On October 16, over 700 LGBTQ+ people and allies joined together at Cipriani Wall Street to honor LGBTQ+ elder trailblazers and supporters, enjoy high-energy performances, and celebrate the achievements and resiliency of the LGBTQ+ community.
In his welcoming address, SAGE CEO Michael Adams proclaimed, “This is the work that we are doing together to honor and support our community’s LGBTQ+ elders. In a deeply troubled time, SAGE’s work is a beacon, a fitting tribute to our elders who have given us so much.”
One of these elders was Criss Smith, whose heartfelt speech brought the audience to its feet. Smith recounted his journey as a Black trans man and the profound sense of belonging he found at SAGE. “I knew I needed to find my chosen family who would love me for who I am and for my truth,” Smith said. “I found that family at SAGE: family that saw the real me and loved me.”
Throughout the evening, community activists and supporters were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Laurie Peter received the Paula Ettelbrick Community Service Award for her unwavering support and activism on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. Laurie passionately declared, “Through the decades, SAGE has been at the forefront of prioritizing the needs of our LGBTQ+ elders—to address and prevent isolation, depression, discrimination, and irrelevancy. SAGE celebrates the breadth of diversity and the wisdom of our elders.” […]
Click here to read the full piece. This story was originally published by Generations Today on October 18, 2023.
