Bonamici, Markey, Davids, Pocan Introduce Legislation to Care for Rural LGBTQI+ Seniors

WASHINGTON, DC [06/3/26] - Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Senator Markey (D-MA) introduced legislation to offer LGBTQI+ specific services for older LGBTQI+ Americans and individuals living with HIV in rural communities.

LGBTQI+ older adults in rural communities often face greater barriers to receiving the support and resources they need because of geography, costs, insufficient broadband infrastructure, and lack of specialized providers. Stigma can also deter members of the LGBTQI+ community and people living with HIV from seeking help. The Elder Pride Act would update the Older Americans Act (OAA) and provide funding to help rural Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve LGBTQI+ individuals and those living with HIV.

"It's unacceptable that many elder Americans are unable to access the care they need simply because of who they love and where they live," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "I'm grateful to lead the Elder Pride Act with Representatives Pocan and Davids to help provide LGBTQI+ seniors and those who live with HIV in rural areas with the care they need to age with dignity."

"LGBTQ+ older Americans deserve the protections their neighbors are afforded. After decades of exclusion from and discrimination in health care settings, workplaces, and local communities, queer and trans elders should be able to age with dignity, grace, and surrounded by community. The Elder Pride Act will help ensure that all older adults are able to have access to the care and services they need," said Senator Edward J. Markey.

"Many of our LGBTQI+ elders fought tirelessly for equality in a world that refused to accept their identity," said Congresswoman Sharice Davids, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "While they overcame tremendous odds to give future generations the rights they deserve, our elders, particularly those in rural communities, continue to face discrimination when accessing long-term care and healthcare. I am proud to support the Elder Pride Act because who you are and who you love should never increase your risk for isolation, poverty, and poor health outcomes as you age."

"Congress has a responsibility to ensure LGBTQI+ older adults and older people living with HIV in rural communities have the support they need to age with dignity," said Rep Mark Pocan (WI-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "I'm honored to join Rep. Bonamici and Rep. Davids in introducing the Elder Pride Act to ensure meaningful investments in support services for these rural community members."

The legislation is endorsed by SAGE, Congressional Equality Caucus, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), InterACT, MAZON: a Jewish Response to Hunger, Justice in Aging, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), The Institute for Health Research & Policy at Whitman-Walker, Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Grantmakers In Aging, Home Care Aide Council, Gerontological Society of America, Fenway Health, LGBTQIA+ Aging Project, Oregon LGBTQ+ Aging Coalition, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, MassEquality, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, LGBTQ+ Elders of Color, Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging, and National Women's Law Center Action Fund.

"Every LGBTQ+ person in every community across the country deserves to thrive. The Elder Pride Act will ensure that LGBTQ+ people who live in more rural areas, which represent 29% of LGBTQ+ older Americans, and those living with HIV have access to the support and services they need to age with dignity," said SAGE CEO Lynn Faria. "We'd like to thank Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) for reintroducing this important legislation," said Lynn Faria, CEO, SAGE.

The Elder Pride Act would establish a rural grant program designed to fund programs that provide:

• cultural competency training for service providers;
• connections between LGBTQI+ older adults and local service providers and community organizations;
• expanded use of nondiscrimination policies and community spaces for older adults who are members of the LGBTQI+ community or another protected class;
• resources on sexual health and aging, including for individuals with HIV, for senior service providers; and
• care or services to LGBTQI+ and seniors of other protected classes.

In addition to Representatives Bonamici, Pocan, and Davids, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Sean Casten (D-IL), Scott Peters (D-CA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).

In addition to Senator Markey, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

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