|
(Sacramento, California) Legislation that would
require the state of California to deliver programs and services targeted to
LGBT seniors passed a key committee on Tuesday.
By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or
older. Roughly four million of these will be lesbian, gay, bisexual or
transgender.
LGBT elders face a number of particular concerns
as they age according a recent report by the Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
LGBT elders often do not access adequate health
care, affordable housing, and other social services that they need, due to
institutionalized heterosexism.
Several studies of nursing home administrators,
Area Administration on Aging directors and health care providers found
widespread homophobia among those entrusted with the care of America's
seniors.
As a result many older gays and lesbians retreat
back into the closet, reinforcing isolation.
California with the largest population of gay and
lesbian couples of any
state could see increasing problems for older gays supporters of the bill say.
The legislation, AB 2920, is authored by
Assemblymember Mark Leno (D-(D-San Francisco) one of a handful of openly gay
members of the legislature.
The bill would require the California Department
of Aging to ensure that a variety of account for the needs of LGBT seniors
citizens.
"California already leads the nation in
protecting LGBT couples and families – it’s time to focus our attention on
our LGBT elders,” said Leno.
“By requiring the state to assess the unique
challenges they face in their later years, we can better understand their needs
and provide culturally competent and appropriate services.”
The measure passed the Assembly Committee on
Aging and Long Term Care by a 3-1 vote and now moves to the Assembly Committee
on Appropriations.
“LGBT seniors are denied many of the vital
protections afforded by marriage that provide comfort and security in older
age,” said Seth Kilbourn, Equality California political director.
“This legislation will enhance California’s
ability to meet the unique challenges that face these individuals and that
result from lifelong experiences of marginalization.”
©365Gay.com 2006
|
Entertainment
