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Dear Editor,

On behalf of the following members of the Special Legislative Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging, we strongly urge Massachusetts voters to vote Yes on 3 to uphold the existing transgender anti-discrimination law which ensures that dignity and respect continue to be our guiding principles in Massachusetts.

On November 6, Massachusetts voters will have the opportunity to keep a 2016 law in place that protects transgender people from discrimination in public places like health clinics, subways, nursing homes, assisted care facilities, medical offices and other important public spaces. Transgender people should have the same basic protections as everyone else – to live their lives with authenticity, privacy and dignity. This is especially important for older adults in our community to be able to age safely with the dignity and respect they deserve.

According to SAGE, a national advocacy organization for LGBT elders, LGBT older adults need to rely on formal systems of care far more frequently than other elders. They are much more likely to live alone, without children or partners to care for them. Many of them have experienced harassment, bullying and discrimination throughout their lives and especially in public spaces. Anti-discrimination protections, such as our current law, are vitally important to ensure that LGBT elders have access to the services they need in order to live safe and healthy lives.

This law is about protecting the freedom of all Massachusetts residents – including those who are transgender – to live their lives free from discrimination. Please vote YES on 3 to continue treating people fairly in Massachusetts.

Sincerely,

Senator Barbara L’Italien
Co-chair, Special Legislative Commission on LGBT Aging

Rep. Danielle Gregoire
Co-chair, Special Legislative Commission on LGBT Aging

Deborah Shields, JD, MPH
Executive Director, MassEquality

Lisa Krinsky, LICSW
Director, LGBT Aging Project

Dale Mitchel
Massachusetts Home Care Association

Leonard Alberts, MD.
President, New England Association on HIV over 50

William J. Bogdanovich, MOD
MA Senior Care Association

Robb Johnson
Associate VP of Special Projects
Fenway Health

Sean Cahill, PhD
Director of Health Policy Research
Fenway Institute

Dr. Alex Coleman, JD, PhD
Clinical Psychologist and Attorney at Law
Transgender Older Adult

Paul Glass
LGBT Older Adult from Cape Cod