LGBT Seniors Need Love Too!

I was just perusing an article over at 365gay concerning LGBT seniors and the unique challenges they face. While the article spends time talking about programs that have been established to cater to queer seniors and the AARP's assistance in those programs, there was a particular section that struck me. The very end of the article talks about ageism with the gay community:

“It overvalues one stage in your life and underscores a fear of getting old -
not just 70 or 80, but 40 or 50,” said Hollibaugh. “You’re terrified. You think,
‘It’s over for me.’"

The gentleman being interviewed in the article was making the point that within the gay community, every advancing year means less and less visibility for you within the community. Our is a youth obsessed culture, for better or for worse (mostly for worse). And he's spot on too.
As I start to think about my future, I freak out a little. I've never imagined myself as an older person. I don't know why, I just haven't been able to, and just like he said, when I say older, I'm not talking 70's, I'm talking 50's. It freaks me out. I think the reason it bothers me so much though is that I have zero reference when it comes to LGBT seniors. I've not met one. I'm not even sure they exist. Ergo, in my mind, I won't exist.

Pretty insane, right? Not too much when you think this is the same psychology that kept, and still keeps, many people in the closet because they did not/do not have positive queer role models or know any other gay people. Apply that same thinking to gay people of age.

I think I may contact the Center on Halsted about volunteering opportunities through our local SAGE (Service and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) group. From the article, it's apparent that there many people in need of the assistance, but I think I'm also in need of a does of reality.