"Gray, Gay...And Worried"
Summary:
Two gay men, David and Paschal, have been married for more than twenty years and reside in California. The two got married when same-sex marriage was allowed in California, but are now facing new problems as they get older. Many of the homosexuals that are in their older years came out at a time when being gay wasn't as widely accepted as it is now. David and Paschal aren't estranged; it's just that their nieces and nephews live far away. However, if the couple were to retire to the South, where Paschal used to live, and where it is less expensive, senior care facilities would be less likely to accept them, also. Furthermore, federal policies including married couples leave gays and lesbians out; Paschal's Social Security benefits outweigh David's, but the survivor and spousal benefits available to widowers would not be available to David. Thankfully, there are some associations and homes that support and provide care for aging homosexuals. A few are Sage (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders), Openhouse, Rainbow Vista, and Rainbow Vision. Sage, the oldest gay-servicing organization, is introducing a federally financed National Resource Center on LBGT Aging next month. Hopefully, services and organizations like these will brighten futures for aging gays.
Response:
Personally, I believe that this is astounding; aging homosexual couples are denied and alienated health care from nursing homes. Some gays and lesbians have to hide their sexuality because they won't be accepted. Gays are also denied financial support if something happens to their partner. I simply don't understand why the gay community is being singled out like this. However, there are organizations to help and stand up for aging gays' rights. The tolerance for homosexuality in our country will hopefully rise, and maybe even inspire other countries to increase their tolerance for homosexuality. We're all equal, and sexuality shouldn't be the reason to decline someone their right for care.
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