Recently, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Pride in Santa Cruz, a moment to honor how far we’ve come and recognize the work that still lies ahead. I was proud to join in that celebration as one of the early organizers, now among the senior ranks of our movement. Back in those early days, we often talked about the future and what infrastructure would be in place to support LGBTQIA+ people as we aged.
 
We have made incredible progress: marriage equality, broader societal acceptance, and LGBTQIA+ representation at all levels of government. But even with these strides, aging as an LGBTQIA+ person still brings challenges that are too often overlooked.
 
In honor of Pride Month, I’m joining the California Department of Aging to uplift the voices of older LGBTQIA+ Californians through a groundbreaking statewide survey and focus groups. These stories offer a powerful look into the hopes and hardships of our community’s elders whose voices must be central as we shape policy for the future.

Find the full op-ed here: Guest Opinion: How California can age with Pride