Administration on Aging LGBT Inclusion

There’s historic news about LGBT inclusion from the Administration on Aging. The AOA, the federal agency responsible for funding & programs for our country's older adults has finally released an announcement recognizing LGBT older adults among those populations of "greatest social need" when planning for & providing services throughout the country. This shows that the Obama Administration's Administration on Aging has taken significant steps to recognize that LGBT older adults exist & to ensure that there is money available to support programs that aim to reduce their isolation, thus improving their quality of life. The LGBT Aging Project & their colleagues across the country have long advocated for such a ruling that would include LGBT older adults in these guidelines & they applaud AOA for making this announcement. In response to questions received about the inclusion of LGBT & other populations that may be included in the definition of "greatest social need," AOA issued a new Frequently Asked Question (FAQ). The new FAQ reads as follows:
Q: Does "greatest social need" as defined in the Older Americans allow communities to target funds to populations they identify as experiencing cultural, social or geographic isolation other than isolation caused by racial or ethnic status?
A: While the definition of "greatest social need" in the Older Americans Act includes isolation caused by racial or ethnic status, the definition is not intended to exclude the targeting of populations that experience cultural, social or geographic isolation due to other factors. In some communities, such isolation may be caused by minority religious affiliation. In others, isolation due to sexual orientation or gender identity may restrict a person's ability to perform normal daily tasks or live independently. Each planning & service area must assess their particular environment to determine those populations best targeted based on "greatest social need".
This is significant inclusion but until our LGBT community has the same federal rights & benefits & protections as heterosexual couples discrimination & hardships against LGBT elders remains appalling. Updates to Come…:)
For More Info: LGBTAgingProject.org