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SAGE - Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders - SAGE

By Kathy Belge, About.com

What is SAGE?:
SAGE stands for Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders. SAGE is the world's oldest and largest non-profit agency dedicated to serving and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender seniors.
How did SAGE get Started?:
SAGE was originally started in 1978 under the name Senior Action in a Gay Environment by a group of volunteers who recognized that older gays and lesbians were often isolated in their communities. The first projects of SAGE were social, but as the organization grew, more and more services were added. Today SAGE offers a mixture of social activities and services.
Why is SAGE needed?:
LGBT seniors have different needs than straight elders. According to SAGE LGBT seniors differ from their heterosexual counterparts in the following ways:
  • They are twice as likely to live alone
  • They are half as likely to have life partners or significant others
  • They are half as likely to have no close relatives to call for help
  • They are four times less likely to have children to help them.
Who can Benefit from SAGE?:
Although SAGE's main purpose is to serve LGBT seniors, anyone can be a member of SAGE regardless of age or sexual orientation.
What Services does SAGE offer?:
SAGE offers a wide variety of services for seniors, from social to social service. They have programs for caregivers and for seniors. SAGE offers counseling, case management, socials, women's dances, discussion groups, legal advice, parties, visitors for the homebound and much, much more.
Here is a list of services at SAGE NY
How Can I Get Involved?:
Attend SAGE's Annual conference in October 2008.
Make a tax-deductible donation to SAGE
Volunteer with SAGE[/link] no matter what your age.
Where Can I find a SAGE group near me?:
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