NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – It’s no secret that loneliness is fairly common among seniors, but older members of the LGBTQ+ community experience a much different and deeper loneliness, according to experts.
According to the country’s oldest and largest LGBTQ+ elder advocacy organization, SAGE, LGBTQ seniors are four times as likely to not have children when compared to seniors who are not LGBTQ. Elderly members of the LGBTQ community are also twice as likely to live alone.
On this episode of It’s OK to Say Gay, listen as hosts Femi Redwood and Anddy Egan-Thorpe delve into the factors so many elderly members of the LGBTQ+ have become forgotten.
You’ll also hear from one woman who highlights how valuable LGBTQ+ seniors are: Donna Sue Johnson. Not only does she share her life experiences, but the countless lessons she’s learned along the way too.
While she considers herself lucky for still being alive, she says that it’s taken a tremendous amount of bravery. “There are those who are fearful of standing up and speaking out because they don't want to lose their family, their jobs, their housing, their social position, their church, their everything,” she says. “Then there are those like me, who have maintained our authenticity, and our love of life, our embracing of freedom and independence.”
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram