Equality Caucus Announces Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici as New Chair of the LGBTQ+ Aging Issues Task Force

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus announced the appointment of Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1) as the new Chair of its LGBTQ+ Aging Issues Task Force, beginning October 1. Congresswoman Bonamici is a Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus and a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ seniors. Equality Caucus Vice Chair Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) is the current Chair of the LGBTQ+ Aging Issues Task Force, a role he has served in since the task force's founding. Today is Congressman Deutch's last day in Congress.

"First, I would like to recognize the extraordinary work and advocacy of my colleague Congressman Ted Deutch. He has long served on the Equality Caucus as a fierce ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ people and has been a leader in addressing issues impacting LGBTQ+ seniors. In his six years as Chair of our LGBTQ+ Aging Issues Task Force, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives to ensure LGBTQ+ older adults can live openly and have the support they need. The Caucus wishes him all the best in the future as he begins this next professional chapter,"said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Chair of the Equality Caucus. "We are thrilled to welcome Congresswoman Bonamici as the new Chair of our LGBTQ+ Aging Issues Task Force. Congresswoman Bonamici has been a champion for LGBTQ+ older adults, including as the lead sponsor of the Ruthie and Connie LGBTQ Elder Americans Act. She has also been a dedicated member of the Equality Caucus as one of our Vice Chairs. She has been a tremendous ally to our community, and we are very proud to welcome her to this new role."

"Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici is a champion for the LGBTQ+ senior community, and it has been a privilege to partner with her on critical legislation to address this population's needs," said Congressman Deutch. "Our friend and advocate Ruthie Berman has often said that she is both proud of, and concerned for, her community. Fortunately, the LGBTQ+ Aging Issues Task Force could not be in better hands, and I look forward to seeing the progress made under her leadership in the years to come."

"Thank you to the Equality Caucus for selecting me to be the new Chair of the LGBTQ+ Aging Issues Task Force; it is an honor," said Congresswoman Bonamici. "All seniors deserve to age with dignity, regardless of who they are or who they love. The outgoing Chair Ted Deutch and I have worked together on legislation to help LGBTQ+ seniors access care and services, and I thank him for his years of service as an advocate for equitable aging. I'm committed to helping LGBTQ+ seniors overcome the barriers that too many still face when trying to access programs and services that are important to wellbeing."

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.

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