a lesbian? It was my spouse, Connie. She said, “You are not respecting our relationship if you’re 2010 going to remain in the closet.” And she’s SAGE opens its always been my inspiration because she Washington, D.C. did not have the fear I had. She did not policy office Jennifer C. Gregg is the Executive have the ugliness of thinking that I was Director of ONE Archives Foundation. an abomination. Also, justice was very important to me, so injustice stirs me Ruth Berman & Connie Kurtz are up with anger and energy to make the lifelong LGBT activists who fought for, change. I came out because Connie was and won, domestic partner benefits in right, being closeted did not respect our New York City in the early 80’s. relationship. And I also came out in my Who INSPIRED YOU? field. When I found out that people had 2011 Jennifer: I’m lucky because I have their spouses on their health plan, but SAGE adds first Board access to the amazing collection of ONE that Connie couldn’t be on my health members from outside Archives. There are so many people plan, I was ready to fight. I was more New York City— and organizations that inspire me. The than willing to work with Washington, D.C., Chicago, work of ACT UP, the National Center for to sue the Board of Education and get Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, SAGE, that changed. At that time we were the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and, of going for domestic partnership. And course, the work of the archives. I am also Connie says to these big shot lawyers— inspired by ordinary people brave enough this was in the early 1980’s—“how come to take on these huge issues of equality— we’re not going for marriage?” I don’t like you, Ruth and Connie. For example, call her an ordinary person—my wife, there’s a woman here in southern my lover, my best friend, my beneficiary. California named Carolyn Weathers. She She’s brilliant, and she was right. She’s was part of the . In my role model and continues to be. the early 70’s the American Psychiatric Why is SAGE’s work critical Association was holding a convention moving forward? 2012 here in Los Angeles at The Biltmore SAGE catalyzes national Hotel. They had classified homosexuality Connie: We as a people need to be recognized and, no matter what era we are participation in the as a mental illness and were scheduled to Obama Administration’s in, we need to know that somebody has show a movie that advocated curing gays first-ever White House our back in the truest sense of the phrase. and lesbians with electroshock therapy. LGBT Conference Carolyn organized a group of people SAGE has always been there for us. on Aging to invade. It was called the Biltmore Jennifer: I always say, “Nothing With the IMPROVING Invasion. They stormed the stage, about us without us,” and SAGE truly THE LIVES National OF TRANSGENDER they canceled the screening, and she embraces that adage. It’s an organization OLDER AD Recomm ULT endations S for Policy and Practice continued to work very hard to have that that provides its members a seat at the Center for classification removed. I’m so inspired by table. A voice. We must advocate for our Transgender S1AGE ( Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) and N ational Center for Trans Equality, gender Equality (NCTE) so many brave people who took the risk to elders and we must advocate for people SAGE at all stages of life in our community. fight for our justice. l releases a path-breaking report on transgender 40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 17 older adults [ AGING IN THE AMERICAS ]

A LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE SAGE CEO Michael Adams talks with ESMULES Executive Director Andrea Ayala

Michael Adams: ESMULES Q religious conservatives are putting recently released an important a tremendous amount of money and report on LGBT elders in El Salvador. publicity in opposing that proposed What challenges do LGBT elders face gender identity law. The LGBT there? movement in El Salvador doesn’t have ANDREA AYALA Andrea Ayala: We found that LGBT the resources that other movements is Executive Director of elders are invisible. It’s as though do so we struggle to fight back. ESMULES, Espacio de Mujeres they don’t exist in El Salvador. The But it’s hard, including because of Lesbianas por la Diversidad other thing that we discovered is that financial issues. The religious right (Space for Lesbian Women LGBT elders don’t want to be in the and evangelicals can have a 30-second for Diversity), an organization spotlight in my country. They are so spot on TV 24 hours a day if they working for LGBT equality in used to being in the closet as a result want. We are not able to do that. El Salvador. of the tremendous discrimination and Michael: Given that this work is hostility that they face that they don’t Q hard—with many tragic feel they can be part of the movement. circumstances and ferocious So that’s very hard for us because we opposition—what keeps you going day totally understand why. El Salvador is to day as an activist? a country that is full of homophobia. But we need our LGBT elders to be Andrea: If I’m honest I’d have to MICHAEL ADAMS empowered so that they can use their say my wife. She always keeps me is Chief Executive Officer own voices. inspired. I admire her very much. of SAGE and has led the Also, I am here because of other very organization for 12 years. Michael: In the U.S., religious Q brave women, trans people, lesbian conservatism is on the rise and women and gay men who decided to having a significant and negative impact have a voice before me. So it’s my time on our government’s policies toward to pay them back. And remembering LGBT people and issues. What impact that many people are in worse does religious conservatism have in your conditions than me. The needs in my country? Does it shape the willingness of community are a big part of keeping LGBT elders to come out and be part of a me inspired to do this work. movement for progress? Michael: ESMULES, SAGE, Andrea: I think this conservative CIPAC: Centro de Q CIPAC* (Costa Rica), and Mano movement is advancing globally Investigación y Promoción Diversa (Bolivia) are working and El Salvador isn’t an exception. para America Central de collaboratively to advocate for LGBT Just last week a group of trans Derechos Humanos (Center elders in the Americas. Why is women presented a proposal for a for the Investigation and collaboration across organizations and gender identity law in El Salvador’s Promotion of countries valuable and important? for Central America) National Assembly. All of the

18 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS Andrea: We may be in different parts the office of Victor Madrigal, the UN of the world but we always find ways independent expert on SOGI issues. in which our communities are fighting They were amazed when I talked about the same fight. Invisibility happens the network our organizations have everywhere—in the U.S., in El Salvador, built, and they said, “Are you talking in Costa Rica and in Bolivia. So I think about LGBT elder issues as human it is very important because these rights issues? Could you please send us problems are worldwide and we have to information? Can we schedule a follow face them as a global community. up meeting with the UN Independent Expert to discuss LGBT elder issues Michael: Mano Diversa submitted Q with you?” So they are really interested several requests to the Inter-American in our work. From what I know, our Commission on Human Rights for an official four organizations—ESMULES, SAGE, hearing on LGBT elders, all were denied. CIPAC and Mano Diversa—are the only 2012 However, when our organizations and organizations talking about the very Grand opening of The countries came together to submit a request, important issues facing LGBT elders SAGE Center in New the Commission said yes. That’s a really across the Americas. York City, the country’s powerful statement about the strength that first full-fledged publicly comes with locking arms and working Michael: This summer at the funded senior center for together. How can this type of advocacy help Q International Federation on Aging in LGBT elders LGBT elders in the Americas? Toronto, you and I and other LGBT aging Andrea: Having an Inter-American advocates will present various programs and human rights system that tells the states have the ability to talk to policymakers, the ways they are failing in human rights service providers, academics and advocates when it comes to LGBT elders is very from across the globe. What is our big important. It’s not the same as Michael opportunity at a world conference like this? and Andrea telling them they are doing Andrea: I think that there are two this wrong, but it’s the Inter-American big opportunities. The first one is to Commission! So it is very important to highlight the intersections of these 2013 have this official voice from an official very important issues—aging and SAGE joins body on human rights issues in the LGBT people. And the other thing is, American Americas. Looking beyond that, I also because this is an aging conference Society on Aging and aspire to use the UN system, which is and not an LGBT conference, it gives other ally organizations a broader stage where we can have a us the opportunity to change minds so in filing a key amicus louder voice. that people who work on a daily basis brief providing LGBT elder with elder people and elder issues in perspective on marriage Michael: Yes, absolutely. Regarding Q countries across the globe can bring equality in Edie Windsor’s the UN, it’s exciting that their new a new perspective on LGBT issues. successful Supreme independent expert on sexual orientation They have to start thinking, “how do I Court challenge to DOMA and gender identity (SOGI) is from Costa take into account LGBT people in this Rica. I think there’s every indication he’ll be new policy that I’m writing or this new SAGE interested in LGBT elder issues. medical protocol that I’m introducing?” releases HEALTH EQUITY AND LGBT ELDERS the ground- OF COLOR Recommendation Andrea: Of course he will be! I was in s for Policy and Practic e Geneva last week to deliver a report on Michael: I completely agree. It is a really breaking report on lesbian/bisexual violence in El Salvador extraordinary opportunity to advance improving SAGE (Ser an agenda of inclusion and respect for vices and Advocacy for for the Human Rights Committee, and GLBT Elders) LGBT elders. l health and I had the opportunity to meet with wellness for LGBT older people of color 40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 19 [ EDIE’S LEGACY ]

Your gift to SAGE tomorrow yields a contribution to SAGE today!

ound too good to be true? fund, which is also funded through It’s not. Starting July 1, 2018, a generous contribution from an when you make a gift to anonymous donor. SAGE in your future legacy Participating in this campaign is Splans and tell us what that gift is simple! All you have to do is complete currently worth, SAGE will receive a a Bequest Intention Form. This current cash contribution. written document lets SAGE know In December 2017, The Edie Windsor Challenge that a legacy gift to SAGE is part of the SAGE Fund is the power behind SAGE’s your estate planning. It describes the Center was renamed Legacy Match Campaign. Edie loved kind of gift (for example, bequest in the Edie Windsor SAGE, contributing generously and a will or trust, a beneficiary of a life SAGE Center. serving for many years on its Board insurance policy or retirement plan, of Directors. Edie’s beloved surviving a gift of real estate or proceeds from partner, Judith Kasen-Windsor, its sale, or another form of legacy is continuing Edie’s commitment donation), and the estimated current and leadership by establishing this value of that gift.

THE SAGE LEGACY MATCH CAMPAIGN: HOW IT WORKS

Include SAGE in ...and SAGE gets your legacy plan a matching for tomorrow... gift today!

For a limited time, the EDIE WINDSOR CHALLENGE FUND will multiply the impact of your future gift to SAGE.

NEW LEGACY GIFTS A 10% MATCH! EXISTING LEGACY GIFTS A 5% MATCH! For every $10 of the current stated value For every $20 of the current stated value of your new bequest, SAGE receives $1. of your existing bequest, SAGE receives $1. $100,000 => $10,000 $100,000 => $5,000

20 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS Frank Liu FIRST IN LINE

“I never thought of myself as a philanthropist,” says SAGE supporter Frank Liu. “What do you think a philanthropist looks like? Bill Gates? George Soros? White rich guys—not the gay Asian guy who works 9 to 5.” 2014 SAGE receives funding But when Frank learned about SAGE’s from New York State Legacy Match Campaign, he was intrigued. Legislature to launch Frequently, a donor’s legacy Until that point, he had not included SAGE in LGBT Elder Veterans gift to SAGE will be contingent his estate planning. Initiative on provisions the donor has made “I don’t know what is going to happen when for a spouse, partner, sibling, or a SAGE releases I die. How can I make plans about giving member of your chosen family, and the first national now? Since I’m not sure of what I will be the form lets SAGE know that. The market study worth, I was uncomfortable making future form is not a contract—it can be on the plans,” he says. experiences changed if you choose to do so. and perspectives of “Then I realized: I give when I’m living, so Starting July 1, 2018, the Bequest LGBT older adults Intention Form will be available at why should I worry about how much money sageusa.org/legacy-match. It can be I’ll leave behind? And why should I feel guilty completed online or downloaded about not giving enough when I’m gone?” and mailed to us. Of course, if The idea of making a gift during the legacy you have any questions, or need match campaign appealed to Frank. “I support in completing the form, like the matching aspect. When I thought contact Jerry Chasen, SAGE’s about collectively giving—that my future Director of Legacy Planning. gift will be amplified for SAGE with a SAGE launches multi-year If you’re thinking you don’t have current contribution—I realized it actually agency-wide diversity and the kind of money to leave a gift to matters. And I like the upfront nature of equity initiative SAGE, then think again. If you own this campaign,” he says. “If I tell SAGE what your own home, have a retirement something is worth, it unlocks the money account, or may not want to leave now for SAGE to use, and secures my own 2015 your entire estate to your family, legacy as a longtime supporter of SAGE.” SAGE wins major policy victories at the 2015 White your legacy can live on in SAGE’s Legacy is about the difference you have House work. Your gift will be worth even made in this life and cementing that more during this campaign. Help Conference legacy for years to come. This July, join on Aging fund both SAGE’s present, and Frank in participating in SAGE’s legacy future, today. l match campaign.

Find out more at sageusa.org/legacy-match or email Jerry Chasen, SAGE’s Director of Legacy Planning, at [email protected].

40 FIERCE YEARS | SAGEMatters | 21 [ SAGE EVENTS ]

SAGE & FRIENDS PHILADELPHIA SHE March 22, 2018 March 1, 2018

Betty Weems, Lisa Cannistraci

Ellen Ensig-Bronksy, Emily Forman Reggie Shuford, Stephen Glassman, Linda Gottlieb, Michael Adams, Perry Monastero Natasha Haase SAGE & FRIENDS MIAMI February 10, 2018

Amber Hikes, Evan Thornburg, Elizabeth Samar Aryani-Sabet Schwartz Larry Hyer, Michael Góngora TOYS PARTY December 10, 2017

Robby Browne, Whoopi, Whoopi Goldberg Tom Leonardis, Michael Adams

SAGE AWARDS October 16, 2017

Michael Adams, Michael Adams, , Judith Kasen-Windsor, Jim Obergefell Nii-Quartelai Quartey

22 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS 2015 With support from the NYC Council, SAGE inaugurates new SAGE Centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn (with GRIOT thanks all of its champions Circle) and Staten Island including donors, volunteers, (with Pride Center of board members, and staff. Staten Island) LGBT elders and those who love them have paved our way forward since 1978.

Here's to Bronx 40 Fierce Years and to the future.

Brooklyn

Staten Island

SAGE receives $1 million from the Calamus Foundation to support its National LGBT Elder Housing Initiative [ INTERVIEW ] 2016 SAGE launches SAGECare, a training and credential program for care providers committed to offering LGBT-inclusive services

SAGE Center Midtown is renamed The Edie Windsor SAGE Center

SAGE announces New York 2017 City’s first LGBT-welcoming elder housing– 3,500 people Ingersoll Senior gather nationally for SAGE and partners successfully Residences—with the first SAGE Table, launched to advocate for first-ever public more than 225 build ties across LGBT generations hearing of Inter-American apartments, wrap- Commission on Human Rights around services on LGBT elders and a SAGE Center 2018 Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation awards SAGE $1.7 million for Ingersoll Senior Residences, country’s largest SAGE launches affordable LGBT elder housing aggressive

Updating the Older Americans Act national advocacy WHY DO LGBT OLDER ADULTS NEED SUPPORT?

The Older Americans Act (OAA) is the nation’s primary law for campaign–We funding, organizing, and delivering social and nutrition programs (like Meals on Wheels) to older adults and their caregivers with the goal of enabling SAGE joins people to age in-place in their communities. Refuse To Be The OAA, a $2 billion-a-year Diverse Elder PROBLEM program, makes no mention of LGBT older adults. Invisible–and LGBT Older Adults suffer disproportionally from their non-LGBT peers. Coalition to SOCIAL ISOLATION RATE OF POVERTY NON-LGBT SINGLE LGBT SUPPORT DISCONNECT forces Trump Administration 2X NON-LGBT NON-LGBT CHILDLESS LGBT PEERS lead first-ever Need for Services to abandon plans to erase LGB NON-LGBT GAY MEN LESBIANS In order to better serve LGBT Americans, the OAA Likelihood to Access Services grassroots needs to be amended to include LGBT older adults as a population of “greatest social need” elders from evaluation of federal advocacy . SOLUTION

Source: sageusa.org elders; SAGE follows up with campaign for a trans campaign more LGBT-inclusive federal SAGE partners with elder services International Federation on Citi awards SAGE $250,000 Aging (IFA) to present first- to expand the National LGBT ever LGBT program track at Elder Housing Initiative global conference

24 | SAGEMatters | 40 FIERCE YEARS A license to discriminate could put the lives of millions of LGBT elders at stake. SAGE’s latest national advocacy campaign “Care Can’t Wait” targets the Trump Administration’s efforts to allow religious-based discrimination not only in our bakeries and restaurants, but as importantly, in our ambulances, hospitals, and nursing homes—affecting the lives of all older LGBT people. “Care Can’t Wait” for our LGBT elders when they seek care. Join us and sign the pledge at sageusa.org/carecantwait.

THEY FOUGHT FOR US. NOW WE FIGHT FOR THEM. SAGENet Affiliates

[ INTERVIEW ] WA BUILDING ME OR COMMUNITIES NY WI Services & Advocacy Did you know that there MI RI PA for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual NJ SAGE USA are SAGE affiliates across OH UT & Transgender Elders CA IL 305 Seventh Avenue the United States? CO MO KY 15th Floor See if there is a NC OK New York, NY 10001 SAGENet near you NM and visit sageusa. AK GA NATIONAL OFFICES org/sagenet for more information. New York FL Chicago Miami WEST SOUTH Los Angeles • SAGE Alaska • SAGE Atlanta MIDWEST NORTHEAST Washington DC • SAGE Albuquerque • SAGE of the • SAGE Center • SAGE Hudson Valley • SAGE of the Desert Bluegrass on Halsted • SAGE Jersey City SAGE CENTERS • SAGE of the Rockies • SAGE Raleigh • SAGE Cleveland • SAGE Long Island Edie Windsor • SAGE Olympia • SAGE Tampa Bay • SAGE Metro Detroit • SAGE Maine SAGE Center • SAGE Milwaukee • SAGE Metro Portland • SAGE of • SAGE Philadelphia at SAGE Center Bronx South Florida • SAGE of PROMO Fund William Way • SAGE Utah SAGE Center Harlem • SAGE Wilmington • SAGE Tulsa • SAGE Rhode Island of the Cape Fear • SAGE Rochester SAGE–GRIOT • SAGE West Suburban Coast Senior Services Innovative Senior • SAGE Western Center of Brooklyn Interested in becoming an Pennsylvania affiliate? Start the process at • SAGE Upstate SAGE–Pride Center sageusa.org/sagenet. of Staten Island

Concerns over health and housing? THE SAGE Anxiety over today’s political climate? NATIONAL LGBT Worries about infringements upon your civil rights in your community or workplace? ELDER HOTLINE Woes over a relationship? Feeling lonely? operated by the GLBT National Help Center GIVE US A CALL! If you’ve got 1-888-234-SAGE something to HOURS talk about, Mon-Fri: 4pm-Midnight ET Sat: Noon-5pm ET WE’RE HERE Se habla español. TO LISTEN. Free and confidential.

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