Gauging Gay Aging
For 30 years a senior center in Jackson Heights has created a space for the LGBT community older than 65.
By Brad Groznik

Entering the senior center on a rainy Thursday afternoon and seeing the smiles from the members washed away most of the day's rottenness.

Tony tickled the keyboard and let his aged, wobbly voice wail, playing crowd favorites from the 1940s and 50s.

The room, filled with the chatter of elderly men sitting around card tables and lounging on couches was chaotic but welcoming: like walking into a family gathering. Dressed in high-waisted khakis and old sweatshirts or Wrangler jeans and outmoded button-ups, these seniors were having a good time despite the weather.

But this wasn't just any senior center; this was SAGE, or Senior Action in a Gay Environment.

"I like my being with my own people," the keyboardist said between songs. "Here I can be free."

Tony went on to describe that at regular senior centers, the discussions often center on life-long spouses, children and grandchildren, to which Tony has none.

SAGE members taking a break from playing Kings in the corner to snap a picture.

"Here we can just be ourselves," he said.

SAGE is a safe haven for the elderly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Queens, which is probably the most unseen demographic of the gay population.

Most of the men at the center were still guarded about their identities and would only offer their first names. As seniors, these men have lived with society's critical eyes for decades and their friendly demeanor quickly turned to a nervous shutter when this reporter asked their name for publication.

"I just don't need everyone knowing," one senior said.

The tension faded after a couple minutes of conversation. But it was clear; they're here, they're queer but let's not make a big deal about it.

Claude, 66, a black man from St. Albans said he did not have any contact with gay culture outside of the community center.

For four years Claude has made SAGE a regular thing because he feels at home.

Frank, of Woodside, said he has been a member for six years and likes the company he's made at SAGE.

As for the rest of Queens, "you might as well be in Iowa," he said.

Many gay seniors feel this way in fact. According to SAGE's Web site gay seniors are twice as likely to live alone, half as likely to have life partners or significant others, half as likely to have family members to call for help and four times less likely to have children to help them.

For these stark reasons SAGE works hard to create a community for gay seniors.

John Nagel, was recently appointed director at SAGE/Queens and is determined to continue the support SAGE has offered seniors for 30 years.

"Many people don't assume [seniors] could be gay," he said.

SAGE offers a variety of programming to aid its membership. From trips to the park to socials to financial information sessions, SAGE is committed to helping the LGBT senior community whether you notice them or not.

SAGE is located at 74-09 37th Ave. in Jackson Heights. To find out more about the programs they offer, call (718) 533-6459.