Mission
The LGBTQIA+ Aging Project works toward equity, inclusion, and community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual older adults, ensuring that they can age with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Key Commitments:
- Address the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ older adults for inclusive services and community.
- Engage in advocacy efforts to promote equity.
- Work towards policy and practice changes throughout the elder care network.
The LGBTQIA+ Aging Project is the premier resource in New England advocating specifically for LGBTQIA+ older adults. It is the “go to” place for organizations looking for training and technical assistance as well as individuals seeking connection and support. Since 2004, the Aging Project has trained over 10,000 elder service providers and staff in affirming and culturally competent care, supported development of LGBTQIA+ friendly community meal programs, educated healthcare professionals on the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ older adults, and advanced LGBTQIA+ equality in local and national aging policy.
As experts in issues of aging, elder care services, and LGBTQIA+ communities, the Aging Project is uniquely positioned to foster connections for LGBTQIA+ adults in settings that are not typically welcoming, thus expanding inclusion in elder care and enhancing the lives of LGBTQIA+ older adults.
History
The LGBTQIA+ Aging Project (originally the LGBT Aging Project) was founded in 2001 by a group of advocates from both the aging service network and the LGBT+ community who recognized that older adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or members of other sexual and gender minority groups are invisible to mainstream elder service providers; these older folks are often invisible within the larger LGBTQIA+ community as well. The Aging Project focused its efforts on LGBTQIA+ cultural competency training for elder service providers, community engagement for LGBTQIA+ older adults themselves, and policy and program advocacy to improve systems for LGBTQIA+ older adults. In 2013, the Aging Project became part of The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health, helping to strengthen training, outreach and educational efforts for LGBTQIA+ older adults at both organizations.
