For nearly a year, we have lived in the shadow of COVID-19, changing our daily habits to keep ourselves, partners, spouses, colleagues and loved ones safe. Annual holidays became small, intimate affairs, often just including our families of choice. It's been particularly challenging for LGBTQ seniors many of whom identify as disenfranchised. Fortunately, organizations and volunteers across the country are advocating for their care, recognizing that our triumphs have been built on the shoulders of those who came before us. "It was very revealing that many of our folks were already struggling with isolation but also that many of our participants were used to this," says SAGE Chief Program Officer David Vincent. "Prior to the shutdown, people were able to come to our centers. While that was inhibited by weather, mobility, or health, they still were able to make it sometimes. But with COVID-19, they were completely isolated from services." Founded in 1978, the nonprofit has locations in Harlem, midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx and affiliates throughout the country. In March 2020, SAGE's advocacy efforts were instrumental in getting specific wording regarding LGBTQ elders into the Older Americans Act reauthorization — the first bipartisan piece of LGBTQ-inclusive legislation that was passed into law by the Trump administration. The OAA has supported older Americans through programs designed to prevent abuse and neglect, support caregivers, offer employment and community service opportunities, promote nutrition and improve transportation options. But nothing could prepare social service agencies coronavirus's devastating and far-reaching impact. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍?⁠ ⁠ ?️: A. Sebastian Fortino / @lord_sebsphl⁠ ?: Getty

For nearly a year, we have lived in the shadow of COVID-19, changing our daily habits to keep ourselves, partners, spouses, colleagues and loved ones safe. Annual holidays became small, intimate affairs, often just including our families of choice. It's been particularly challenging for LGBTQ seniors many of whom identify as disenfranchised. Fortunately, organizations and volunteers across the country are advocating for their care, recognizing that our triumphs have been built on the shoulders of those who came before us. "It was very revealing that many of our folks were already struggling with isolation but also that many of our participants were used to this," says SAGE Chief Program Officer David Vincent. "Prior to the shutdown, people were able to come to our centers. While that was inhibited by weather, mobility, or health, they still were able to make it sometimes. But with COVID-19, they were completely isolated from services." Founded in 1978, the nonprofit has locations in Harlem, midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx and affiliates throughout the country. In March 2020, SAGE's advocacy efforts were instrumental in getting specific wording regarding LGBTQ elders into the Older Americans Act reauthorization — the first bipartisan piece of LGBTQ-inclusive legislation that was passed into law by the Trump administration. The OAA has supported older Americans through programs designed to prevent abuse and neglect, support caregivers, offer employment and community service opportunities, promote nutrition and improve transportation options. But nothing could prepare social service agencies coronavirus's devastating and far-reaching impact. Tap link in bio to continue on @EDGEmedianetwork ?️‍?⁠
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?️: A. Sebastian Fortino / @lord_sebsphl⁠
?: Getty