June 3, 2017 is the Gay Pride Celebration in Sacramento. AAA4 has long been an ally and supporter of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. Recent estimates suggest that here are at least 1.5 million LGBTQ people 65 and older in the United States, and this population will double by the year 2030.
Many LGBTQ older adults deal with poverty and with reduced economic security. For LGBTQ older adults, a lifetime of employment discrimination and other factors contributes to disproportionately high poverty rates. One study found that same-sex elder couples face higher poverty rates than heterosexual peers; 9.1% and 4.9% among elder lesbian and gay couples, respectively, in contrast to 4.6% among elder heterosexual couples.
The University of Washington School of Social Work has been conducting a longitudinal study of LGBTQ older adults, called “Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, Sexuality/Gender Study”. The recent results show that LGBTQ older adults are both resilient and at-risk, with higher rates of disability, cardiovascular disease, depression and social isolation. The findings also documented how key life events ― including coming out, work and relationships ― are associated with health and quality of life. Articles examined factors such as race/ethnicity, partnership status, resiliency among HIV-positive gay and bisexual men, and transgender older adults with prior military service. The role of social networks, mental health, high-risk alcohol consumption and health care engagement were also studied. It is apparent that the LGBTQ community needs services to assist the older adults to remain healthy and independent.
Please join us in celebrating the LGBTQ Pride Event. On Saturday, June 3rd there will be an Equality March at 9:00, beginning at Crocker Park on 3rd St. and O St. The parade begins at 11:00 on N St., starting at 3rd St. and ending at 10th St. The festival takes place on the Capitol Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets from 11:00 to 5:00. Come support our LGBTQ community!