|
119th CONGRESS
1st Session |
Supporting the goals and ideals of “National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day”.
Ms. Bonamici (for herself, Mr. Peters, Ms. Norton, Mr. Moskowitz, and Mr. Gottheimer) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
Supporting the goals and ideals of “National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day”.
Whereas the National Resource Center of LGBTQ+ Aging reports that, by 2030, studies project the population of LGBTQI+ people over 50 will reach 7,000,000;
Whereas LGBTQI+ older adults face unique challenges as they age and are two times more likely to be single and live alone, and four times less likely to have children;
Whereas the Movement Advancement Project and SAGE report that LGBTQI+ older people are more likely to face poverty and homelessness, and to have poor physical and mental health;
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia contribute to disparities in physical and mental health indicators such as depression, substance use, cancer, and experiences of abuse and violence;
Whereas the LGBTQI+ community is negatively affected in numerous ways by attacks from the President, administration, and extremist politicians across the country, including a recent spike in antitrans legislation, Executive orders, and policies;
Whereas HIV disproportionately affects the LGBTQI+ community, and LGBTQI+ older people are no exception;
Whereas 30 years ago the idea that someone with HIV would live decades was unimaginable, and now people with HIV are living well into their golden years, with 39 percent of people living with HIV being aged 55 years or older, 60 percent being aged 50 or older (with that number expected to reach 70 percent by 2030), and 10 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States in 2020 being in people aged 55 and older;
Whereas, despite all of these challenges, LGBTQI+ older people are living vibrant, full lives throughout every part of the country and around the world;
Whereas LGBTQI+ older people were the pioneers who stood up and pushed back at the Stonewall Uprising, and the caregivers who stood by friends and loved ones through the height of the AIDS epidemic;
Whereas LGBTQI+ older people are models of resilience, celebrating their identities while persevering through adversity and helping to bring about incredible change for all LGBTQI+ people over just a few short decades; and
Whereas May 16, 2025, would be an appropriate day for the celebration of “National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day”: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) supports the goals and ideals of “National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day”;
(2) encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities, with the goal of increasing public knowledge of the health disparities and unique challenges of LGBTQI+ older adults;
(3) encourages health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to LGBTQI+ elders; and
(4) encourages the Federal Government, States, international funding organizations, and United States bilateral and multilateral aid efforts to prioritize the health and human rights of LGBTQI+ elders.