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National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day

Honor our LGBT Elders this National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day - show your appreciation and support with kindness, respect, and love!

Sunday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 16

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYLGBTQ+

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to honor and recognize the contributions of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender elders on National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day on May 16! This day was first created in 2014 to recognize the unique challenges that LGBT elders face. According to recent studies, LGBT seniors are twice as likely to live alone and lack access to support networks due to discrimination, stigma, and isolation. This day is an important reminder of the need for more inclusive services for our LGBT elders and a great opportunity for us all to show our appreciation for their resilience.

TIMELINE

National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day Timeline

Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall riots, a series of demonstrations by members of the LGBT community, took place, marking the start of the modern LGBT rights movement.

First Recognized Gay Rights Groups

The 1980s saw the establishment of the first formally organized gay rights groups, which started advocating for legislation to protect the rights and dignity of LGBT individuals.

Establishment of SAGE

SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) was incorporated, becoming the world's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults.

First LGBT Senior Housing Opened

The first low-income housing facility specifically for LGBT seniors was opened by Mercy Housing and the Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing Organization in Los Angeles.

First National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day

The first ever National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day was celebrated, acknowledging the lifetime of contributions made by LGBT older adults.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day

Attend an event

Check out your local library, LGBT center or city hall to see if there are any events to celebrate National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day. Events can range from lectures, to movie screenings, to potlucks!

WRITE

Write a letter

Take some time to write a letter to someone in the LGBT community that you admire. Let them know how much you appreciate them and the work that they do.

DONATE

Donate

Find an organization that helps support the LGBT community and donate money or supplies to them. This can be a great way to show your support for the cause.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Look for volunteer opportunities in your area that help support the LGBT community. Volunteering is a great way to give back and make a difference.

SPREAD

Spread the word

Share information about National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day with your friends, family, and colleagues. Spread awareness about the importance of honoring our LGBT elders.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day is Important

Improving access to healthcare & services

Older members of the LGBT+ community face unique hurdles when it comes to accessing healthcare services, long term care facilities and other resources they rely on. By recognizing this day and raising awareness around these issues, we can work together to ensure that everyone has the support they need and deserve.

Honoring the history of the LGBT+ community

National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day is an important way to recognize and celebrate the contributions of older members of the LGBT+ community. It's a chance to reflect on the struggles our elders have overcome and acknowledge all that they have achieved in spite of prejudice, discrimination, and marginalization.

Creating a better future

Observing National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day serves as a reminder of how far we've come as a society, and how much more there is yet to do for the futures of our younger generations. We can only continue to make progress by honoring and valuing the experiences, achievements and legacies of those who came before us.

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