The event raised $75,000 to benefit SAGE, and recognized LGBTQ+ pioneers Raquel Matas and Carla Lupi
[Miami, FL] – Over 250 guests gathered in Miami on February 9 for SAGE & Friends Miami, honoring two remarkable LGBTQ+ trailblazers, Raquel Matas and Carla Lupi, and supporting SAGE’s vital work with and on behalf of LGBTQ+ elders.Together for more than 30 years, Raquel and Carla have boldly paved the way for others in the LGBTQ+ community, by being both out and successful in their professions while raising a family of their own at a time when it was revolutionary to do so. Raquel, a distinguished lawyer, and Carla, an MD specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, led by example in their communities, supporting LGBTQ+ organizations for decades during some of the most hard-fought LGBTQ+ civil rights battles of our time. Not only were both Raquel and Carla successful in their professions, they changed the cultures in their legal and medical fields, making workplaces safer and more welcoming for generations to come.
SAGE & Friends Miami Pioneer Awardees Carla Lupi (L) and Raquel Matas (R) with their daughter Camila Matas Lupi. Photo by Marta Neira/SAGE.
“These women flourished in their professions, without apology or compromise, at a time when being out could be career suicide,” said Elizabeth Schwartz, Co-Chair of SAGE’s Board of Directors. “They are phenomenal women, constantly blazing new trails, and I’m so proud to have presented them with the SAGE & Friends Miami Pioneer Award.”
SAGE Board Co-Chair Elizabeth Schwartz, Carla Lupi, Miami Beach Vice-Mayor Michael Gongora, Raquel Matas and SAGE Director of Legacy Planning Jerry Chasen. Photo by Marta Neira/SAGE
The event was a great success, raising $75,000 to support SAGE’s mission and to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ older people and assure that LGBTQ+ elders can thrive.
“We’re honored to recognize Raquel and Carla, who fought for decades on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and made fearless contributions to the LGBTQ+ movement by living their lives out and proud,” said SAGE CEO, Michael Adams. “This year, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, SAGE will continue to highlight pioneers who have been fierce advocates for LGBTQ+ equality.”
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SAGE is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, and cultural competency training through SAGECare. With staff located across the country, SAGE also coordinates SAGENet, a growing network of affiliates in the United States.
