This session will examine intersectional approaches that improve the lived experiences of LGBTQ older adults, who are among the most marginalized and disadvantaged members of LGBTQ communities.  The session will focus on multi-disciplinary strategies for systems change advocacy, state and regional community education partnerships, and elder-driven health and wellness programming at the local level. LGBTQ older adults face serious challenges as a result of systemic and rampant discrimination in housing and care provision, disproportionate levels of poverty, pronounced health disparities (including aging with HIV), and marginalization and social isolation both within LGBTQ communities and beyond.  These challenges are exacerbated by race (e.g. LGBTQ elders of color are significantly more likely to live in poverty and to struggle with chronic health conditions), gender (e.g. older lesbians are twice as likely as older Americans in general to live in poverty), and gender identity (e.g. transgender older adults face higher levels of poverty and discrimination in care than LGB elders).  The cumulative impact of these challenges creates, among other things, a crisis in caregiving for LGBTQ elders that requires immediate and sustained attention.

The progress made in recent years by and for LGBTQ elders is now under attack by the Trump Administration.  In addition, the broader “safety net” of supports for older Americans face existential threats in the current political environment.  Despite the challenges, meaningful progress has been made by and with LGBTQ elders thanks in significant part to a range of innovative collaborations and partnerships built around intersectional frameworks.