One Iowa hosts second annual LGBT senior summit

DES MOINES, Iowa —One Iowa, the state’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organization, hosted its second annual senior summit at Grand View University Student Center on Saturday.

Approximately 150 LGBT seniors, allies and service providers attended the summit to connect and learn about the challenges and opportunities LGBT people face as they age.

Organizers said older LGBT people deal with the same health, housing and social issues as other seniors, in addition to challenges of isolation and discrimination.

“This event is about acknowledging and thanking our elders, the folks who were at the very beginning of our fierce and precious movement for equality,” One Iowa Executive Director Donna Red Wing said. “It is also about offering information and resources to help them live out their lives with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

Iowa state Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines and state Sen. Rob Hogg provided opening remarks at 9 a.m.

Presenting sponsors included Norwalk Nursing & Rehab and Wells Fargo.

This was the second year of the Gay and Gray event.