LGBTQ+ Senior Housing Takes Center Stage at a Free Summit This Weekend
Top Michigan LGBTQ+ advocates respond to new research with day-long conference
When University of Michigan researcher Beth Glover Reed led a housing survey for the HOMES Coalition in 2024, the findings were sobering. Ninety percent of LGBTQ+ older adults surveyed had experienced discrimination. Eighty percent said they would relocate if more affirming housing options were available. Thirty percent of respondents didn't know who would help them as their care needs increased.
In response to these urgent findings, the HOMES Coalition is hosting the LGBT Older Adult Summit on June 20 at the University of Michigan Detroit Center. Now in its 14th year and themed "A Call to Action," the day-long conference, starting at 8:30 a.m., brings together some of Michigan's most respected LGBTQ+ advocates. Jay Kaplan, staff attorney for the ACLU Michigan LGBT Project, and Emme Zanotti, senior director at Equality Michigan, will present alongside informational panels covering housing, financial security, employment and aging services. The event is free and open to all, with complimentary breakfast and lunch provided.
The survey included 264 respondents aged 45 to 83 and revealed layers of vulnerability extending well beyond housing alone. Nearly 70% live alone. Loneliness emerged as a significant factor affecting health, with about half reporting concerning levels of loneliness despite active community engagement. Discrimination didn't stop at general social bias either — 43% of those who'd experienced discrimination reported facing it from healthcare providers.
The urgency behind these numbers becomes clear when considering how many older LGBTQ+ adults lack traditional support systems. Same-sex couples couldn't marry legally until just over a decade ago, and adoption has historically been difficult for LGBTQ+ people. Many lack adult children to rely on as they age, making housing and community support critical to their wellbeing.
The survey highlighted what respondents actually need: "being able to be my authentic self" and "feeling safe" in their living situations. Different subgroups desire different housing types, meaning a range of options matters. A substantial group, however, faces immediate challenges, needing simultaneous assistance with housing, health and economic support. The summit will give community members an opportunity to help shape local solutions alongside Michigan advocates.
Registration is strongly encouraged at homescoalition.org.
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