HUD to have summit on aging LGBTers

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Shaun Donovan, Secretary
Office of Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20410

10 A.M. – 5 P.M. EST
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

HUD TO HOST FIRST-EVER NATIONAL SUMMIT TO ADDRESS
UNIQUE CHALLENGES FOR AGING LGBT COMMUNITY

Americans are growing older, requiring a greater focus on systems of care to meet the increased demand that accompanies this demographic shift. Aging lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans, however, face a number of additional stresses that expose them to particular vulnerabilities in their elder years. For example, LGBT senior citizens are more likely to age without the benefits of a partner or children and other family supports, increasing their reliance on assisted living and long-term care. In addition, even more affluent LGBT elders can be at risk, as discrimination and other legal barriers can be an obstacle to accessing housing and long-term care.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights will host the first-ever national summit to address housing, health and long-term care issues for LGBT elders on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, at HUD’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

The day-long conference will bring together advocates and practitioners from across the country to highlight existing barriers for LGBT elders, as well as explore future possibilities for promoting current efforts to support housing and long-term care designed for LGBT elders. Members of the media interested in attending this event are asked to RSVP by calling Brian Sullivan at 202-402-7527 or by email at Brian.Sullivan@hud.gov.

WHO: Senior officials at HUD, HHS’ Administration on Aging, LGBT advocates and housing and service providers

WHAT: Day-long summit on unique challenges confronting LGBT seniors

WHEN: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

WHERE: HUD Headquarters SOUTH LOBBY (nearest to American flag)
451 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC

For more information, contact Brian Sullivan in HUD’s Office of Public Affairs at
202-402-7527 or at Brian.Sullivan@hud.gov.