Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders is America's oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgenderolder adults, focusing on the issue of LGBT ageing. According to its mission statement, "SAGE leads in addressing issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender aging. In partnership with its constituents and allies, SAGE works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBT older people, supporters and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes positive images of LGBT life in later years." SAGE is a 501 organization that focuses on advocacy on the local and federal levels, as well as activities, groups and programs that encourage LGBT older adults to stay connected with each other and the community.
Leadership
SAGE's leadership includes Executive Director, Michael Adams, former Director of Education and Public Affairs for Lambda Legal. SAGE's work is supported by a board of directors located throughout the U.S. The current board chairs are Elizabeth F. Schwartz and Kevin Williams.
History
Incorporated by lesbian and gay activists and aging service professionals in 1978 as Senior Action in a Gay Environment, SAGE is primarily located in New York City and has affiliates all over the United States of America. SAGE works with LGBT older adults and aging service providers to address and overcome the challenges of discrimination in older adult service settings. SAGE is responsible for the nation's first Friendly Visiting program for frail and homebound LGBT older adults; the country's first support group for LGBT older adults with HIV; the nation's first program dedicated to caregiving services for LGBT older adults; the nation's first LGBT Senior Drop-In Center and the creation of the first national conferences devoted to LGBT aging concerns. In 2010, SAGE became the recipient of a three-year, $900,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration on Aging to create the nation's only national resource center on LGBT aging. Edie Windsor was a vocal advocate for SAGE and former board member.
Programs
SAGE Centers With funding from the New York City Council and the city's Department for the Aging, SAGE opened the nation's first municipally funded senior center in January 2012. Expanded funding in 2014 allowed the opening of new centers in Brooklyn and the Bronx, and expanded facilities in Harlem. There is also a full-time SAGE employee providing older adult programming at the Pride Center of Staten Island. Older Adults SAGE's Clinical & Social Services program offers individual and group counseling and comprehensive case management, while our Community Services program offers discussion groups, educational programs and social activities for more than 2,000 older adults. Caregivers SAGE's Caregiver program provides a wide range of services for caregivers and care recipients. SAGECAP was the focus of a New York citywide ad campaign in 2010 which won a GLAAD Media Award in Advertising for “Outstanding Social Marketing Campaign” SAGE Harlem The SAGE Harlem Neighborhood Program is considered a NORC based not on geography but on affinity. SAGE Harlem provides LGBT older adults in Harlem and allies opportunities for recreation and socializing, social services and support, educational opportunities and partners with neighborhood CBOs and senior centers to raise visibility and improve the quality of services. SAGE Harlem is located in the Oberia D. Dempsey Multi-Service Center at 127 West 127th Street in Harlem and is part of New York City Department for the Aging blueprint for increasing the city’s livability for older New Yorkers. Advocacy & Policy By advocating for LGBT-affirming public policies, SAGE attempts to create a better life experience for older members of the LGBT community. SAGE is working with its office in Washington, D.C. and national partners on legislation pertaining to the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act and Medicaid in 2011.
SAGE STORY
SAGE STORY, commenced in 2014, is a national digital storytelling program for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elders. it was created to collect stories on the ways in which discrimination has affected LGBT older people. The initiative was limited at first to sites in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. However, it fast grew beyond its initial tight focus, and it is now national. SAGE STORY draws on the unique life experiences of LGBT elders to offer fresh perspectives on aging, long-term care and LGBT rights. It is made possible through the support of AARP Foundation and The Ford Foundation. SAGE STORY offers LGBT elders four ways to pass on their experiences: Through photographs, podcasts, videos, and written articles. What began as a small initiative focused on two states, now comprises LGBT elders throughout the country -- from every strata within small-town and rural America to big city and beyond.
Publications
SAGE has been involved in the following publications which have been helpful in garnering media coverage about the plight of LGBT older adults:
