By Sydney Kopp-Richardson, Director of National LGBTQ+ Elder Housing Initiative, SAGE USA
Housing concerns impact many older people, but for LGBTQ+ elders, there are added challenges that have built up over a lifetime. Despite progress, LGBTQ+ elders continue to experience the effects of decades of oppression, which have led to elevated rates of poverty and housing discrimination compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. LGBTQ+ elders are often disconnected from their families of origin and face challenges earning a living wage, accumulating wealth, and achieving social and economic security.
The Biden administration took an important step when it expanded protections against housing discrimination under the “Fair Housing Act” to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. However, challenges remain. According to research by the Equal Rights Center, 48% of older LGBTQ+ same-sex couples have experienced housing discrimination, and nearly 23% of transgender individuals report experiences with housing discrimination. As the LGBTQ+ elder population grows, it is evident that innovative housing solutions are necessary. To that end, SAGE USA launched the National LGBTQ+ Elder Housing Initiative (NHI) in 2015. As part of this initiative, SAGE set out to develop and provide complete access to a comprehensive collection of innovative housing strategies.
One such strategy is the creation of LGBTQ+ elder-affirming housing. This model is a form of housing intervention that is fully inclusive for anyone meeting the housing community’s criteria, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, but the affordable developments designed according to the model are specifically meant to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ elders. The goal of the model is to create inclusive communities where every sexual orientation and gender identity is embraced and an emphasis is placed on creating LGBTQ+-affirming and inclusive environments with LGBTQ+ culturally competent staff and LGBTQ+-focused programming.
SAGE can provide firsthand knowledge about how to make these models work, insofar as it has seen success providing LGBTQ+-competent services in New York City’s first LGBTQ+-affirming elder housing developments. Through that experience, and with the support of the NHI, SAGE aims to replicate affirming developments in communities across the country. The NHI also aims to center intersectionality, racial justice, and justice for transgender communities in this work, considering especially the significant barriers faced historically by elders of color and transgender elders, as well as all other LGBTQ+ elders in the current political climate.
The need for affirming housing developments will only grow, as current estimates predict that the LGBTQ+ elder population will reach between 4 million and 8 million by 2030. How service providers and policymakers choose to engage the community and address its needs will help determine how LGBTQ+ elders live, access services, and develop community supports for generations to come. SAGE is committed to serving as a convener in this work and will remain dedicated to the housing and service needs of LGBTQ+ elders.
ABOUT SAGE:
SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, and offers cultural competency training through SAGECare. Learn more at sageusa.org.