Lisa Krinsky, Director of the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project at Fenway Health, has dedicated 21 years to fostering inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ older adults in Massachusetts. Her journey began in the ASAP network where she quickly identified a critical gap: the lack of support and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals as they age. This realization propelled her into a pioneering role, working at the intersection of aging services and the LGBTQ+ community.
Krinsky’s early work highlighted a significant challenge: simply updating forms to include questions about sexual orientation or gender identity wasn’t enough. As she explains, “You can’t just change the forms. You have to train people. You have to help support them, be successful in doing their jobs.” This understanding led to a focus on comprehensive training and technical assistance for Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Councils on Aging (COAs). The goal was to help organizations “get your house in order” by examining everything from employee and consumer policies to marketing and outreach.
One key to success has been collaborative efforts. Krinsky recalls instances where the Aging Project would partner with COAs, leveraging their own standing in the community to build trust. “We would leverage our position in the community to help build relationships and have people come through the door and feel safe,” she says. This approach allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to feel secure enough to engage, eventually no longer needing the Aging Project’s direct involvement.
Despite progress, barriers persist. Krinsky notes that some COAs initially believed they had no LGBTQ+ members, asking, “Why should we do a program?” She emphasizes that a proactive approach is crucial: “If you wait for people to show up on your door, it’s very different than being proactive.”
A significant stride in overcoming these barriers came in 2018 with first-in-the-nation legislation requiring LGBTQ+ training for all entities contracting with Massachusetts’ state unit on aging. This ensures a baseline understanding of inclusive practices across the network. More recently, in the past year, legislation passed establishing an LGBTQI+ Bill of Rights in long-term care, codifying protections and respectful treatment for this population.
While these legislative changes are vital, Krinsky stresses that true inclusivity requires ongoing effort and a shift in mindset. She offers five key recommendations for COAs looking to become more welcoming and affirming:
Ways Councils on Aging Can Foster LGBTQ+ Inclusion
- Commit Resources and Build Foundation: Don’t just jump into programming. Dedicate staff time, financial resources, and physical space to cultivate an inclusive environment. “Putting that infrastructure time in and commitment is what will help you be successful,” Krinsky advises.
- Integrate Messaging into Regular Communications: Make it clear to everyone that your COA is welcoming. During Pride Month, or anytime during the year, include a statement in your newsletter celebrating LGBTQIA+ individuals and emphasizing the COA’s commitment to inclusivity. This not only invites LGBTQ+ folks but also informs non-LGBTQ+ members about the COA’s values, setting a tone that discourages discriminatory behavior. “It’s about letting everyone know, LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ members alike, that this center operates on principles of respect and belonging for all.”
- Increase Visibility: Simple visible gestures can make a big difference. Display a rainbow flag or sticker in your senior center, or encourage staff to wear rainbow pins on their ID badges. These small signs send a powerful message of welcome.
- Weave LGBTQ+ Content into Existing Programming: Don’t relegate LGBTQ+ topics just to Pride month. If you have a movie series, show a film like “Milk” during June or October (LGBTQ+ History Month). For book clubs, include books by LGBTQ+ authors or those exploring LGBTQ+ themes throughout the year. “It’s not just, ‘Oh, we do this in June,'” Krinsky emphasizes. “I really hope that they’re not just segregated to that one time in the calendar and that you’re able to incorporate that into your overall programming.”
- Be Prepared for Resistance: Understand that not everyone may immediately embrace these changes. Some individuals might express discomfort or even hostility. Being prepared for such reactions and having a clear stance against discriminatory behavior is essential.
The journey toward full inclusion is ongoing, and as Krinsky’s work demonstrates, it requires dedication, strategic planning, and a willingness to proactively create spaces where all individuals as they age feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
What steps is your Council on Aging taking to be more welcoming and inclusive to all members of your community?
If you are interested in learning about how your COA can be more LGBTQ+ inclusive reach out to Lisa Krinsky at lkrinsky@fenwayhealth.org
