Coronavirus: ageism is NEVER a good look but it is a terrible one for LGBT people

“If she were alive today, Marsha P. Johnson would be just 73. Sylvia Rivera would be just 67” — SAGE USA

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the horrendous consequences of ageism in our culture.

The delays in taking appropriate measures in the US and the risk-taking attitude by the public are directly linked to the initial reports that people over 65 and in poor health would be disproportionately affected. The second explanation being the complete incompetence of this administration.

LGBT people should be the first ones to denounce a culture that disregard the important contribution of our elders. But more importantly, it should take every step it can to protect them starting with cancelling every group event in the community and avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

Two #LGBT related organizations on the Board I serve on, Housing Works and the Gay Men’s Chorus and my employer Out Leadership have cancelled face-to-face events this week in recognition of the particular vulnerability of LGBT elders and immunodeficient community members to the pandemic.

As SAGE pointed out: “The AIDS crisis decimated a generation of gay, queer, and trans folks, and those that survived face daily challenges as they age”. Our remaining elders are a precious source of leadership, knowledge and for our collective memory.

More importantly, for many elders who are isolated from their families of origin, the LGBTQ+ community is the only family they can rely on and it is our duty to reach out to them, through SAGE or directly, to offer our support.

Out of respect for a generation to which we owe our rights, opportunities and dignity the LGBT community should be at the forefront of the response to the pandemic and remind the general public and elected officials why our elders matter.