L.I.F.E. — LGBTQIA Initiative for Equality focuses first on the humanity and equal dignity of LGBTQIA people.
LGBTQIA people have experienced discrimination, rejection, violence, exclusion, and unequal treatment in many societies and communities. Differences in sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, culture, religion, or tradition should never become a reason to mock, diminish, exclude, or deny another person’s humanity.
Difference is part of the fullness of human life.
L.I.F.E. stands with LGBTQIA people in the continuing work toward equality, dignity, safety, belonging, and full participation in society.
Need and Purpose
LGBTQIA people who also belong to racial, ethnic, immigrant, linguistic, low-income, or other underrepresented communities may face overlapping barriers in housing, employment, family relationships, health and supportive services, and community participation.
Some experience rejection within families or cultural and religious communities. Others may have difficulty finding services that understand both their cultural background and their LGBTQIA identity.
L.I.F.E. supports community-wide, culturally responsive education and advocacy so that people of every generation can live without having to choose between their identity, their culture, their family, and their human dignity.
Equality also requires opportunities for LGBTQIA people to be known as whole human beings—not reduced to stereotypes or defined by only one aspect of their lives.
Every person has a story, relationships, abilities, responsibilities, hopes, work, creativity, and a place in the human family.
Building Connections
Many LGBTQIA organizations, community groups, professionals, advocates, and informal networks serve different needs and populations.
L.I.F.E. encourages greater communication and cooperation among them while respecting their different missions and identities.
A stronger network can help communities share knowledge, respond to discrimination, connect people with appropriate resources, and strengthen a common commitment to equal human dignity.
LGBTQIA Elders
Older LGBTQIA adults deserve particular attention.
Some elders may face isolation, loss of family support, discrimination in housing or care settings, or fear that they will have to hide who they are in order to receive respectful care.
Life is precious to the end, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
L.I.F.E. supports the development of culturally responsive elder services, education for care providers, supportive housing networks, and exploration of community-living models where LGBTQIA elders can age with safety, friendship, dignity, and belonging.
Your Actions Matter
You can help create communities in which LGBTQIA people are able to live openly and safely.
- Help strengthen safe and welcoming housing networks.
- Offer employment and promote respectful workplaces.
- Learn about LGBTQIA history and the effects of discrimination, including discrimination justified through cultural or religious teachings.
- Become a friend and neighbor.
- Participate in community activities.
- Advocate for equal rights and equal dignity.
- Help build networks connecting LGBTQIA people with appropriate community resources.
- Support L.I.F.E. projects and educational work.
Help Build L.I.F.E.
L.I.F.E. seeks partners and participants who can help us:
- Develop culturally responsive LGBTQIA educational materials.
- Strengthen housing and community-living opportunities for LGBTQIA elders.
- Develop training and educational resources for people serving LGBTQIA elders.
- Build supportive networks for LGBTQIA people from minority and underrepresented communities.
- Preserve and share stories that help communities understand one another beyond stereotypes.