Kate Clinton Teams Up With AARP/SAGE for LGBT Baby Boomers

Lesbian comedian Kate Clinton has teamed up with SAGE and the AARP for a session on LGBT Baby Boomers, to be held on Oct. 5 at the Georgia World Congress Center. "Powerful Allies: Real Stories Making a Difference in the LGBT Community" will be followed by "Pride Comes in All Generations," a reception with the award-winning political humorist.

"Many older people become disconnected from their communities as they age, and this can lead to loneliness, depression, poor health and worse. Because LGBT older people are more likely to be single and without children -- and many aging or LGBT supports are not welcoming of LGBT elders -- programs to reduce social isolation are particularly important to them," said Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders Executive Director Michael Adams.

Adams will work with the AARP Foundation's Vice President of Impact Program/Isolation Walter Woods to present the "Powerful Allies: Real Stories Making a Difference in the LGBT Community" session. This in-depth look at how AARP and SAGE are working together to make a difference in the lives of LGBT seniors will have lots of opportunities available for discussion.

Adams said that they were grateful for AARP Foundation's support of SAGE Story, their national digital storytelling program that aims to reduce isolation among LGBT older people. This is one of many programs that help LGBT seniors live long, fruitful lives.

"Arts-based therapy programs have been shown to support people in later life, and having the space to share one's life stories with others can improve a sense of self while having a powerful positive impact for the community," said Adams. "LGBT people have long been innovators for the broader public good, and this program has the potential to improve both the lives and the representations of older people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, while enriching society at large."

The session concludes with a reception hosted by political comedian Clinton. AARP has worked with Clinton at member events in New Orleans and Los Angeles. They remarked that they were "thrilled to have her back with us in Atlanta," calling her "a wonderful entertainer who brings a healthy dose of irreverence to the serious topics of the day" and lauding her unique perspective on aging that LGBT folks can easily relate to and appreciate.

"These are perilous shut-down times for everyone -- but especially for LGBT seniors," Clinton told EDGE. "SAGE and AARP are still in business for our elders. I'm proud to be part of the conference!

"Powerful Allies: Real Stories Making a Difference in the LGBT Community" will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 at the AARP University Floor Stage at the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW in Atlanta. The reception with Kate Clinton will be held from 4-6 p.m. in Room b301. Free registration is available on site on Saturday only; use the offer code "Pride." For more information, visit www.aarp/org/events.