By Shannin Prather
April 2022 | 2022 Spring Newsletter
More than 39 million people in the U.S. are 65 years of age or older, including 2.4 million who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) or other non-heterosexual/cisgender orientation. In addition to facing the same challenges many people do as they age, LGBTQ+ older adults encounter unique challenges and barriers that can stand in the way of a healthy and rewarding life.
According to SAGE Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders, aging LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely than their heterosexual peers to reach out to senior centers, meal programs, and other services because they fear discrimination and harassment.
Santa Clara County is committed to creating a social climate of inclusion that supports the diversity of the community, provides quality services, and promotes a healthy, safe, and prosperous community for all.
If you or someone you know in the LGBTQ+ community needs support, these resources, among others, are available:
The Q Corner
Supports LGBTQ+ community members and allies to access resources, referrals, mentoring, and social activities.
bhsd.santaclaracounty.gov/q-corner (408) 704-0900
LGBTQ Wellness
Provides peer support for social, emotional, and mental health for LGBTQ+ adults in Santa Clara County.
lgbtq-well.org (408) 457-6003
Avenidas Rainbow Collective – LGBTQ Seniors Initiative
Programs and services of socialization for LGBTQ+ older adults.
avenidas.org/programs/lgbtq-seniors-initiative (650) 289-5417
Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center
Provides community, leadership, advocacy, services, and support to LGBTQ+ people and their allies.
defrankcenter.org (408) 293-3040
SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline
Speak confidentially with peers who offer support, answer questions, and provide information about community resources. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish with translation in 180 languages.
sageusa.org (877) 360-5428
More than 39 million people in the U.S. are 65 years of age or older, including 2.4 million who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) or other non-heterosexual/cisgender orientation. In addition to facing the same challenges many people do as they age, LGBTQ+ older adults encounter unique challenges and barriers that can stand in the way of a healthy and rewarding life.
According to SAGE Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders, aging LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely than their heterosexual peers to reach out to senior centers, meal programs, and other services because they fear discrimination and harassment.
Santa Clara County is committed to creating a social climate of inclusion that supports the diversity of the community, provides quality services, and promotes a healthy, safe, and prosperous community for all.
If you or someone you know in the LGBTQ+ community needs support, these resources, among others, are available:
The Q Corner
Supports LGBTQ+ community members and allies to access resources, referrals, mentoring, and social activities.
bhsd.santaclaracounty.gov/q-corner (408) 704-0900
LGBTQ Wellness
Provides peer support for social, emotional, and mental health for LGBTQ+ adults in Santa Clara County.
lgbtq-well.org (408) 457-6003
Avenidas Rainbow Collective – LGBTQ Seniors Initiative
Programs and services of socialization for LGBTQ+ older adults.
avenidas.org/programs/lgbtq-seniors-initiative (650) 289-5417
Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center
Provides community, leadership, advocacy, services, and support to LGBTQ+ people and their allies.
defrankcenter.org (408) 293-3040
SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline
Speak confidentially with peers who offer support, answer questions, and provide information about community resources. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish with translation in 180 languages.
sageusa.org (877) 360-5428