California Supports Law Protecting LGBTQ Senior Citizens

California’s Governor Jerry Brown recently signed a new bill into law that supports the inclusion of LGBTQ senior citizens in state-provided programs.

California’s Governor Jerry Brown recently signed a new bill into law that supports the inclusion of LGBTQ seniors in state-provided programs. This measure marks a significant advancement in the rights of LGBTQ senior citizens in the state.

The Number of California Senior Citizens Affected

Equality California reports that 10.9 million Californians will be over the age of 60 by 2030, with LGBTQ individuals comprising at least 3.5% of the general population in the country. As such, around 380,000 LGBTQ seniors are expected to live in California by 2030. In a 2010 study of LGBTQ senior citizens, it was determined that nearly half of these individuals experienced abuse at the hands of a caretaker or had witnessed abuse. This abuse includes a variety of treatment including being turned away from care centers or bullied on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. Some LGBTQ senior citizens are even forced to share rooms with individuals who have expressed intolerance toward the LGBTQ community. Thankfully, the state of California has begun to prioritize making sure that this future population of senior citizens will have access to important protections and resources.

Details About AB 2719

The law, AB 2719, was authored by California Assembly member Jacqui Irwin and co-sponsored by the groups SAGE and Equality California. Most significantly, the law adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to the definition of elderly communities that are entitled to receive priority for resources from California’s Department of Aging, which helps seniors across the state secure employment opportunities, receive healthcare and support, and find community. Some of the discrimination protected by this act includes refusing to use a resident’s preferred pronoun, denying admission to a long-term care facility, or transferring a resident on the basis of anti-LGBTQ policies. Earlier this year, the bill passed unanimously through both of California’s legislative chambers. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2019 and will significantly change how the federal Older Americans Act is applied in California as well as the Older Californians Act. The Older Americans Act, which was created in 1965, supports various services for senior citizens which include benefits enrollment, job training, meals, and senior centers.

How Other States are Responding

California is not the only state that has begun to pass legislative measures to make sure that elderly LGBTQ senior citizens receive adequate care. Last year, SAGE, the New York Housing Authority, and HELP USA announced plans to create LGBTQ-friendly housing for seniors in both Brooklyn and the Bronx. Other states have also begun to consider similar measures that will help to care for LGBTQ senior citizens.

Documenting the Advancement of LGBTQ Rights

While same sex marriage was acknowledged by the Supreme Court in 2015, there are still many legislative advancements to be made for LGBTQ individuals. Fostering community among the elderly is important for LGBTQ individuals who rely on this type of care. The Universal Life Church’s blog strives to document various issues about advancements in LGBTQ rights.

(image courtesy of Huy Phan)