The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ+ Aging has been actively engaged in community outreach and policy advocacy throughout 2023 and 2024. In September 2023, the Commission held a listening session in New Bedford to gather feedback from LGBTQ+ older adults and their allies, addressing key concerns such as safety, housing, and access to LGBTQ+ friendly healthcare. The Commission has also focused on legislative advocacy, including support for an Act to improve quality and oversight of long-term care, which was signed into law in September 2024, enhancing protections for LGBTQ+ older adults in long-term care facilities. Additionally, the Commission is in the process of changing its name and logo to be more inclusive, reflecting the broader LGBTQ+ community.
In 2024, the Commission celebrated its 10-year anniversary and initiated a strategic planning process aimed at improving the quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults over the next five years. This plan includes nine priority areas, such as infrastructure development, healthcare access, and housing support. The Commission has also welcomed new members and received increased funding to support its initiatives. Listening sessions held in various locations have highlighted ongoing concerns about loneliness, housing, and access to resources, which will inform the Commission's future actions and policies.