By Sarah Bricker Hunt | October 5, 2023 Lewis’ negative personal interaction with local medical facility fuels her continued commitment Judy Lewis. Photo: Andrew Potter This article is part of the News is Out “Out and Aging” series, made possible with support from AARP. Longtime queer community advocate and all-around rockstar servant of the people … Continued
Michigan addresses LGBTQ+ health disparities with historic $10 million budget allotment
By Estelle Slootmaker | October 12, 2023 Angela Gabridge, MiGen executive director, co-chaired a coalition that requested Michigan state funding for LGBTQ+ health .Nick Hagen This article is part of State of Health, a series about how Michigan communities are rising to address health challenges. It is made possible with funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. … Continued
Our LGBTQ+ Elders Deserve Better: Why Aging Services Must Be Inclusive to this Population
Authored by: Angela Gabridge, Executive Director of MiGEN Michigan is aging rapidly. In fact, our state has more than 2 million residents aged 60 and over – representing 25% of the population. While critical steps have been taken to improve the lives of these elders – Gov. Whitmer back in 2021 signed an executive order … Continued
New State Budget Includes Unprecedented $10 Million Grant to Address LGBTQ+ Health Disparities
By Jason A. Michael | August 31, 2023 The fund will support the work of community-based organizations For the first time ever, the recently passed and signed 2023-2024 state budget will include an investment to address LGBTQ+ health disparities — to the tune of a $10 million grant. The initiative is a result of work … Continued
How a Michigan Nonprofit Is Empowering LGBTQ+ Older Adults to Stay Healthy and Age Out Loud
By Vaccine Uptake Initiative | July 26, 2023 Key Takeaways The Michigan LGBTQ+ Elders Network (MiGen) kicked off its “Hottest Bodies” vaccination campaign with a free public reception and pop-up vaccine clinic. Featuring snacks, beverages, and the unveiling of a spectacular photo installation, the kickoff was MiGen’s most well-attended vaccine event to date. MiGen is one … Continued
Local organization offering support for older LGBTQ+ metro Detroiters
By Area Agency on Aging 1-B | June 7, 2023 Angela Gabridge joined SAGE Metro Detroit nearly two years ago as its first full-time executive director. Since then, the organization, which serves older members of the LGBTQ+ community, has changed its name, added another seven full-time staff and grown its budget by 100%. MiGen is … Continued
Michigan LGBTQ+ Non-Profit Leaders on What Pride Means to Them
By Jason A. Michael | June 1, 2023 It’s the most wonderful time of year. No, wait, that’s Christmas. Well, Pride is still pretty special — it’s basically the high holy day of the queer calendar. More than just a gathering, it’s a family reunion, a chance to connect with the rest of Metro Detroit’s LGBTQ+ community … Continued
MiGen Ad Campaign Encourages Older LGBTQ+ Adults to Get Vaccinated Before Summer Fun
By Jason A. Michael | May 31, 2023 From MiGen’s “The Hottest Bodies on the Beach Are Vaccinated” campaign. Photo: MiGen MiGen, formerly Sage Metro Detroit, is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get the word out about flu vaccines and Covid boosters for older LGBTQ+ adults this summer. The organization’s … Continued
In Pride’s shadow: Detroit area LGBTQ+ seniors struggle with isolation, fear of prejudice
By Myesha Johnson | May 27, 2023 Many older LGBTQ+ people lack social outlets and access to needed services while struggling with historical prejudices, offering a stark contrast this time of year with the celebratory nature of Pride events. “LGBT people rely on their families of choice,” says Judy Lewis, a cultural competency educator who … Continued
LGBTQ elders risk aging in isolation. A nonprofit is trying to change that.
by Naina Rao and Justice Marbury | May 26, 2023 Carol Thompson’s journey to caregiving began with an 18-day cross-country trip. She drove from Rochester, New York, to California, to pick up her partner and best friend, Elizabeth Tilden. Tilden, 76, has a “moderate” form of Alzheimer’s disease. Thompson, 74, has assumed the role of caregiver since 2021, … Continued