Interesting Article on LGBT Seniors

Most articles about the demographics of the LGBT community are focused on youth, as the average age of coming out continues to drop.

But the Associated Press has published an article about the other side of the spectrum — people who are coming out in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.

It is a testament to the success of the gay rights movement that these individuals are finally comfortable enough to become their true selves, in many times after having spent decades in heterosexual marriages.

A quote from 83 year old Carl Martin says it best: “I would describe these as the happiest years of my life. I’m free to be who I am. I was not free to be who I was before.”

Aging LGBTs face challenges ranging from social isolation and homophobia in elderly care facilities to ensuring that their estates are handled in accordance with their wishes.

I will be writing more about this in the future, as I believe these issues will come to the forefront as baby boomers approach retirement.

Kudos to the AP for shining some light on a population that is often ignored.