As we previously wrote, the news about the efforts to have some affordable housing for LGBT seniors in San Francisco is welcome. Challenges remain throughout the US. Advocacy groups, such as Lambda Legal, are facing them head-on.
Lambda Legal was founded in 1973 as the nation’s first legal organization dedicated to achieving full equality for lesbian and gay people. Their work continues today – and includes the defense of senior LGBT people.
Marsha’s Story
One example: When Marsha was 69 and lost her partner, Judy, of 30 years, she discovered Judy’s family didn’t look kindly on their relationship and evicted Marsha from the home they shared.
In 2014, she moved into independent living in Niles, IL. When some of the residents learned she was gay, Marsha endured repeated harassment and abuse because of her sexual orientation. She called on Lambda Legal for protection of her rights. A federal trial court dismissed her complaint and Lambda Legal filed an appeal in early 2018. It is being closely watched by both LGBT and housing rights.
Here’s Marsha’s story:
