LGBTQ Older Adults

Although largely invisible until very recently, LGBTQ older adults make up a significant (and growing) share of both the overall LGBTQ population and the larger 65+ population. While confronted with the same challenges that face all people as they age, LGBTQ elders also face an array of unique barriers and inequalities that can stand in the way of a healthy and rewarding later life.

The following resources offer an overview into the lives of LGBTQ older adults, including the challenges facing LGBTQ older adults, such as social isolation and the impact of religious exemptions, in addition to resources focused on improving the lives of LGBTQ older adults.

Related Resources

Retirement Rankings Say ‘Head South.’ But What About LGBTQ People?

Blog Post

Why LGBT Elders Need the Equality Act

July 2021 – This issue brief details how LGBT older people would benefit from passage of the Equality Act, which would update federal civil rights law to explicitly protect people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender

Brief

Uplift LGBT Carework in the American Jobs Plan

May 2021 – The American Jobs Plan creates a unique opportunity to provide vital services and protections for LGBT older people–two populations that too often feel invisible. This info sheet discusses how we can best support LGBT elders through the

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Week #1: 10 Ways President Biden Can Support LGBTQ People

This brief highlights 10 actions the Biden administration can immediately start to ensure LGBTQ people and their families can be protected from discrimination.

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LGBT Older People & COVID-19

May 2020 – Older adults in the United States are at increased risk for contracting COVID-19. They are particularly vulnerable without access during the pandemic to the health care resources and social structures that contribute to overall wellness. This is

Brief

Dignity Denied: Religious Exemptions and LGBT Elder Services

The Bottom Line It is estimated that there are approximately 2.7 million LGBT adults aged 50 and older in the United States, 1.1 million of whom are 65 and older. LGBT older adults, like many older Americans in the United States, rely on a network of service providers as they

Report

A Closer Look: Bisexual Older Adults

The Bottom Line America’s population is aging: by 2050, the number of people over the age of 65 will double to 83.7 million (from 43.1 million in 2012). And while the public perception of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people is largely one of a young community, there are

Report

Understanding Issues Facing LGBT Older Adults

The Bottom Line It is estimated that there are approximately 2.7 million LGBT adults aged 50 and older in the United States, 1.1 million of whom are 65 and older. Understanding Issues Facing LGBT Older Adults provides an overview of their unique needs and experiences so that service providers, advocates,

Report

Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults: Issue Briefs

The Bottom Line This series of issue briefs provide a laser focus on the key topics addressed in the full report Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults. The 13 briefs cover the challenges facing LGBT elders in areas from health disparities to pensions, while offering recommendations for policy actions

Report

Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults

The Bottom Line Social stigma and unequal laws make it harder for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders to achieve three key elements of successful aging: financial security, good health and healthcare, and social support and community engagement. Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults provides an overview of

Report

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LGBTQ Older Adults