Bonamici, Pocan, Davids Introduce Bill to Support LGBTQI+ Seniors in Rural Areas

Press Release

Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced legislation to increase access to needed services and resources for LGBTQI+ seniors who live in rural areas.

The Elder Pride Act would bolster the capacity and ability of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) located in rural communities to better serve and support LGBTQI+ seniors. LGBTQI+ older adults require affirming care, services, and supports that are often underfunded and scarce in many parts of the country. National surveys show that between 2.9 million and 3.8 million LGBTQI+ people live in rural American communities.

"LGBTQI+ seniors should be able to access services and care that meets their unique needs, regardless of where they live," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Chair of the Equality Caucus' LGBTQ+ Aging Issues Task Force."Those who live in rural areas frequently face increased barriers, which Congress can break down. The Elder Pride Act will increase resources for programs and services that will improve the lives of LGBTQI+ elders."

"Rural LGBTQI+ seniors have been lacking access to necessary services and care for too long," saidRep. Pocan, Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. "The Elder Pride Act creates opportunities for LGBTQ+ seniors in rural communities, benefiting everyone in the region. I look forward to advancing this important legislation."

"Many of our LGBTQ+ elders fought tirelessly for equality in a world that refused to accept their identity," said Congresswoman Sharice Davids. "While they overcame tremendous odds to give future generations the rights they deserve, our elders, particularly those in rural communities, continue to face discrimination when accessing long-term care and healthcare. I am proud to support the Elder Pride Act because who you are and who you love should never increase your risk for isolation, poverty, and poor health outcomes as you age."

The legislation is endorsed by SAGE, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, interACT, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, AIDS United, National Minority AIDS Council, National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors, National Coalition of STD Directors, and Justice in Aging.

"SAGE applauds Representative Bonamici for her continued leadership on behalf of LGBTQ+ elders and we are proud to endorse the Elder Pride Act," said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. "Nearly 30% of LGBTQ+ elders live in rural areas and most of them are unable to access the care and services they need. The Elder Pride Act would help LGBTQ+ elders, who have endured unique struggles due to decades of discrimination, get the resources they need to thrive."

"The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) strongly supports the Elder Pride Act. In this era of promoting health equity for all older adults, we believe it is important that we all work to provide greater access to services which help LGBTQI older adults maintain their independence and dignity," said Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP.

The bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), John Larson (D-CT), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Mondaire Jones (D-NY), and Alan Lowenthal (D-CA).

The Elder Pride Act complements the Older American Act, which was updated under Bonamici's leadership, by establishing a rural grant program designed to fund care and services for LGBTQI+ seniors. The grant would also support programs that:

* provide services such as cultural competency training for service providers;

* develop modes of connection between LGBTQI+ older adults and local service providers and community organizations;

* expand the use of nondiscrimination policies and community spaces for older adults who are members of the LGBTQI+ community or another protected class; and,

* disseminate resources on sexual health and aging for senior service providers.

A fact sheet on the legislation can be found here, and the full text can be found here.

During Pride month this year, Bonamici led the introduction of the Ruthie and Connie LGBTQ Elder Americans Act. This bill is named to honor LGBTQ+ Activists Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz, and would amend the Older Americans Act to better care for older LGBTQI+ Americans. As Chair of the Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee, Bonamici has also been a leader in efforts to pass legislation to protect the LGBTQ community against discrimination in housing, access to credit, and other services. Bonamici is also a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and is the new Chair of the LGBTQ+ Aging Issues Task Force.

Source