Aging looks different for everyone, but for LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV, aging comes with a unique set of challenges and unknowns. For example, many LGBTQ+ older adults don’t have the same family support network as heterosexual older adults. Their chosen family is likely aging alongside them, and senior living homes often don’t provide culturally responsive care, making social isolation a determining factor in their health and well-being. Before treatments were developed, very few people were aging while living HIV, and we are still understanding the complications and progression of HIV in older adults. 

In 2017, Pride Action Tank (PAT) formed a committee of older adults within the LGBTQ+ community called OUTAging to develop strategies and brainstorm ways to implement and pass laws to further the civil rights of LGBTQ+ older adults. In Illinois, about one quarter (24%) of the LGBTQ+ population is over 50 years old, and people aged 55 and older make up the largest amount of people living with HIV (36.3%) in 2021. 

“Pride Action Tank is fortunate to have a longstanding committee that is focused on partnering with older adults who are living with HIV and/or identify as LGBTQ+,” said Kim L. Hunt, Executive Director of PAT. “The insights and lived experiences of committee members has made our programs more meaningful and led to innovative legislation that continues to make Illinois one of the best states to live in for individuals who hold these identities.” 

The OUTAging committee’s work has led to tremendous outcomes, such as the passing of “The Disrupting Disparities for LGBTQ Older Adults Bill” in 2022, which established the Illinois Commission on LGBTQ Aging in the Department of Aging. 

Through various summits and storytelling events, OUTAging centers the voices of older adults of all backgrounds within the LBGTQ+ community. It also helps foster community and cross-generational connection for older adults who often struggle with isolation. OUTAging’s most recent event was a storytelling and drag event in collaboration with GRIS- Golden Rainbows of Illinois South. Upcoming for OUTAging is a visual storytelling project focusing on sex and intimacy called Aging (Re)Focused and an HIV & Aging Summit happening Tuesday, October 1st through Wednesday, October 2nd 2024. 

With a large population of older adults living with HIV, this summit invites case managers, service providers, older adult community members and advocates, and policymakers to address the intersections of HIV and aging. 

Registration is now open for the HIV & Aging summit, called De-Siloing Aging, HIV and LGBTQ+ Services: A summit on new possibilities. The summit takes place Tuesday October 1st through Wednesday October 2nd at 9:00 am at Columbia College Student Center. Register for free and learn how to get involved here.