SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline Set to Reduce Social Isolation Nationwide During Holiday Season

Country's first hotline dedicated to LGBT older people will prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable

[New York, NY] On November 1, as part of its work to improve the lives of LGBT older people, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) launched the country's first hotline dedicated to LGBT elders. The SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline is operated by the GLBT National Help Center and staffed entirely by LGBT volunteers. This new national program responds to the fact that many LGBT people live in parts of the country which lack community supports targeted to their needs. 

The holidays can be a lonely time, especially for older LGBT people, who are less likely to have children and more likely to suffer from social isolation. The LGBT Elder Hotline was established to provide support, as well as information and referrals, to LGBT older people no matter where they live.

The SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline is live and ready to take calls at 1-888-234-SAGE. It is open Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to midnight Eastern Time, and on Saturday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. LGBT elders can also contact the hotline at SAGE@GLBThotline.org.

"Prioritizing the needs of LGBT older people is at the core of our mission," said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. "Vulnerable elders need us, no matter where they live in the country. The SAGE LGBT Hotline will help ensure that we reach more isolated LGBT elders than ever before."

While the SAGE hotline volunteer list is currently full, we encourage people to make a difference by making a charitable donation to further SAGE's work at sageusa.org/donate. Now, more than ever, LGBT elders need support.

ABOUT SAGE

Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) is the country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older adults and their caregivers, advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBT older people, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBT organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, and cultural competence training through SAGECare. With offices in New York City, Washington, DC and Chicago, SAGE coordinates a growing network of 30 SAGE affiliates in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Learn more at sageusa.org and lgbtagingcenter.org.