PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Darcy Connors, Executive Director of SAGEServes, on LGBTQ+ Older Adult Issues and Proposed Legislation
2:34:45
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158 sec
Darcy Connors, Executive Director of SAGEServes, testified in support of three pieces of legislation aimed at improving the lives of older adults in New York City, with a focus on LGBTQ+ elders and those aging with HIV. She emphasized the importance of accessible employment resources and lowering the eligibility age for certain services for people with HIV.
- Expressed support for Intro 1022, Intro 1025, and Resolution 452
- Highlighted employment challenges faced by LGBTQ+ older adults, including ageism, homophobia, and transphobia
- Advocated for lowering the eligibility age to 45 for accessing programs for individuals living with HIV to reduce stigma and isolation
Darcy Connors
2:34:45
Bethune and Chairman, Harrison Hudson, and committee members.
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Thank you first and foremost for offering a hybrid version of testimony as our older adults enjoy as well.
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Someone who's dealing with some cold symptoms today.
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I appreciate the opportunity to testify on behalf of Sage serves.
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My name is Darcy Conners.
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I use sheher pronouns, and I'm the executor director of Sage serves, serving the needs of older LGBTQ plus adults in New York City.
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We're particularly committed to ensuring that older adults, including those from marginalized communities, can age with dignity, access to care, and opportunities for full participation in society, whether that be virtual or in person.
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I'd like to express our support today for 3 critical pieces of legislation that were raised here, introduction number 1022, introduction number 1025, and resolution number 452.
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Each of these measures will help advance the while being older adults in our city, but I'll focus the bulk of my testimony on resolution number 452, which holds immense importance for individuals aging with HIV.
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We support introduction number is 1025, which aims to ensure older adults receive clear information about employment discrimination and workforce programs.
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As we know in our older adult centers and Sage Center Bronx, Eprechauner Pride House in Sage Center, Brooklyn at Stonewall House in your district council member and chairperson.
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The older adults in those communities who are identifying as LGBTQ plus face barriers to employment due to ageism, also compounded by homophobia and transphobia.
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Latest research from Sage found that 50% of LGBTQ plus elders 55 plus believe they will have to work in their retirement years.
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And significantly longer than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.
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Having clear accessible resources will not only help them navigate these challenges, but also connect them with the programs that can provide financial sustainability and foster sense of purpose as they age.
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I would encourage you also to consider that when older adults enter the workforce, it may jeopardize access to programs that are financially restricted.
2:36:53
Sorry?
Crystal Hudson
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Your time is expired, but you can wrap up.
Darcy Connors
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Okay.
2:36:57
Thank you, man.
2:36:58
Thanks,
Crystal Hudson
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future.
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Thank you.
Darcy Connors
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Yes.
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Our intestine is attached.
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Again, first hand, dealing with LGBTQ plus adults living with HIV.
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Many are isolated.
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Lowering eligibility age for access to programs to the age of forty five will help reduce that stigma.
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IR DISCOUNDS OF THE PAST AND MEASURES THAT HAVE WERE DISCUSSED TODAY AND CONTINUE TO LEAD IN THE WAY OF SUPPORTING OUR AGING POPULATION ACROSS ALL COMMUNITIES.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND COMMOTENT TO OUR ELDERS.
