AARP DC: Celebrating Generations of Pride

AARP believes in celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community across all generations. That's why we are proud to offer tools, programs and services to help LGBTQ+ District residents get the most out of their fabulous life.

AARP has over 1 million self-identified members of the LGBTQ+ community, about 3 percent of our membership. Like anyone else, people in the LGBTQ+ community want to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. AARP is committed to creating a new vision of aging for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families and allies-one focused on equity and inclusion and complete with diverse experiences, powerful stories, and innovative ways for everyone to pursue their passions-joyfully, openly and proudly! 

The Center for Black Equity and AARP DC have joined forces to host “An Homage to the Iconic Clubhouse!” a festive three-hour party to celebrate DC Black Pride on Saturday, May 27. The free event will be a celebration of the rich history and culture of the Clubhouse, a vibrant after-hours dance hall that from 1975 to 1990 served as a safe space for the Black LGBTQ+ community to dance and celebrate life.

After opening in 1975, the Clubhouse quickly became known across the country and many parts of the world, as belonging in the highest echelon of dance clubs. From its unassuming outside veneer, tucked away in the Petworth neighborhood of the District, it was an important mark for 15 years in the Black LGBTQ+ community here and across the nation. We are excited to bring everyone together for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and fun! Registration is required, and space is limited. For more information and to get tickets, visit: https://dcblackpride.org/schedule.htm.

In addition, make sure you keep an eye out for AARP DC at this year’s Pride Parade taking place on June 10^th. If you are planning to attend, AARP DC and volunteers will be walking the route!

For the estimated 3 million LGBTQ+ Americans age 50 and older, the past five decades have brought triumphs that were once unimaginable, from the birth of the pride movement to marriage equality. But now this generation faces a new set of challenges when it comes to aging with dignity.

LGBTQ+ people are twice as likely to be single and live alone as straight counterparts, and four times as likely to be childless. Older LGBTQ+ adults often face greater social isolation and many struggle to find a caregiver. This can lead to profound consequences on both their physical and mental health. Over the years, AARP DC has partnered with many groups and organizations throughout the District to address this issue head on, including working with Us Helping Us, Mary’s House, Whitman Walker Health, and the Department on Aging and Community Living.

AARP has vocally supported legislation at national level, including the Equality Act, which has been introduced in the US Congress. AARP has also worked in the courts to help advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to ensure they are not discriminated against.

In 2018, AARP Foundation’s legal team provided critical support for Lambda Legal’s litigation on behalf of Marsha Wetzel, a lesbian senior who alleged harassment and discrimination in her senior living community. In Wetzel v. Glen St. Andrew Living Community, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued a groundbreaking decision holding that a landlord may be held liable under the Fair Housing Act for failing to protect a tenant from known, discriminatory harassment at the hands of other tenants.

In the guiding words of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, “What we do, we do for all.” AARP DC will continue to offer tools, programs and services to support LGBTQ+ District residents.