Murphy Selected To Serve On LGBT Aging Issues Task Force

Press Release

The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus announced today that it has formed a task force to push for legislative and administrative action to protect the dignity and security of elderly LGBT people. As a strong advocate for seniors and the LGBT community, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) has been selected to serve on this bipartisan task force. In its first act, the task force sent the attached letter to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) asking for greater review of whether Older Americans Act (OAA) programs are meeting the needs of LGBT seniors.

"I am honored to join with my colleagues on the Equality Caucus to serve on this important task force, bringing attention to the unique challenges facing LGBT individuals as they enter their golden years," said Rep. Murphy. "While much progress has been made in the fight for equality, our work is not done -- especially when it comes to making sure LGBT seniors have equal access to care and services as they age. Unfortunately, after a lifetime of discrimination, many are left with higher poverty rates, poorer health, and less access to health care. I will continue to fight in Congress to better care for our seniors and equality for all Americans."

Murphy recently introduced the Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act to improve the Older Americans Act to better serve LGBT seniors, who face higher rates of poverty, pronounced social isolation, and less access to health care due to barriers in the aging system and past discrimination. This bill was named to honor LGBT activists Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz, who are Murphy's constituents, and has been endorsed by the Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE).

The LGBT Aging Issues Task Force will be chaired by Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), who joined Murphy in introducing the Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act last fall. Additional Task Force members include Reps. Mark Takano (D-CA) and Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), Co-Chairs of the LGBT Equality Caucus; Ted Lieu (D-CA), Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus; and LGBT Equality Caucus members Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), and Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM).

"Older adults who identify as LGBT face unique and uncomfortable challenges that are not widely understood or addressed," said Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair. "The Aging Task Force will become an important resource and advocate for a community of people that often experience social and cultural isolation as they age. I'm grateful to Congressman Deutch for chairing the task force and I look forward to shedding light on an issue that deserves our attention."

"For many older Americans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, a lifetime of discrimination has undermined their right to a retirement with dignity," said Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), LGBT Aging Issues Task Force Chair. "With 76 million Baby Boomers entering or nearing retirement and more than 44 million Americans already over the age of 65, we cannot afford to ignore the unique challenges faced by LGBT seniors, especially in communities with large retiree populations like South Florida. The House Equality Caucus is committed to advocating for their needs, and I am honored to take the lead with our new Aging Task Force."

"The task force is tasked with examining the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by LGBT older adults," LGBT Equality Caucus Executive Director Roddy Flynn said. "Too many elderly LGBT people are forced to go "back in the closet' out of fear of discrimination or harassment from caregivers and housing providers. LGBT elders also suffer from higher rates of poverty, are more likely to live alone and lack any close relatives to call for help. These challenges are in addition to the declining health, diminished income and loss of friends and family that all older Americans face. Despite advances in civil rights, LGBT elders remain one of the most invisible, underserved and at risk populations among elders in the United States."

The mission of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The bi-partisan LGBT Equality Caucus is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and around the world. By serving as a resource for Members of Congress, their staff, and the public on LGBT issues, the Caucus works toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well-being for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

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