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
Detroit nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ older adults adopts new name reflecting statewide focus
By Estelle Slootmaker | May 4, 2023 MiGen Executive Director Angela Gabridge and Program Director Kat Mehrer. 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. LGBTQ+ older adults are more likely … Continued
Second Wave: Program brings friendship, needed resources to older adults living with HIV in Detroit and Lansing
By Estelle Slootmaker on February 23, 2023 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. An HIV diagnosis is no longer the death sentence it once was, but those who live with HIV … Continued
Oakland County Times: MiGen Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults
by Crystal A. Proxmire on January 31, 2023 Ferndale, MI – Judy Lewis had been hearing stories of LGBTQ+ people going back in the closet as they aged, hiding their true selves and parts of their lives as they faced discrimination in healthcare and feared ostracization in assisted living centers. She heard about people removing … Continued
Pride Source: Longtime LGBTQ+ Organization SAGE Metro Detroit Has a New Name
By Jason A. Michael on December 16, 2022 A longtime LGBTQ+ organization focused on people over 45 held a coming out party last week to announce a new name and direction. Going forward, SAGE Metro Detroit will be known as MiGEN (short for Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Elders Network). The new MiGEN slogan: Authenticity is ageless. The organization … Continued
Pride Source: An Interview with SAGE’s New Executive Director Angela Gabridge (Exclusive)
By Jackie Jones on August 16, 2021 After a national search, SAGE Metro Detroit welcomes its new executive director, Angela Gabridge. Gabridge, an LGBTQ+ ally, has an extensive career in human services and social justice, making her an ideal candidate to succeed former executive director Angie Perone. Before joining SAGE, she held positions at Accounting Aid Society, ACLU of Michigan, Affirmations and The Helm. … Continued