Lorri L. Jean, CEO

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center

LGBT Americans are being treated unfairly by Social Security—it’s as simple as that. Look at the figures.  What widow or widower can afford to operate at a $5,700 disadvantage each year?

Hundreds of thousands of people are suffering under the current policies. Why should a LGBT widow or widower have to give up the home they have shared for years with their partner when that partner dies? Preventing such tragedies is exactly what Social Security Survivor’s Benefits are for!

LGBT Americans pay into the system like everyone else, but their families are not eligible for the same benefits.

At the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, hundreds of our clients are harmed by Social Security discrimination.  Our Seniors Services Department hears these tragic stories every day. Providing care for these seniors is only a temporary fix.  The real solution is to change the law.  That is why, in coalition with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and AIDS Community Action Foundation, we are demanding that unfair Social Security policies change, and change NOW!

Please join with us and Rock for Equality.

Sincerely,

Lorri L. Jean

For more information visit our site.

Rea Carey, Executive Director

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

It’s unthinkable that in America, countless LGBT seniors — widows, widowers, and other retirees — are being systematically short-changed by unfair Social Security policies. Even the children of many same-sex couples live outside the safety net of Social Security— if something happens to one of their parents, they may get little or no assistance.

Social Security was created to protect all Americans in their later years. It is utterly un-American that this institution discriminates against LGBT citizens.

Through research, reports, and legislative advocacy, the Task Force is working to expose the pervasive discrimination that all LGBT Americans face. And we are committed to putting a stop to it.

We commend the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center for its leadership in the Rock for Equality initiative.

Together, we are determined to tell our stories, to have our voices heard, and to create change.

Come rock with us!

Sincerely,

Rea Carey

For more information visit our site.