MA Commission on LGBTQ Aging Releases 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging has released its 2025- 2030 Strategic Plan outlining the long-term vision and work of the Commission. The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan is a roadmap for the continued work of the Commission to realize a future in which all LGBTQ older adults and caregivers in Massachusetts have equitable access to the programs, services, benefits, social support, and community that enable them to thrive as they age.
The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan includes nine priority areas: infrastructure for the Commission; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens for Commission work; public visibility and advancement;, statewide needs assessment of LGBTQ older adults; social support and community engagement for LGBTQ older adults; affirming and accessible healthcare for LGBTQ older adults; safe and affordable housing for LGBTQ older adults; policy and advocacy; and LGBTQ cultural competency training. As part of these priority areas, the Commission has launched a new website: https://www.macommissiononlgbtqaging.org/.
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging, established in 2014, is the first in the nation statewide Commission focused on the issues of LGBTQ older adults. The Commission is chaired by Senate Chair and House Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, Senator Pat Jehlen and Representative Sam Montaño. It is comprised of representatives from LGBTQ and aging service networks, LGBTQ subject experts and older adults. "It is vital that this Commission's membership is representative of aging, public health, housing, LGBTQ and community organizations across Massachusetts to effectively address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ older adults," Senator Jehlen said. "This Commission continues to illustrate Massachusetts' commitment to LGBTQ inclusion" added Representative Montaño.
According to Lisa Krinsky, Director of the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project at Fenway Health, "LGBTQ older adults are more likely to age alone without formal caregiving networks, such as children or biological family, which means that there is an increased need for aging services and supports. However, a lifetime of discrimination might prevent LGBTQ older adults from seeking and using these services."
The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan clarifies the steps necessary to actualize the Commission's mission of enhancing the quality of life for LGBTQ older adults in Massachusetts.