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

Winter 2015

THE CASE FOR AFFORDABLE LGBT OLDER ADULT HOUSING WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE NEW REPORT ON SUCCESSFUL AGING SUPPORTING LGBT ELDERS MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

It’s the beginning of a new yea r—and as this recent SAGEMatters is the triannual magazine issue of SAGEMatters demonstrates, SAGE continues to of Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders launch initiatives that transform the lives of LGBT older (SAGE), the country’s largest and oldest nonprofit agency dedicated to serving people nationwide! LGBT older people. Our mission is to Of foremost importance is the launch of SAGE’s National take the lead in addressing issues LGBT Elder Housing Initiative, a nationwide, multi-year initiative to ensure that millions related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and of LGBT older people are able to access LGBT-friendly housing. A growing body of transgender (LGBT) aging. In partnership with its constituents and allies, SAGE researc h— and SAGE’s experience nationwid e— decisively demonstrates how difficult it works to achieve a high quality of life is for LGBT older people to find appropriate housing. For example, a national study last for LGBT older adults, supports and year documented that an astonishing 44% of LGBT older people applying for “senior advocates for their rights, fosters a housing” face discrimination just because of who they are. Moreover, LGBT older people greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes positive lack legal protections that could address this discrimination. This housing crisis is images of LGBT life in later years. exacerbated by the fact that many LGBT older people enter their later lives with smaller support systems and diminished financial security. In this issue, we discuss how SAGE SAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS and our national partners will correct this gross inequality—by building housing, training Executive Committee housing providers, changing policy, educating consumers and expanding services. William E. Weinberger, Co-Chair The time for this coordinated national initiative is now. Patricia Wiley, Co-Chair Dawn Fisher, Development SAGE’s positive impact on the day-to-day lives of LGBT older people across the Committee Chair country has never been more apparent. One of our recent studies documented why Dr. Charles Middleton, Treasurer SAGE’s mission is so important. In October, SAGE released Out and Visible: The Kevin Williams, Secretary Experiences and Attitudes of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Older Adults, Members-at-Large Ages 45-75 . This seminal research report details findings from a uniquely comprehensive, David H. Braff, Esq national study of LGBT older people, led by Harris Poll on behalf of SAGE. It found that Chris Kann Douglas E. Harris LGBT older people face endemic levels of discrimination in housing and among health Damian Pardo care providers, report increasingly smaller support networks, and are deeply distressed Wally Patawaran about when or whether they can retire (among other findings). SAGE’s study significantly Victoria L. Raymont expands the knowledge on this subject—and serves as a call to action to health and Elizabeth F. Schwartz Rosalyn Richter aging providers, as well as leaders in the public and private sectors to create LGBT- Reginald T. Stanley friendly and responsive services, products and programs. Jason Young This fall we also saw the continued leadership of SAGE and SAGE affiliates. In George Zuber October, SAGE leaders from 27 affiliates in 20 states and D.C. gathered to discuss the EDITOR best ways to support LGBT older people in their diverse communities. In City— Kira Garcia home to SAGE’s national headquarter s—SAGE is in the midst of a dramatic expansion of CONTRIBUTORS our programs to address the needs of all LGBT elders no matter where they live. We’re Keith Butler working with partner organizations across New Yor k— including GRIOT Circle, the Jerry Chasen country’s leading organization dedicated specifically to the needs of LGBT elders of color. Christina DaCosta We’re proud to profile GRIOT’s critically important work and our partnership in this issue Robert Espinoza Kira Garcia of SAGEMatters. We’re also proud to have recently launched SAGEDay, a collaboration Hilary Meyer between SAGE and Hebrew Home at Riverdale that will offer intensive activities to frail Aaron Tax and largely homebound LGBT elders who otherwise would be isolated at home or forced Serena Worthington prematurely into institutional care. And we recently premiered SAGEVets, a path-breaking PHOTOS initiative that will help LGBT elder veterans access the essential benefits they deserve but Cover: Widow Alone by Yvonne Chamberline, Getty Images have been denied for decades. Here at SAGE, we’ve packed a lot of important advances Kira Garcia: p. 3, 4 into the last few months, and a lot is packed into this latest issue of SAGEMatters. Steven Michael: p. 18, 19 Together, we are truly changing the landscape for LGBT older people across the country! Aaron Tax: p. 5, 7 GRAPHIC DESIGN RD Design Michael Adams, Executive Director

2 SAGEMatters SAGE NATIONAL INITIATIVE

IN THIS ISSUE

SAGE National Initiative ...... 3 THE CASE FOR Federal Policy Update ...... 5 AFFORDABLE SAGE National Initiative ...... 6 Programs to Improve Health SAGE Faces ...... 9 LGBT OLDER Board Interview SAGE National Initiative ...... 12 ADULT HOUSING: GRIOT Circle

SAGE R esources ...... 15 A National Crisis and Five Keys

SAGE FALL Roundup ...... 16 to a Solution.

SAGENet ...... 18 Sofia Torres loves . The 69- year -old Nuyorican lesbian was born in Puerto Rico but moved here as an infant and remembers it as the first place she was able to fully express herself as a young gay woman. It’s the place where she Did you know you can give forged some of her earliest and strongest online? Visit sageusa.org/donate friendships, broke gender barriers to build a career in construction, and served as a If you have inquiries, feedback or volunteer for New York City’s Pride Parade. comments, please email us at Despite all this, when Sofia was offered [email protected] a job in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001, she Please help SAGE Go Green decided to take a chance. She gave up a and let us know if you’d prefer rent-controlled apartment in Astoria and to receive SAGEMatters electronically. relocated for the job, only to find herself Email us at [email protected] laid off twelve years later. She missed New York’s LGBT community, so she She’s considered moving to a city where Services & Advocacy for headed back to the City to start over. housing is less expensive, but feels When she arrived, she was shocked at unsure that she’d be safe as an out GLBT Elders (SAGE) the cost of housing, and struggled to find lesbian in a more affordable community. 305 Seventh Avenue, 15th Floor work. Both health and financial issues took Ultimately, Sofia worries that she New York, NY 10001 a heavy toll, and after months staying may have to choose between safe, 212-741-2247 with friends she reluctantly moved into affordable housing, and an LGBT- sageusa.org a shelter, where she has lived since May friendly communit y— a challenge that, lgbtagingcenter.org of 2014. While she’s happy to have a understandably, stirs deep emotions for facebook.com/sageusa home, she’s experienced homophobia from her. “New York embraces everyone—this twitter.com/sageusa shelter staff, and finds the lack of privacy city is a comfort zone for gay people,” youtube.com/sageusa and independence demoralizing. she remarks. “With all the money in this

SAGEMatters 3 SAGE NATIONAL INITIATIVE

and in Bay Shore, Long Island, a planned community of 50 affordable rental units. In 2015, SAGE will join this forward- thinking cohort when it begins working with HELP USA to create the first New York City housing development for LGBT older adults (see below for more). This project is part of a multi-pronged national LGBT elder housing initiative that, in addition to sharing models for building housing developments, will also: train housing providers on the needs of LGBT Sofia Torres with SAGE case worker Bill Mendez. older people; work to change public policy to create LGBT-inclusive supports; city, we should be able to give LGBT found that 25% of transgender older educate LGBT older adult consumers on people a place that we can call our own adults had faced discrimination in a how to navigate housing; and promote where we don’t have to feel threatened. housing search, and a recent test of best practices in services and programs We need our own space to lay our heads housing searches conducted by the Equal that support LGBT older people with and be with our own people.” Rights Commission found that LGB their housing challenges. Sofia’s story is an example of a larger people experienced differential treatment With the help of SAGE social worker crisis taking place in communities across in 48% of test cases. Bill Mendez, Sofia Torres has now secured the countr y —a challenge that’s Fortunately, these challenges are a place on a waiting list for New York heightened for LGBT people as they age. beginning to receive national attention City’s much sought -after affordable According to a 2014 study conducted and related interventions. One prominent housing. But no one can say whether, or by the real estate company Trulia, rents example is the new crop of affordable when, she’ll find a place. Sofia sees that increased faster than salaries in all of housing solutions for LGBT older adults many of her peers also struggling, and the 25 largest metro areas over the past that are beginning to appear. To name a remarks that she wants “all older LGBT yea r*. For older renters living on fixed few: the Triangle Square housing complex people to know that the place where we incomes —particularly those who have in Los Angeles, which encompasses more put our key in the door is a safe haven.” mobility issues, or who need to stay than 100 units for low income seniors; It’s a goal that SAGE will be working close to their doctors and family Chicago’s Town Hall housing project, toward in the months and years to come. members —these statistics can translate (a project of Center on Halsted, a SAGE *Despite Home Price Slowdown, Wages Can’t Keep Up into frightening realities. affiliate) which offers 79 housing units; With Prices , by Jed Kolko. Trulia Trends, July 10, 2014 LGBT older adults face another set of challenges that exacerbate their struggle for safe, affordable housing. As studies have shown, lifelong discrimination in the workplace has led to economic insecurity LGBT ELDER HOUSING IN THE BRONX for many LGBT older adults, who often With notoriously high rents and low vacancy rates, New York City's housing also lack the social safety net provided market is one of the most competitive in the country. With this in mind, SAGE has by biological children. And LGBT older begun work on New York City's first affordable LGBT older adult housing project. adults are much more likely to suffer Our priority focus for this first foray is the Bronx, New York City's poorest borough. from costly and often debilitating health SAGE is partnering with HELP USA (Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged) issues like HIV, diabetes, and depression , on this project, a non-profit dedicated to providing housing and supportive services making the cost of housing even more for the homeless and others in need. The project will advance an explicit goal outlined burdensome. Discrimination can create in New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's new 10-year plan to create and preserve further barriers—SAGE’s recent report affordable housing for LGBT older adults throughout New York City.

4 SAGEMatters FEDERAL POLICY UPDATE THE IMPORTANCE OF LGBT ISSUES AT THE 2015 WHITE HOUSE CON FEREN CE ON AGING While we live in an historic time regarding LGBT rights, the aging network lags in meeting many of the basic needs of LGBT and HIV-positive older adults. The upcoming White House Conference on Aging, expected to take place in July 2015, presents a unique opportunity for the White House to shine a light on the barriers and the success stories that can compel successful aging for our community. The White House has announced four priority areas for the conference, all of which resonate with SAGE’s focus on LGBT older people, as SA GE Executive Director Michael Adams, Matthew Heinz, HHS Director of Provider, LGBT Outreach, Vicki Gottlich, Director, Center for Policy and Evaluation, Administration for Community Living, well as older adults with HIV. at the Diverse Elders Coalition Congressional Briefing on the Affordable Care Act.

RETIREMENT SECURITY and mental health. Many delay care out of 12 weeks of leave from their jobs without Many LGBT and HIV+ older adults face high fear of discrimination from health providers, pay for family and medical reasons. rates of poverty and reduced retirement which means that illnesses go undetected With the Windsor decision in place (the security. In particular, research shows high until crisis hits. A lack of cultural competence Supreme Court case that cleared the way poverty rates among LGBT people as they regarding LGBT people, in particular for the federal government to recognize age, which are the result of various factors, transgender people and their health needs, sam e- sex marriage s), the Department of including higher rates of being uninsured and create serious barriers for many LGBT older Labor (DOL) announced in August 2013 a lifetime of employment discrimination. adults. While one in two people with HIV in that it would recognize same-sex LGBT older people also have thinner family this country are age 50 and older, research marriages, but only those of couples and social support networks, compounded and experience shows that few aging and who live in a state that recognizes their by a lack of access to marriage (in many health professionals are equipped to address marriage. In June of this year, the DOL states), increased likelihood of being single, the unique needs of HIV+ older adults (see announced a proposed “place of lower likelihood of having children, and the next page for more on these issues). celebration” rule, meaning regardless of estrangement from families of origin. where a couple lives or moves, the DOL LONG TERM SERVICES would recognize that same-sex marriage HEALTHY AGING AND SUPPORTS for FMLA purposes. If and when the rule becomes final, it would ensure that LGBT older people face pronounced health The 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act disparities across areas related to physical (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take Continued on page 7

SAGEMatters 5 SAGE INITIATIVE SAGE’S PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOR LGBT OLDER ADULTS

On a recent Thursday morning, a dozen older adults, so SAGE has developed SAGE participants gathered for a seated a spectrum of programs and services fitness class in a sunny common room. to educate and empower participants The group stretched, bended and turned, around the country. For example, in SAGE’s Lunch and Learn programs offer energized by a soundtrack of 1980’s pop New York SAGE has developed a healthy meal along with a lunch-hour classics and upbeat instructions from E-Linc (Elder LGBT Inte r-professional presentation from a local healthcare instructor Bonnie Fedge—all without Collaborative Care), a collaboration provider, and plenty of time for questions. leaving their chairs. It was an important between SAGE and Columbia University’s These events foster lively dialogues on opportunity for SAGE participants with Schools of Nursing, Psychology, topics including adult vaccinations, limited mobility to build strength and Occupational Therapy and Physical cardiovascular health, diabetes, and more. flexibility, and a great example of SAGE’s Therapy, to provide health and wellness SAGE recently partnered with Pfizer to commitment to health and wellness. services to SAGE participants. E-Linc will develop health education sheets that SAGE’s health programs around the start programming in two Manhattan teach LGBT older people nationwide country are diverse in content, audience, sites and then expand to other boroughs about adult vaccinations, diabetes, and location, but all address the health of the city, with the hopes of replicating cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and disparities experienced by LGBT older across the country. Director of Care dementia. The popularity of these adults. A 2011 national study, Caring and Aging With Pride , found that high “Our goal with this program is to give people percentages of LGBT older people struggle with health conditions such as information that will help them take care of obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol, themselves and access preventive health services, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and more. This fall, SAGE’s Out & Visible enabling them to live healthier, longer lives.” research report shed further light on the —TOM WEBER, DIRECTOR OF CARE MANAGEMENT issue, finding that one in five LGBT older people and nearly half of transgender Management Tom Weber says “Our goal programs is spreading; participants can older people feel that their relationships with this program is to give people now find Lunch and Learn events at SAGE with their healthcare providers would information that will help them take care sites in New York, Colorado and Missouri. be adversely affected if their sexual of themselves and access preventive SAGE’s health programs also engage orientations an d/ or gender identities health services, enabling them to live our community’s caregivers. Founded in became known. healthier, longer lives.” 2009, our SAGECAP (Caring and There is no one “magic bullet” for the Taking a social approach to healthcare Preparing) program helps caregivers wide-ranging health issues faced by LGBT education is another effective strategy. navigate their current and future needs.

6 SAGEMatters SAGE INITIATIVE

SAGECAP addresses LGBT-specific issues community. Participants will have ample WHITE HOUSE in caregiving relationships, including the opportunity to provide feedback and input CON FEREN CE ON AGING fact that LGBT older adults are 3-4 times to ensure that the program is responsive less likely to have children, and are to the community’s specific needs. Continued from page 5 therefore frequently cared for by peers, SAGE is also playing a role in ensuring LGBT individuals who take professional who are also older, as well as challenges that LGBT older adults are able to enroll leave to care for a sick spouse will created by healthcare laws and policies for healthcare coverage via the online enjoy job security—and a little more that prioritize legal and biological family. healthcare marketplace. Through a peace of mind. Beginning in 2015, the SAGECAP program partnership with Mercer Healthcare, will be replicated at the Chase-Brexton SAGE is offering online tools to simplify Community Health Center in Baltimore, enrollment, both for individual coverage Maryland, providing counseling and and Medicare. support groups, educational seminars, Being LGBT shouldn’t be a risk factor assistance with benefits and entitlements, for diminished health as we age. Through respite care and assistance for caregivers. these comprehensive programs Because Baltimore does not currently have addressing both mental and physical services tailored to LGBT older people, the health, SAGE is working with caregivers SAGE-Chase Brexton initiative will radically and participants alike to create healthier change the landscape for this underserved futures for LGBT older people.

SAGE INVESTORS CIRCLE Ben de Guzman, National Managing Coordinator, Diverse Elders Coalition We are honored to recognize the following individuals and institutions for their and Michael Adams. visionary support of our programs, services, and facilities in Harlem, and who are champions for the LGBT elders of color who we serve. ELDER JUSTICE Research shows that LGBT older people FOUNDING SPONSORS Daniel Hernandez A DDITIONAL SUPPORT frequently encounter elder abuse from Reginald Van Lee Michael Johnson and PROVIDED BY: friends and family members, as well Macquarie Group Michael Roberts Anonymous as staff and other residents in long-term Foundation Charlie Lewis Lloyd E. Bailey care settings. Unfortunately, they are less likely to report this abuse out of Tyrone Martin Douglas Benson FOUNDING MEMBERS fear of further discrimination or out of Stacia Murphy Khephra Burns and Michael P. Adams and and Susan Taylor fear of being “outed.” As with all elder Fred Davie Michael Robinson abuse, the abuse of LGBT older people Thomas A. Ciano Alvin Adell Linda E. Scott can be mental, financial, physical or Gordon Chambers Robert Alan and Mark Sexton and sexual, and it can take place in the James Trosino W. Kirk Wallace Glenn E. Davis home, in a hospital, in a long-term care Louis Gagliano and Stanton F. Biddle Reginald T. Stanley facility or any other setting. Stefan Handl Willis Burton and Martha Stark SAGE will work with our national Andrea Hoffman Peg Alston Kevin W. Williams partner organizations over the next Joyce M. Jackson few months to ensure that the White David W. Canter and John Wright Hakim R. McMillan Rick Pogue House uses this important platform to advance the rights of LGBT and Jennifer M. Corcoran and Kenneth A. Smaltz HIV+ older adults. Robin Grunder George Walker

SAGEMatters 7 SAGE NATIONAL INITIATIVE

LGBT seniors, and created a toolkit of materials for use when presenting to LGBT audiences. We also engaged with LGBT older adults online through a social NATIONAL media campaign to help draw attention to the issue of fraud prevention. A wealth of information related to these issues is available online through the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging PROG RAM and SAGE, including these publications: n Transgender Older Adults and Medicare Fraud Prevention n Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Older Adults and Medicare Fraud Prevention UPDATE n Providing Services to Transgender Older In late 2013 and throughout 2014, prevention. SAGE teamed up with Adults: Tips for SMP Staff and Volunteers SAGE engaged in a national outreach the SMP National Resource Library to n Providing Services to LGB Older Adults: campaign with Senior Medicare Patrols facilitate four web seminars for SMP Tips for SMP Staff and Volunteers (SMPs) across the country. These projects across the country to train n Recruiting LGBT People as Volunteers grant-funded groups empower and assist them on understanding the needs of for Your SMP Program Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abus e—issues that can result in higher out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. Through outreach, counseling, and education, SMPs served 1 million people across the country in 2013. SAGE’s role in this work is to help SMP staff and volunteers understand the unique needs of LGBT people, including how to best outreach to LGBT older adults to teach them about fraud

8 SAGEMatters BOARD INTERVIEW Q&A WITH NEW SAGE BOARD MEMBERS

SAGE recently welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors, through advocacy and services, I am Elizabeth Schwartz and Damian Pardo, both from Miami, FL. Director helping to better the quality of life for the of Legacy Planning Jerry Chasen asked what motivates each of the m— LGBT community at a time when people can be at their “wisest,” most colorful, and why they’ve chosen to support SAGE . but also most vulnerable age. Being able to make a difference during the latter What prompted you to join the belonging to minority populations such stage of life really adds to my experience SAGE Board of Directors? as many of those in in Miami, FL. LGBT of serving the LGBT community in a ES: As an activist and attorney who has people entering the retirement phase (age unique and powerful way. been providing estate planning services to 65-75) are often more likely to experience What do you hope to accomplish LGBT individuals and couples for isolation and institutional homophobia as a board member? 18 years, I hear too often in health care and long term from my aging clients and care centers. This population ES: As we get closer to nationwide friends about the and these issues are of a marriage equality, I’d like to bring more homophobic treatment deep and personal concern. supporters to the table who, while not they receive in facilities, “SAGE age” themselves yet, recognize Can you describe the and concerns they have that much of the progress our community importance of SAGE’s about their futures. I want enjoys today was made possible thanks mission to your life? to have a voice for those to our older adults. We need to be sure who might feel too vulnerable to ES: Having just spent the better part the systems are in place to take proper express theirs. of a year caring for my beloved father care of these heroes. I want to inspire One of those who helped me find my before he passed away, I’m more more people to take up advocacy for voice in the Movement was my former committed than ever to seeing that elders as the Next Big Gay Issue. boss, still-mentor and great friend Jerry our elders receive the love and I also want to be a Chasen. As a [former] SAGE board member attention —enjoying the same part of bringing SAGE’s and now a staffer, his passion for the work dignity that my dad had and training and support of SAGE is infectious. Jerry was a major which they deserv e—until services to benefit more catalyst for me to turn my concerns for our their last breaths. South Floridians. community’s older adults into SAGE board And if we play our cards DP: I hope to help raise service. And I’m very excited about the right, we’ll all enjoy a long funds to support the potential that the Successful Aging initiative justice-filled life, which ends organization’s mission, but also has for our community. peacefully and with the support of provide linkages that may help the caring friends, family and community. DP: My major motivation to join the SAGE organization grow and thrive. In particular, Board of Directors was the overwhelming DP: I believe the more you give, the more I hope to provide avenues to, and needs of LGBT elders, particularly those you learn and grow. By helping foster a awareness and understanding of, the living in diverse communities and continuum of care for LGBT elders Hispani c/ Latino community.

SAGEMatters 9 SAGE FACES TH ANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE VOLUNTEER TEAMS!

SAGE’s success is made possible by across the age with dignity and donating pro-bono services like so many people. As we look back on 2014, and respect. marketing consultation. we want to recognize and thank our Corporate volunteer contributions take Recently we asked some of our remarkable corporate volunteers. These many different forms: serving hot meals corporate volunteer partners “What does concerned and dedicated members of our to SAGE members, hand s-on logistic working with SAGE mean to you?” Here community bring time, talent, and passion support at regional events, conducting are a few of their replies, as well as a full to their work. They are dedicated to workforce development workshops list of our 2014 corporate volunteers. Each SAGE’s mission and eager to partner with through our SAGEWorks program has helped to make this year extraordinary. us to ensure that LGBT older adults

“At BlackRock, getting out and building a “At Grey, we believe in giving back to strong connection with the community “The vision of dbPride, Deutsche Bank’s the communities where our people and clients we serve is core to our culture. LGBT Employee Networking Group, is to live and work. In New York, we are It’s been extremely rewarding for all of us lead, engage, and drive a more authentic and inclusive culture for all. This team inspired by SAGE and its mission to to get involved with SAGE on a personal strives to be an advocate for inclusion improve the lives of LGBT older adults. and professional level.” From providing pro bono services to both within our walls as well as outside. JEFFREY KERN, VICE PRESIDENT/U.S. This summer we had the opportunity volunteering, we seek to leverage RETIREMENT GROUP our unique professional talents and to volunteer at a dinner service and skills, our passion, our time and our engaged with SAGE’s constituents directly. resources to make an impact where We were proud to support our community and put our values and beliefs into action. it matters most to SAGE.” “The families of today reflect more than ever As co-Chair of this group, I look forward to CHRIS ROSS, PARTNER, the great diversity that defines America. As a our continued support of SAGE’s growth GREY ADVERTISING leading provider of long term care insurance, as they expand throughout New York City.” we are dedicated to helping ALL families start the conversation now about the need to plan FALON BECKER, VICE PRESIDENT OF TALENT ACQUISITION AND CO-CHAIR OF db PRIDE “OPEN Finance is proud to work with for care needs later in life. There is a natural SAGE in serving LGBT older adults, by fit between our mission and SAGE’s.” lending our members’ financial know- JANET GALE, DIRECTOR, THOUGHT LEADERSHIP, how and hands-on support to SAGE’s GENWORTH “SAGE has been a long-term partner to clients. OPEN Finance looks forward to Credit Suisse’s LGBT Open Network. a continuing relationship with SAGE so This relationship grew out of our mutual that we can leverage SAGE’s programs, dedication to improving the lives of lesbian, training and education materials geared “JPMorgan Chase is proud to be gay, bisexual and transgender people. We toward the LGBT community, and make supporting SAGE’s tremendous work aim to enlighten and enliven the quality of community service programs available of providing essential services to LGBT life for the LGBT community in the United to our participating firms.” elders and their allies nationwide. We States, both now and in the future.” AUBREY SAUNDERS, OPEN FINANCE’S COMMU - look forward to continued collaboration NICOLE DOUILLET AND DOUGLAS NIETERS, NITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEMBER, VICE in the coming year !” CO-CHAIRS, CREDIT SUISSE LGBT OPEN NETWORK PRESIDENT, BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON PAT DAVID, GLOBAL HEAD OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, JPMORGAN CHASE

10 SAGEMatters SAGE FACES

2014 CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS

Brown Brothers Harriman Huron Consulting Pfizer Bank of New York Mellon JP Morgan Chase Prudential BlackRock Macquarie TD Bank Credit Suisse Mercer TIAA-CREF Deloitte Moody’s Turner Construction Deutsche Bank Morgan Stanley Viacom EPIX Mt. Sinai Walgreens Genworth Financial New York Life Walmart Grey Advertising New York Times Wells Fargo Humana OPEN Finance

CAMPAIGN FOR THE HERBERT I. COHEN LIBRARY LENDING PROGRAM SAGE is pleased to recognize following individuals who have paid tribute to the memory of Herbert I. Cohen — former board member, founding member of the SAGE National Leadership Council, and beloved frien d—to name the SAGE Center library lending program in his honor.

27,333 AND UP 2733 TO 2888 UP TO 2688 Daniel C. Cook Bert Cohen Carolyn Cohen and Rueben Namdar Kenneth I. Greenstein Louis Z. Cooper and Mady Cooper Ruth Cohen Philippa Weismann Brian C. Craig and Michael Swerdlow Blanche W. Cook and Clare Coss Richard Dadey Barbara Cramer 25,733 TO 26,888 Lloyd Frank and Beatrice S. Frank Harvey Feinstein Frank Stark Mindy Hepner and Jacqueline McKeon Caroline G. Garcia and Victoria Watkins Michael Katovitz and J. Goodwin Bland Simah J. Kraus 24,333 TO 25,688 Nathan J. Robfogel and Susan S. Robfogel Stewart Pearce and Kevin P. Kellogg Daniel and Mara Cohen Phillip A. Saperia and James R. Golden Daryl Roth Thomas M. Nall R. Stephen Seibt Cindy Schwartz and Lisa Osta Mark A. Lipman and Robert W. Taft and J. P. Moloney James C. Shields Helen S. Cohen Judith E. Turkel and Jennifer L. Costley Saul Zalkin

SAGEMatters 11 SAGE NATIONAL INITIATIVE SUPPORTING LGBT ELDERS OF COLOR desire for an organization dedicated to Q&A with Katherine Acey LGBTQ elders of color. She possessed great warmth and a special ability to Executive Director, GRIOT Circle coalesce people and encourage folks to take ownership of the change As part of our citywide initiative to understand its vital role as an LGBT elder they wanted to create by forming GRIOT. expand services and supports to LGBT of color organizatio n—and what to know Regina was a life force and a shining light older people, SAGE is partnering with about its diverse population. for many activist s— older and younger. organizations throughout the city with GRIOT Circle was founded in 1996. What were some of the issues facing deep experiences, histories and roots Regina Shaver was the founder and LGBT elders of color in New York City across communities. Headquartered in executive director of GRIOT Circle until in 199 6? What has changed and what , and serving people throughout her passing in February 2008. Tell me has remains the sam e? The major needs New York City, GRIOT Circle is “an how the community remembers he r? have not changed. Some of the big intergenerational, culturally diverse, The community admired Regina for her ones like economic security, affordable communit y-based organization serving ability to take action and for her foresight housing and culturally sensitive programs the needs of LGBT and questioning elders in reaching out to others who shared the for LGBTQ elders still demand attention . of color over the age of fifty.” Eighteen years ago there was no We recently spoke with GRIOT Circle organization dedicated to elders of color Executive Director Katherine Acey to

12 SAGEMatte rs SAGE NATIONAL INITIATIVE

or a place where folks felt fully affirmed and seen. Members then and now refer to GRIOT Circle’s name is based on the West African GRIOT as a “safe haven” or “community word “griot” (pronounced gre-o, gre’o, gre’ot), hom e.” Senior centers today have made progress and SAGE is a prime example which refers to a musician or storyteller who of how to provide space, service, perpetuates the oral tradition and history of advocacy and leadership for LGBTQ elders. We all still have a long way to go a village or family. We have adapted the word and in providing adequate culturally sensitive extended its meaning into an acronym meaning programs for LGBTQ elders of color that don’t treat the community as an add-on Gay Reunion in Our Time. or afterthought.

Many are leaders; some are activists who Ten years from now, what do you hope continue to fight for equality and justice in will be different for LGBT elders of many arenas. They’re family to each other color in New York City? Over the next and embrace those who enter the GRIOT decade our hope is to be recognized as for the first time. Folks at GRIOT offer our own agents in all discussions, much advice—it’s a lively group! One policies, and funding and not viewed thing they emphasize is: “Don’t see elders simply as the as the “target” population. of color simply as labels. As people of Too often “to empower" has meant to color (and queer people) we have been make us like the dominant group(s). Sandi Hines, Chancer Lloyd, Katherine Acey labeled and placed in boxes all our lives .” For GRIOT, “empower” means for our and Liz Boyd tabling at Bed-Stuy Pride. GRIOT members want to be seen as members to have agency in creating the whole human beings who share both outcomes that support our dignity as Can you describe the role that GRIOT different and similar concerns, challenges whole human beings. Circle plays for LGBT elders throughout and victories when it comes to aging. the city? Everyday GRIOT Circle strives to provide a culturally relevant gathering What are you most excited to see place where members can receive develop in regards to this partnershi p? Look for further interviews with our assistance, participate and help shape We’re looking forward to having organizational partners in future issues programs that meet their needs, affirm additional funding and help to reach a of SAGEMatters. their life experiences and acknowledge larger audience. It’s a timely opportunity their strengths. One of GRIOT’s key roles to accelerate the expansion of some is to facilitate community building so that of the programs we have long wanted fear and isolation are alleviated. to do. We’ll benefit from areas of work SAGE has successfully What are some of the characteristics and implemented. Each organization life experiences among the LGBT elders brings different experience of color that GRIOT Circle engages? What to the partnership should the aging field know about this that will inform diverse population? Our members are our work. lively, engaged and diverse in many ways.

Left Photo: GRIOT Circle members participate with LGBTQ youth during Audre Lorde’s “Dare to Be Powerful” Training. Right Photo: Eugene Edghill (center) celebrates Bed-Stuy Pride. Photos: GRIOT Circle. SAGEMa tters 13 SAGE RESOURCES PAYING IT FORWARD: NEW O PT ION S FO R PLANNED G IVING

in your plan as beneficiaries, executors automatically determine your potential TO SAGE or trustees, and any special relationships charitable deduction, the amount you may have with particular organiza- of yearly payments for life, and the If you happened to be poking tions and institutions. You can print it estimated amount that SAGE will receive around SAGE’s website in out and enter information manually, or at your death. December, you may have noticed better yet, download the record book People often think that planned gifts that the pages devoted to and complete it digitally. When created are very complicated. To dispel that myth, Planned Giving and the Taylor digitally, the record book automatically we’ve got a series of educational videos totals the assets. available at sageusa.mylegacygift.org Society, SAGE’s legacy group, If you’re considering purchasing a CGA that are both educational and entertaining. have multiplied! These expanded or Charitable Gift Annuity (see the side Here’s a list : pages offer some extremely panel for more information on CGA’s), useful tools and information there’s another tool that helps calculate n Charitable Beques t/ to assist with your financial and your benefits. All you have to do is input A Gift from your Will or Trust estate planning. your age, the amount you’ll use to fund n Beneficiary Designation s/ the annuity, whether the annuity will A quick and easy way to make For starters, everyone can benefit from be for one person or two, and whether a BIG Difference SAGE’s Personal Estate Planning Kit, you’re going to use cash or appreciated n Charitable Gift Annuity / found on the “Planned Giving, Taylor assets to purchase the annuity. With The Gift that Gives Back Society” landing page (accessed under this information, the program will “Ways to Give” from the SAGE home n Retirement Plan Asset s/ page, www.sageusa.org ). The kit A Smart Way to Give consists of two parts. One is a Lesson n Life Insuranc e/An Ingenious Book containing five essential lessons on WHAT IS A CHARITABLE Way to make a Heroic Gift creating an effective estate plan. The GIFT ANNUITY? lessons provide lots of great information Throughout the site, you’ll find free about planning, definitions, processes, A charitable gift annuity is a binding downloadable brochures that are easy and choices. agreement wherein a financial to follow. We hope you find these useful The other part of the Personal Estate contribution to an organization (in and informative. Planning Kit is a Record Book, which this case, SAGE) is made in exchange helps organize all of the information for payments which are distributed necessary to put together an effective on regularly for the rest of the lives Do you have questions about planned plan. This information includes your of one or two beneficiaries. When giving? Contact Jerry Chasen, SAGE’s assets and the way those assets are these beneficiaries are deceased, Director of Legacy Planning, at titled, the people who are likely to figure the balance of the money originally [email protected]. contributed is paid to SAGE.

14 SAGEMatters SAGE RESOURCES

Successful Aging: Reflecting on Findings from SAGE’s New Report, Out & Visible.

By focusing on five specific themes— Reflection, Momentum, Wellness, Preparation, and Legacy —SAGE supports the LGBT community in making maintaining —even improving —physical choices that ensure successful aging, and mental capacity, as well as engaging which we define as: in rewarding relationships and activities. Proactive choices in these areas can n Charitable Beques t/ begin to address the widespread A Gift from your Will or Trust concerns of LGBT older people regarding n Beneficiary Designation s/ social isolation and having smaller A Simple Way to Make a BIG support networks over time, two key findings in Out & Visible . Difference On a brighter note, Out & Visible n Charitable Gift Annuit y / reports that LGBT people are twice as The Gift that Gives Back likely as their heterosexual counterparts to see themselves as mentors. One This past September, SAGE released its For example, Out and of the great gifts of being an older groundbreaking report “Out & Visible: Visible reports: “LGBT adult is a more refined sense of The Experiences and Attitudes of LGBT older people are far what matters to us as individuals, Older People, Ages 45-7 5.” The report more concerned than something encouraged by details findings from a national study that non-LGBT older people Successful Aging’s theme of SAGE commissioned to understand about their financial “Reflection .” Expressing those values LGBT older people’s experiences with security, and also that LGBT through mentorship healthcare, finance and retirement, older people are more likely than their speaks directly to housing and more. This eye-opening non-LGBT peers to live Successful study sheds light on many of the same alone and to have Aging’s theme issues addressed in our new Successful smaller support of Legacy : Aging Initiative, which encourages networks .” “how we live people to create rewarding and Successful Aging’s and what engaged lives for themselves as older Preparation theme we give .” By giving adult s— to ensure that they age encourages the time and talent, LGBT successfully. Successful Aging provides choices that lead to older adults have the opportunity to lessons and resources to imagine a LGBT older adults securing contribute to the powerful legacy vibrant life at any age, one in which we adequate financial resources. of human rights that their generation also live and leave behind meaningful Similarly, the Wellness and Momentum helped advance. personal legacies. themes stress the importance of

SAGEMatters 15 SAGE FALL ROUNDUP

SAGE AT THE WHITE HOUSE. On September 26, in recognition SAGE IN CHICAGO. On November 6, SAGE ventured to the of National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Office of Windy City to salute our Chicago Investors Circle members. National AIDS Policy hosted a conference at the White House Keynote remarks were provided by Chicago board members entitled “HIV among Gay and Bisexual Men: FOCUS. ACTION. Charles Middleton and Vicki Raymont, Marcus Boggs of Merrill IMPACT.” Aaron Tax, SAGE’s Director of Federal Government Lynch,who generously underwrote the event, and Eric Vironet Relations, was on hand to co-host a breakout session focused of of SAGE West Suburban Senior Services, our newest SAGE on HIV and aging with Dan Tietz, Chief Special Services Officer, affiliate. Office of the Commissioner, New York City Human Resources Administration. OUT AND VISIBLE. On October 6, 2014, SAGE released Out and Visible: The Experiences and Attitudes of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Older Adults, n

Ages, 45-75 . The report details findings o t g n i

from a uniquely comprehensive , h t r o W nationally representative quantitative a n e r

study on aging among older LGBT e S

: o t

people. Highlights included statistics on o h financial, health and housing concerns, P From Left: Roderick Hawkins, Michael Adams and Marcus Boggs and growing older alone. View the report online at sageusa.org/outvisible . SAGE VETS. SAGE celebrated Veteran’s Day with the launch OUT & EQUAL. Between November 3-6, of our SAGEVets program. This pilot program will offer case Infographic detailing SAGE staffers participated in Out & Equal, management services and connect older veterans to lawyers in key findings from a conference devoted to educating an effort to fight dishonorable discharges due to “homosexuality” “Out & Visible” and empowering organizations and so these vets can receive rightful VA benefits and pensions. corporations on workplace equality. A highlight of the conference While the program will directly benefit LGBT elder veterans in was a panel on SAGE’s report, where we shared the findings New York, SAGE hopes the program will serve as a model of our study with other non-profit organizations and major which can be replicated on a national scale . financial and consumer companies. DEC CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING. On November 25 the Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC), in partnership with the U.S. Department on Health and Human Services (HHS), hosted a briefing on the Affordable Care Act and diverse elders. SAGE was present as a DEC partner. Our Executive Director, Michael Adams, served as a moderator and provided information on health care challenges faced by diverse communities. For more information on the Affordable Care Act, visit sageusa.org/ac a. i d l a m i r

G SAGE CENTER EXPANSION . On November 13, SAGE r e m participants, staff and friends gathered to celebrate the opening o l o C

e of a new home for SAGE Harlem at the Oberia Dempsey s i l E

: Multi-Service Center! The new location offers three times the o t o h

P space for activities and programming, as well as daily meals. SAGE’s Senior Director of Institutional Advancement, Kenneth Cox, The expansion is part of a City Council-funded initiative to bring talking about “Out & Visible” at the Out & Equal conference. SAGE programs to LGBT older adults across New York .

16 SAGEMatters SAGE FALL ROUNDUP

SAGEDAY. SAGEDay, a partnership with The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, is New York City’s first comprehensive LGBT-inclusive social adult day program. The program launched with an open house on November 14. SAGEDay is a supervised program for those who could not otherwise access SAGE services, offering health and wellness programs, cultural activities, meals, and more. Learn more at sageusa.org/sageday. n i e l K

n a D

: o t o h

1 P a i c r a G

a r i K

: o t o h P SAGEDay participants at the SAGE Center Midtown. THANKSGIVING AT SAGE CENTER Continuing our annual tradition, the SAGE Center Midtown opened its doors on Thanksgiving for two lunches. Volunteers, SAGE staff and board members served SAGE constituents a hearty meal. 2 3 o n i v a S

h a r a S

: o t o

h 4 P 5

Thanksgiving Day Photos 2-5: Martha Gorfein

SAGE AWARDS. The 19th SAGE Awards & Gala, held on October 1. SAGE Board Members with Executive Director Michael Adams 20 at Gotham Hall, was the most successful SAGE Awards & Gala 2. SAGE Board Secretary Kevin Williams and New York City Councilmember Ritchie Torres SAGE Board Co-Chair William to date. The evening proved to be a memorable night with many 3. E. Weinberger and Nancy Mahon from MAC AIDS Fund powerful speeches from our honorees, which included Nancy 4. Former Board Member Judith Turkel presents Frank Stark Mahon as a representative for MAC AIDS Fund, Councilmember with his SAGE Award 5. Rabbi Kleinbaum presents a SAGE Ritchie Torres, Frank Stark and Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD. Award to Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD.

SAGEMatters 17 SAGENET

SAGENet affiliate members from across the country pose in front of the Bank of Oklahoma Center's welcome sign to SAGE

Representatives from our SAGENet progra m—which includes 27 affiliates across 20 states —gathered in late October at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa, OK for an intense few days of seminars and brainstorming. Participants were excited to gather and share ideas and strategies for better supporting the country’s growing number of LGBT older people. Ingrid Davis, board chair for SAGE Utah through the Utah Pride Center, enjoyed her first SAGENet conference after four years of working with SAGE: “It’s good to be with folks like me who love the elder community.”

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are important topics to LGBT elders. Among lesbians, the disease is a top five health concern, and one in three older Americans will deal with dementia at some point in their lives. These sobering facts were presented to conference participants by Marshawn Brown, national director for diversity and inclusion for the Alzheimer’s Association National Organization, and Diane Wood, director of programs for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Oklahoma Chapter. Jamie Morton, Oklahomans for Equality Board Member and Marshawn Brown, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Alzheimer ’s Association National Organization A highlight of the meeting for many attendees was the keynote address by Dr. Perry N. Halkitis, a professor of applied psychology and global public health and medicine director for the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies at . Halkitis is also the author of The AIDS Generation: Stories of Survival and Resilience, which tells the stories of young men who were given a death sentence in the prime of their lives when the AIDS epidemic was in full swing in the late 1980s. Halkitis remarked that in the early days of the epidemic, hundreds of HIV-positive men asked themselves, “If you ’re going to die within two years, what’s the point of going to colleg e?” The answer to this question has had a profound impact as life expectancies for those living with AIDS have improved. Dr. Perry Halkitis and Serena Worthington of SAGE

18 SAGEMatters SAGENET AFFILIATES

SAGE Net

NORTHEAST REGION SOUTH REGION John Hawk Co-Ck é, leader of the Tulsa Two Spirit Society SAGE of the SAGE Atlanta Tulsa is home to many Native Americans, which provided local Genesee Valley sageatl.org expertise to discuss the issues facing older LGBT Native gayalliance.org Americans. John Hawk Co-Cke’, leader of the Tulsa Two Spirit SAGE Central Virginia Society led a session on this important topic. “Time has a way SAGE Hudson County gayrichmond.com hudsonpride.org of reviving the past,” Co-Cke’ said, noting that a revival of SAGE Metro DC Two-Spirit societies is underway, with more than 13 groups SAGE Hudson Valley [email protected] currently active in the U.S. lgbtqcenter.org SAGE Raleigh SAGE Long Island lgbtcenterofraleigh.com sageli.org SAGE South Florida SAGE Maine sagewebsite.org sagemaine.org SAGE Tulsa SAGE Philadelphia okeq.org waygay.org SAGE Wilmington SAGE Rhode Island of the Cape Fear Coast [email protected] thefrankharrfoundation.com/ SAGE Upstate sage Serena Worthington presents to SAGENet sageupstate.org Another important topic of discussion was “ Out and Visible: SAGE Western WEST REGION The Experiences and Attitudes of LGBT Older Adults, Ages Pennsylvania 45-75 .” This new research report from SAGE describes the values, persadcenter.org SAGE Albuquerque needs, wants and lifestyle preferences of older LGBT people. pflagabq.org Robert Espinoza, the senior director for public policy and com- MIDWEST REGION SAGE of the Desert munications at SAGE and the report’s author, presented a few of thecenterps.org the report’s findings. These include that more LGBT people than SAGE Center on Halsted non-LGBT people are concerned about having enough money to centeronhalsted.org SAGE Metro Portland live on as they age and that four in 10 LGBT people ages 60 to 75 SAGE Cleveland friendlyhouseinc.org say their health-care providers don’t know their sexual orientations. lgbtcleveland.org /programs/gay-and-grey On the plus side, LGBT people are twice as likel y—14 percent SAGE Metro St. Louis SAGE Olympia versus 7 percen t— to see themselves as mentors, Espinoza sagemetrostl.org sageolympia.org reported. Participants praised the session, saying the information presented is essential for developing programs and interventions. SAGE Milwaukee SAGE of the Rockies glbtcolorado.org In a session titled “Forecasting the Future for LGBT Aging: mk elgb t.org Six Thought-Provoking Questions,” six SAGE affiliate leaders SAGE West Suburban SAGE Utah gave brief presentations on trends that LGBT aging advocates Senior Services utahpridecenter.org should anticipate and address, including: fostering leadership wsseniors.org within organizations to support staff transitions, sexual health elder bullying, the terminology we use to describe aging, To learn more about SAGENet, including how to transgender inclusion and creating movement momentum become a SAGE affiliate, visit us at sageusa.org/sagene t. post-marriage equality.

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NATIONAL OFFICES NEW YORK CHICAGO LOS ANGELES WASHINGTON DC

NEW YORK OFFICES SAGE CENTER MIDTOWN AND DAVID BOHNETT CYBERCENTER 305 Seventh Avenue, 15th Floor New York, NY 10001 646-576-8669 SAGE CENTER BRONX Unity Community Health Center 260 East 188th Street Bronx, NY 10458 Phone: 718-220-2020 SAGE -GRIOT INNOVATIVE SENIOR CENTER OF BROOKLYN GRIOT Circle, Inc. 25 Flatbush Avenue, 5th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: 718-246-2775 SAGE CENTER HARLEM Oberia D. Dempsey Multi-Service Center 127 West 127th Street New York, NY 10027 Phone: 646-660-8951 SAG E- PRIDE CENTER OF STATEN ISLAND 25 Victory Boulevard, 3rd Floor Staten Island, NY 10301 Phone: 718-808-1360 SAGE SOCIAL SERVICES 305 Seventh Avenue, 15th Floor New York, NY 10001 212-741-2247