Nov. 1, as part of its work to improve the lives of LGBT older people, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) launched the country’s first hotline dedicated to LGBT elders. The SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline is operated by the GLBT National Help Center and staffed entirely by LGBT volunteers. This new national program responds to the fact that many LGBT people live in parts of the country which lack community supports targeted to their needs.

The holidays can be a lonely time, especially for older LGBT people, who are less likely to have children and more likely to suffer from social isolation. The LGBT Elder Hotline was established to provide support, as well as information and referrals, to LGBT older people no matter where they live.

The SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline is live and ready to take calls at 1-888-234-SAGE. It is open Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to midnight Eastern Time, and on Saturday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. LGBT elders can also contact the hotline at SAGE@GLBThotline.org.

“Prioritizing the needs of LGBT older people is at the core of our mission,” said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “Vulnerable elders need us, no matter where they live in the country. The SAGE LGBT Hotline will help ensure that we reach more isolated LGBT elders than ever before.”