Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Pennsylvania say a law created in 1965 to protect older Americans needs an update.
It’s one of the things state lawmakers could work on when the new legislative session begins on Tuesday. Advocates want lawmakers to ensure the Older Americans Act is inclusive of LGBTQ+ seniors.
“Statistics say, by 2030, there will be seven million seniors 65 and over,” said Elder Initiative Program Manager Ed Williams with the William Way Center, which addresses the needs of people in the LBGTQ+ community in the Philadelphia area.
A growing concern is the rising number of older Americans and whether there are enough resources for them.
That’s why the William Way Center’s Elder Initiative puts a focus on LGBTQ+ seniors.
“(LGBTQ+ people are) twice as likely to live alone. We’re four to five times less likely to have children,” said Williams.
With less support during their golden years, state resources are even more crucial for LGBTQ+ seniors.
Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (D – 185th District) is calling on his colleagues to give attention to the issue in the upcoming legislative session.