SAGE celebrated 40 fierce years and recognized distinguished honorees
[New York] For 40 years, since the emergence of the LGBTQ+ movement and the Stonewall uprising, SAGE has been fighting to build a better future for LGBTQ+ elder pioneers—and all LGBTQ+ people. On Monday, October 15, 2018, at its annual gala, SAGE celebrated its historic 40th anniversary and raised over $1 million to support its mission to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ older people.More than 800 guests gathered at Cipriani Wall Street in Lower Manhattan for the successful event to celebrate SAGE and recognize several individuals whose contributions to the LGBTQ+ community are paramount in the continued fight for LGBTQ+ equality across the nation. SAGE honored actor and activist George Takei, the Speaker of the New York City Council Corey Johnson, Kate Kendell of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Wells Fargo’s John Lake.
“We could not be prouder of tonight’s 40th anniversary gala and are grateful to our dedicated supporters for coming out to celebrate these extraordinary honorees and a historic milestone for SAGE,” said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “This is a pivotal moment. SAGE has changed so many lives and been a key part of victories that have shaped the course of the LGBTQ+ movement for LGBTQ+ elders. Last night, SAGE celebrated four decades of progress—and doubled down on the future. There are many tough battles ahead, and SAGE will continue to fight to ensure that all older LGBTQ+ people are treated equally, without discrimination, and with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
The gala was co-chaired by Larry Chanen, Lisa Davis, Char Defrancesco, and Dawn Fischer.
“It is such a tremendous honor for me to receive an award from an organization that I so deeply respect and admire,” said honoree Kate Kendell. “In this culture, there are many segments of our community and society that we leave behind — queer youth, people of color, the incarcerated, immigrants, elders generally and for sure LGBTQ+ elders. When younger people read the history of this moment in our country, and say, wow, it seems like the very foundations of the republic were under threat, what did you do? Part of how you’ll be able to answer that question, is, ‘I supported SAGE’.”
Honoree George Takei reflected on an extraordinary lifetime of activism.
“Congratulations to SAGE on your 40th birthday! That’s four decades of doing good work for LGBTQ+ seniors. To be recognized with a lifetime achievement award is really truly humbling. I must say I qualify for the lifetime part, I am a legitimate octogenarian,” said Takei. “No one person brings about change without the contribution and the support of many, many people … I humbly accept this recognition, but it’s really something that we all accomplished together.”
SAGE also received a proclamation from Mayor Bill De Blasio recognizing SAGE’s pioneering work in New York and honoring its 40th anniversary. The Mayoral proclamation declares Monday, October 15, 2018 in the City of New York as “SAGE Day.”
###
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.
