SAGE/Upstate Mission

SAGE/Upstate is an intergenerational and culturally diverse organization committed to meeting the specialized needs of older lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons in the central New York region.

SAGE/Upstate strives to provide its members with beneficial activities and emotional support (and, whenever able, offer specific social services) within a friendly and safe environment that affirms equality without regard to age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity or social status. This is accomplished through educational, social and service programs and by facilitating access to other supportive networks and services.

As a not-for-profit, tax-deductable entity SAGE/Upstate is further resolved to educate the community at large about the needs of older gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons, to embrace and promote their rights in the community at large and to foster awareness, respect and acceptance of those individuals as they grow through the aging experience within the public, the social service and medical communities.

Based on the SAGE/Upstate Mission Statement

Contact SAGE/Upstate

For information write to SAGE/Upstate, Inc. P.O. Box 6271 Syracuse, NY 13217

Phone or email Call (315) 478-1923 email: info@sageupstate.org

Office and Meeting Rooms First English Lutheran Church 501 James Street (Corner James and Townsend Sts.) Syracuse

SAGE/Upstate Meetings and Social Events

SAGE/Upstate is fun! The organization began locally in the spring of 1997 with just a few people. Some events now attract nearly one hundred. Increasing numbers in the Upstate region are discovering how, as lesbians and gay men, being active in SAGE/Upstate can enrich our lives as we mature and grow and mature together. SAGE/Upstate provides a congenial and safe meeting place and offers opportunities for socializing and for becoming more informed about subjects of mutual interest and concern.

Regular meetings are held each at a community facility announced in advance in or near Syracuse announced in advance. (Phone or see newsletter for specifics.) Members and their friends enjoy guest speakers, discussions, dancing, etc. Meetings conclude with a social hour that usually features a covered dish supper. Members plan the programs and events such as picnics, theater parties, dances, etc. New members and friends are always welcome.

Join SAGE/Upstate, participate in its programs and receive announcements of regular and special events and the monthly newsletter, SAGE/brush.

Regular members and Friends: sliding scale $5 to $50 per person per year. Make checks payable to SAGE/Upstate, and mail to our post office address.

SAGE/Upstate does not share its mailing list, respecting members' needs for confidentiality.

SAGE/Upstate Meets Specific Needs

Older lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons, like other older Americans, sometimes encounter daunting problems of poor health, reduced income, loss of friends and family and increased isolation as they age. Often these members of our community may not seek or find needed help - perhaps they are old, or "different" or because they are both. It may seem easier not to ask than to risk exposure, rejection, or embarrassment.

Existing social services and care giving institutions for the elderly may be ill-prepared to meet the specific needs of members of he gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Due to ignorance, homophobia or heterosexism, same-sex companions and life partners sometimes are ignored or excluded from decision making when illness or long-term care is an issue. Visitation rights and/or bereavement support, automatically accorded to married couples and to conventional families, on occasion have been inadvertently or insensitively withheld from lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender citizens seeking services. These conditions will one day change.