NEW YORK – With LGBT Pride celebrations just around the corner, a new report shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults are facing unique challenges as they grow older.

From the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to the recognition of same-sex marriage, recent years have brought tremendous advances in LGBT rights.

But, according to report author Heron Greensmith, senior policy analyst at the Movement Advancement Project, past discrimination still is taking a toll on the 2.7 million LGBT Americans over age 50.

"A lifetime of discrimination and a lifetime of a lack of legal and social recognition of LGBT relationships creates economic insecurity, social isolation, and leads to minority stress and poorer health," Greensmith explains.

The report recommends steps to address these disparities including spousal benefits for those whose partners died before marriage was allowed, and reinstatement of benefits to veterans discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Some disparities persist, especially in states that have not passed laws banning LGBT discrimination. Greensmith points to a recent test in which older same-sex couples applied for housing.

"In 10 percent of the tests, the same-sex couples were quoted rental prices at least $100 more than the different-sex couples, and in fact, half of the couples experienced overt discrimination," Greensmith says.

Greensmith notes that some of the progress of recent years now is being threatened by discriminatory policies on the national and state levels.

For example, they note that questions about sexual orientation and gender identity have been removed from a draft of a national survey used to determine what services older Americans need.

"When a population can point to data showing it needs specific, targeted services and programs, they're more likely to receive funding to fund those programs and services," Greensmith adds.

Greensmith also adds that this data will be crucial as more LGBT adults reach retirement age.


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Nevada marriage-equality groups say the U.S. Senate's passage of the Respect for Marriage Act is a huge step forward for people who identify as LGBTQ+.

The bill would require states to recognize all marriages performed in other states. However, it does not require any state to conduct same-sex marriages.

Chris Davin, executive director of the Henderson Equality Center, said no state should be allowed to disregard legal, same-sex unions.

"It should not be up to somebody else who somebody can marry because of their beliefs, their religion, their ideology," Davin contended. "When do we finally say, 'Enough is enough,' on who can dictate what we can and cannot do as living beings?"

The Senate added language to the bill, clarifying people who run wedding-related businesses and have religious or moral objections do not have to participate in same-sex unions. The bill now goes back to the House for a second vote, where it is expected to pass and then be signed by President Joe Biden.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the vote showed, in his words, "the long, but inexorable march towards greater equality advances forward."

"A decade ago, it would have strained all of our imaginations to envision both sides talking about protecting the rights of same-sex married couples," Schumer pointed out. "No matter who you are or who you love, you too deserve dignity and equal treatment under the law. That's about as 'American ideal' as it comes."

Opponents argued the bill could penalize states which have not legalized same-sex unions. The push for federal protections for same-sex marriage heated up after the Supreme Court reversed 'Roe v. Wade' and took away the constitutional right to abortion.

The LGBTQ community continues to mourn those killed at a shooting at a Colorado nightclub over the weekend. In South Dakota, advocates said such attacks make members feel unsafe at a time when they are trying to have a stronger voice.

Investigators are still looking into the attack at the LGBTQ venue, which happened on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, and many dignitaries were quick to condemn violence linked with hateful rhetoric.

Jack Fonder, community health worker and community outreach manager for the Transformation Project, said a South Dakota gathering for the Day of Remembrance included a tribute to those killed. He noted community members are faced with a difficult reality right now.

"It's a thin line, right?" Fonder pointed out. "We do need to stand up, we need to be strong, we need to be seen, we need to be visible. But it's scary; not everybody is OK being out because that does, in essence, put a target on your back."

Fonder added he is convinced recent attacks and threats of violence are fueled by conservative politicians and special-interest groups pushing anti-LGBTQ laws. Supporters of the policies cited motivations such as religious freedom, and South Dakota has seen several bills considered or adopted. Fonder stressed his group is trying to educate lawmakers about the need to protect and support the community.

Fonder acknowledged many lawmakers in question have not shown a willingness to engage with advocates, but he emphasized through protests and testimony at the state Capitol, there is a coalition which will not back down, even in a difficult environment.

"We're trying to do as much as we can to be visible with as many folks that are comfortable doing so," Fonder asserted.

Saturday's shooting in Colorado Springs left at least five people dead and more than two dozen others injured. Six years ago, nearly 50 people were killed in a shooting at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub, making it the deadliest attack on the LGBTQ community in U.S. history.

Communities across Colorado continue to mourn the deaths of at least five people, after a 22-year-old gunman allegedly opened fire inside an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs on Saturday.

More than two dozen people were injured. Colorado's 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen told reporters he has a strong interest in prosecuting the case, including as a possible hate crime, because it's important for the community see that the perpetrator is held accountable.

"The current bias-motivated crime statute in the state of Colorado provides some elevation," said Allen, "but will not elevate beyond what will likely be charges in this case which will likely include first-degree murder, extreme-indifference murder, those types of charges, which are all Class 1 Felony murder charges."

Allen said everyone charged with crimes is presumed to be innocent until proved guilty.

In a statement, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said "My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured and traumatized in this horrific shooting." He also told Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers that he would make every state resource available to local law enforcement.

The mass shooting at Club Q occurred on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance, which honors the memory of those murdered in acts of anti-transgender violence.

Allen also said that every person regardless of who they are has the right to be secure from fear and physical harm.

"And actions taken to strike fear in specific communities will not be tolerated in our community," said Allen. "This is particularly true for communities that have been maligned, harassed and targeted by persons or groups to intimidate and cause harm to members of those communities."

According to data collected by Human Rights Campaign, before Saturday's shooting at least 32 transgender and gender non-conforming people have been killed in 2022, although actual numbers are likely much higher due to under-reporting.

Victims are overwhelmingly Black, under 35, and killed with a firearm. More than 16% of transgender students reported being physically assaulted, while one in three has experienced physical harassment.