As the American public ages, so do lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
LGBT older adults face the same challenges as other older adults, including financial
worries and health concerns.
But LGBT older adults face additional challenges.
Let's compare two women: Tina and Jackie, who were both born in 1947.
In 1967, at college, Tina meets Frank.
And Jackie meets Frances.
On a date with Frances after work, Jackie
is seen by a co-worker, who tells their boss.
Jackie is legally fired and takes a lesser
paying job at a factory.
In 1973, Tina marries Frank, but Jackie is
unable to marry Frances.
In the 80s, Tina and Frank have children.
But Jackie and Frances are barred from adopting.
After decades of hard work,
in 2010, Frank and Frances retire.
Tina takes Social Security spousal benefits.
But, because the federal government didn't
recognize same-sex marriages then, Jackie
is denied those benefits.
In 2015, right before the freedom to marry
becomes available nationwide, Frank and Frances
die.
Tina pays for her in-home care with her Social
Security survivor benefits and funds from
Frank's pension.
Jackie is denied Social Security survivor
benefits and, because she was not a legal
spouse, is also denied Frances' pension.
Their apartment was rented in Frances' name
and her state lacks nondiscrimination protections
in housing, so Jackie is evicted when she
tried to change the lease into her name.
Lacking an income and a place to live, Jackie
moves into a nursing home and relies on Medicaid
to pay for it.
She fears discrimination if she shares stories
about her past, so she doesn't talk about
her life with Frances.
Tina can afford in-home nursing care and has
the support of her children.
After a lifetime of discrimination, LGBT older
adults face economic insecurity, poorer health,
and reduced support networks.
Find out more about the unique disparities
facing LGBT older adults, and how to remedy
them, as well as the strength and resilience
of LGBT adults at lgbtmap.org/olderadults.
