I would like to applaud Mike Ross for calling for a City Council hearing on Tuesday in support of LGBT seniors. Too often, discussions of LGBT issues overlook older members of the community. I counteracted this as a state representative by making LGBT seniors a high priority, co-sponsoring House Bill 2047, which pushed for the creation of a commission to study LGBT aging. I also co-sponsored House Bill 547, which would have aging services providers engage in LGBT awareness training. I am glad to see these kinds of initiatives furthered in the City Council, and I will continue to defend the rights and dignity of LGBT seniors.
With the advent of the Supreme Court decision to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, married same-sex couples now enjoy the full federal rights afforded to any other married couple. I hope that in addition to discussing discrimination prevention, this hearing will address how best to assist senior couples in Boston in claiming these federal rights. I am proud to have been an early supporter of marriage equality in Massachusetts—my vote in favor of equal marriage is my proudest vote as a legislator—and I want to ensure that same-sex couples currently married in Massachusetts receive the rights they deserve nationwide.
If you have any suggestions about how City Hall can better serve this population, I am sure all of the candidates for mayor would love to hear them.
Marty
Attended a very impressive presentation by John Featherstone about health care needs and differences with LGBT seniors. Doing good work.