Aging is a deeply personal journey, and at Inspīr, we believe it should be a journey of freedom, authenticity, and belonging. For older adults who identify as LGBTQ+, living authentically in later life often comes with unique complexities shaped by a lifetime of resilience, identity exploration, and, in many cases, social marginalization.
As we recognize Pride Month this June, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusive communities where every individual is empowered to live fully and freely. At Inspīr, we are proud to stand alongside LGBTQ+ residents, families, and team members as allies and advocates – this month and every month.
As a leader in luxury senior living, Inspīr is committed to creating inclusive environments where every resident, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, is treated with dignity, respect, and care that is as affirming as it is personalized.
Why Inclusion Matters Now More Than Ever
The number of LGBTQ+ adults over the age of 65 is growing rapidly. According to SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders), that number is expected to exceed 7 million by 2030 in the U.S. alone. Despite this growth, LGBTQ+ older adults often face significant barriers when accessing healthcare and housing, especially in senior living.
Many report feeling unwelcome or invisible in traditional settings, where assumptions about heterosexuality and gender normativity persist. As a result, some older adults feel compelled to conceal aspects of their identity or disengage from community life out of fear of discrimination or isolation. This can lead to poorer health outcomes, diminished mental wellness, and reduced quality of life.
Inclusion is not a special offering – it’s a fundamental necessity.
At Inspīr, Inclusion is Built into the Blueprint
From the ground up, Inspīr communities are designed with the needs of diverse individuals in mind. Our approach is rooted in person-centered care, where every aspect of life – physical, emotional, intellectual, and social – is intentionally supported.
For our LGBTQ+ residents, that means:
- Culturally competent care teams who are trained in LGBTQ+ aging issues, terminology, and sensitivities.
- Programming that affirms identity, from inclusive wellness workshops and book clubs to guest speakers and art performances highlighting LGBTQ+ voices.
- Celebrations and observances that go beyond rainbow flags in June, honoring the lived history and resilience of LGBTQ+ elders through meaningful engagement all year long.
- Recognition of chosen families, partners, and support systems in all aspects of community life and care coordination.
- Safe, affirming spaces where gender-inclusive practices and respectful language are not only expected but ingrained.
Inspīr’s inclusive culture is not performative – it is a part of our philosophy of care.
A Proud SAGE-Care-Certified Community
Inspīr Carnegie Hill and Inspīr Embassy Row are proud to be SAGECare Platinum Certified, a designation that reflects our organization’s commitment to LGBTQ+ cultural competency and equity in aging services. SAGECare, a division of SAGE – the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders - provides specialized training and credentialing for senior living providers.
Our Platinum status means that the majority of Inspīr team members, across all departments, have completed comprehensive training to ensure they are equipped to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ older adults. This certification is not a one-time achievement, but an ongoing commitment to creating environments where inclusion is standard, not optional.
Through this partnership, we continue to evolve our practices and lead by example in the senior living industry, ensuring that our residences remain welcoming, respectful, and affirming for all.
Honoring a Generation of Trailblazers
Many LGBTQ+ elders lived through eras of profound social change. Some were part of the Stonewall generation; others advocated for marriage equality or stood on the frontlines of the HIV/AIDS crisis. They raised families, built careers, formed loving partnerships, and helped transform cultural attitudes – often while facing systemic discrimination.
At Inspīr, we honor these legacies. Our teams create space for reflection and storytelling, encouraging residents to share their journeys and inspire others. We believe that the rich identities of our residents enhance our communities and challenge us to grow.
The Future of Inclusive Aging
Creating a community where LGBTQ+ older adults can live fully and freely isn’t simply about policies or programs – it’s about shaping culture. It requires ongoing dialogue, staff education, strong partnerships, and the courage to examine and evolve our practices. Our leadership is continuously engaged in exploring how we can deepen our commitment and raise the bar for inclusivity in the senior living industry.
A Place to Be Fully You
Authentic living doesn’t end with age – it deepens. At Inspīr, we embrace each resident’s full identity and life story. Whether someone is arriving with a partner, seeking to build a new community, or stepping into their most open chapter yet, we are here to support, celebrate, and walk alongside them.
Because no one should have to choose between being safe and being seen. And everyone deserves to age in a space where they feel truly at home. At Inspīr, we are proud to be that space.
