San Diego Human Dignity Foundation Announces New LGBT Senior Initiative

Aging with Dignity to Address Growing Needs of LGBT Seniors in San Diego

San Diego, CA – April 18, 2011. The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation (SDHDF) announces a new initiative, Aging with Dignity. This is a multi-year program designed to improve the quality of life for LGBT seniors in San Diego. Several landmark studies by SAGE, AARP, the Williams Institute, the New York Times, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute provide sobering documentation of the enormous emotional and social challenges facing LGBT seniors.

A recent New York Times article (April 15, 2011) cited that older lesbian, gay and bisexual adults in California are more likely to suffer from chronic physical and mental health problems than their heterosexual counterparts, and they also are less likely to have live-in partners or adult children who can help care for them.

“We are a community that has a long history of taking care of our own. The stories are difficult to hear, and the data are compelling. Now is the time to seriously begin to address the challenges facing our LGBT seniors,” says Tony Freeman, SDHDF Executive Director.

SDHDF will seek to build on and expand the work being done for LGBT seniors by other community groups and organizations, such as the LGBT Senior Housing Advisory Committee and the San Diego LGBT Center by raising and distributing funds, advocacy, and increasing awareness.

The first phase of Aging with Dignity will include raising $250,000 over a two-year period from individuals, foundations, and corporations to support the establishment of a full-time LGBT senior advocate at The Center. The position will provide care and connection for our seniors and also serve as a collection point for data as to the most pressing needs in our community. This valuable information will help guide SDHDF in the determining the funding priorities for the second phase of Aging with Dignity.

This year, SDHDF will celebrate its 15^th anniversary and has granted close to $3 million to support local non-profit organizations. It is currently the third largest LGBT community foundation in the United States.

For more information about Aging with Dignity or SDHDF, please visit www.myLGBTfoundation.org or call Tony Freeman, Executive Director, at (619) 291-3383.

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