LGBTQ+ older adults face serious challenges as they age. The cornerstones of successful aging include health and wellbeing, economic security and social connectedness, yet these are areas in which LGBTQ+ older adults often experience great hardship. These barriers stem from current discrimination along with the accumulation of a lifetime of legal and structural discrimination, social stigma, economic insecurity, and isolation. While many LGBTQ+ older adults have survived and thrived, others live with the burdens of poverty and social isolation. A lifetime of discrimination, especially in housing and employment, and a long-term lack of legal and social recognition combine to create deep economic insecurity for LGBTQ+ elders.
Garden State Equality was instrumental in passing New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ Senior Bill of Rights, which was signed into law in 2021. The landmark legislation provides protections to LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV who reside in long-term care facilities, and requires employees of long-term care facilities to undergo training on LGBTQ-affirming care. We offer training opportunities to support older adult care facilities as they transition to becoming LGBTQ-affirming. Learn more at our Training & Services page.