More than 200 people on Thursday
attended the official opening of a center designed specifically for
gay and lesbian seniors, the AP reported.
The SAGE Innovative Senior Center in
Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood is described by its creators as the
nation's first full-time center for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT) older people.
“Opening The SAGE Center has been a
dream for LGBT older people for many years,” said Michael Adams,
executive director of Services
and Advocacy for Gay Elders (SAGE), the 34-year-old non-profit
dedicated to improving the lives of gay seniors.
The center will offer hot meals, social
services, and a wide range of activities for those over 60.
The SAGE Center is operated by New York
City's Department for the Aging and SAGE.
New York City Council Speaker Christine
Quinn, New York City Department for the Aging Commissioner Lilliam
Barrios-Paoli and several Council members attended Thursday's open
house.
“LGBT seniors often do not feel
comfortable in a traditional senior center setting and this launch of
a LGBT senior center is another important step in making New York
accessible and more age-friendly for all New Yorkers,”
Barrios-Paoli said in a statement. “SAGE is a pioneer in
addressing the needs of LGBT older New Yorkers, and I am confident
that their robust programs will serve as a model for senior centers
across the country.”
(A brief video of the celebration is
embedded in the right panel. Visit
our video library for more videos.)