Bonamici Applauds Biden Action to Protect LGBTQ Community

WASHINGTON, DC [06/15/22] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) praised President Biden's Executive Order to increase protections for the LGBTQ community and expand access to critical services.

The Executive Order mirrors language from Bonamici's Ruthie and Connie LGBTQ Elder Americans Act to help LGBTQ seniors overcome barriers they face to accessing the care and support they need.

"Today is a good day for LGBTQ Americans, including LGBTQ seniors," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "Everyone deserves to age with dignity, and for too long the LGBTQ community has faced increased isolation and poverty in their golden years. I've long advocated for culturally-competent programs and support services for LGBTQ seniors. Today I thank President Biden for signing an Executive Order that reflects the legislation I've led to secure and protect the fundamental rights of LGBTQ seniors. I'm also pleased that the Executive Order includes several meaningful steps to help protect members of the LGBTQ community of all ages, especially youth and transgender students. During this Pride Month and beyond, I'll continue to do all I can to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community. No one should face discrimination because of who they are or who they love."

"SAGE applauds President Biden's Executive Order, which secures vital protections for LGBTQ+ older people and the wider LGBTQ+ community," said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. "This EO builds on Congresswoman Bonamici's Ruthie and Connie LGBTQ+ Elder Americans Act and takes a critical step forward in protecting and supporting LGBTQ+ elders, who face higher rates of poverty, acute social isolation, and severe challenges accessing culturally competent services and supports. We honor the work of our many LGBTQ+ pioneers, like Ruthie Berman and her late wife Connie Kurtz, whose tireless advocacy made today's Executive Order possible."

Bonamici led the most recent update to the Older Americans Act, which was signed into law in March 2020 and serves as the backbone of critical programs that support seniors. As Chair of the Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee, Bonamici has also been a leader in efforts to pass legislation to protect the LGBTQ community against discrimination in housing, access to credit, and other services. She is also a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.

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