Norwalk Senior Center to host presentation on services for LGBT seniors

NORWALK -- The culture, needs and concerns of aging Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) will be addressed at a presentation on Friday at the Norwalk Senior Center.

The topic was prompted by Senior Center Outreach Director, Michele Jakab in a quest to find out how to provide services that the LGBT community needs.

"I want the senior center to be culturally sensitive and make sure that we are giving the LGBT population the service they deserve and need," Jakab said. "We want to be a welcoming and safe place."

The presentation will be directed by Tim Johnston from the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging at SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) in New York City.

Topics such as the consideration of why LGBT adults are less likely to access health and social services will be addressed as well as learning practices for helping LGBT adults feel more included in aging network organizations.

"We have about 10 (LGBT) couples that come to the center for help on medical benefits and all sorts of reasons," Jakab said. "When I announced that we were hosting this presentation, the 40 slots filled up fast, so there is a need."

Anthony Crisci, executive director of Norwalk's Triangle Community Center said the need is greatly unmet in both the city and in the United States and plans to attend the presentation to gain added input on the topic.

"The needs of LGBT seniors differ from other seniors and often times they end up going back into the closet at the end of their life when they have to consider assisted living or housing at a nursing home," Crisci said. "Sometimes there is a perception that they will face discrimination from staff, administration or other seniors or that the environment is not LGBT friendly. They're dealing with a different generation of people, not like mainstream America."

As a result, Crisci said he is thrilled that the Norwalk Senior Center is taking on the issue and applauds their efforts.

"I think it's great that they (LGBT) are getting more attention because there is always room for more education on the topic," Crisci said. "We have been offering meetings twice a month for LGBT seniors at our office with guest speakers and presentations as a way of social engagement with other LGBT seniors. So far, we have about eight to 10 people who attend. Hopefully we'll get more information at the presentation about other programs that we can hold."

Friday's event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 11 Allen Road, with lunch served by The Greens at Cannondale.

For more information, call Jakab at (203) 847-3115 ext. 106.