Your Rights & Resources

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) older adults are a resilient population that faces many unique challenges. It is no surprise that today’s LGBTQ+ elders have faced discrimination, yet many of them have responded to such adversity by building movements to advocate for equal rights, developing their own support systems and communities, and creating “families of choice.” According to Opening Doors: An Investigation of Barriers to Senior Housing for Same-Sex Couples, most LGBTQ+ older people feel good about the communities they belong to and have at least some social support. Many of them also engage in activities that bolster their health and wellness, such as moderate physical activity or attending religious services.