LGBTQ+ Older Adults: Rights and Resources

LGBTQ+ older adults now benefit from clearer protections in areas like healthcare, housing, and family law. There are more legal safeguards in place to respect their identities and protect their relationships. Still, LGBTQ+ older adults face unique challenges shaped by a lifetime of discrimination, limited legal protections, and reduced access to affirming care. Many came of age when being “out” was dangerous, which can affect their willingness to seek support and legal help today.

In most research and advocacy, the term “LGBTQ+ older adult (OA)” is used to describe anyone aged 50 and older who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming.

According to a May 2025 SAGE report, there are approximately 3 million LGBTQ+ older adults living in the United States. This number is expected to grow to as many as 7 million as the LGBTQ+ community ages and grows.

This section contains helpful resources and legal information for LGBTQ+ older people. Use the tiles below to navigate to the most relevant topic.

Find More Support and Legal Help

FindLaw provides resources for LGBTQA+ individuals across the community as well as their loved ones. Visit the pages in this section and across our LGBTQ+ Legal Resource Hub to learn more. You can find:

• Organizations and nonprofits that provide support and advocacy
• Resources for issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community
• Important legal information regarding housing, public benefits, estate planning, and more
• What to do if you face discrimination or unfair treatment
• How to find qualified legal help in your community
• And more

If you face a legal issue (such as discrimination) or would like to start planning for the future, you can find a qualified lawyer near you using our Attorney Directory. Simply enter your legal issue and location to find a list of trusted legal advisors in your area. Because state law is relevant for most legal matters, your attorney should be licensed in your state.