You’renot getting older, you’re getting better. Just ask Bill Serpe, executive director of Senior Action in a Gay Environment (SAGE). One of just 16 groups in the entire country committed to promoting quality of life issues for LGBT seniors, SAGE/Milwaukee is a vibrant organization with nearly 150 members.

“SAGE is an environment free of homophobia, sexism and ageism, where everyone’s confidentiality is assured,” Serpe says. “We hold social events throughout the year, as well as all major holidays. As a SAGE member, you are never alone.”

SAGE/Milwaukee presents social activities and cultural events every month, including movie nights, Thursday afternoon drop-ins and a women-only series.

Events are open to the public. SAGE also collaborates with Project Q, an LGBT youth organization, to offer a Thanksgiving dinner and a summer picnic. “These intergenerational events are a wonderful opportunity for young people to meet established, successful gay men and women,” Serpe says. “It’s important to expose young community members to positive LGBT role models. These connections also strengthen a sense of LGBT history, a sharing of firsthand accounts of the early struggle for gay rights.”

According to Serpe, one of the biggest challenges facing elderly LGBT folk is the entrenched homophobia found in many retirement homes. “A good percentage of older Americans still react negatively toward open displays of same-sex affection, so many gay residents feel they must remained closeted,” he says. “Also, staffs at these facilities are usually not trained in gay or transgender sensitivity, resulting in questionable treatment.”

Still, he adds, there is no denying the improved view society holds toward gays and lesbians compared to a generation ago. “The changes that I have seen in my lifetime are amazing,” Serpe says. “I never thought that gay marriage would be openly discussed, let alone legal in some states, and that LGBT community centers would be found even in the smallest cities. Things are getting better!” To learn more about SAGE/Milwaukee, stop in at the offices located at 1845 N. Farwell Ave., or call 224-0517.