Recent policies affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults and people living with HIV promise a new era of reform. From California Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s antidiscrimination HIV-related bills and the sweeping changes of the Aordable Care Act to U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s LGBT Elder Americans Act and the federal administration’s recent regulations, guidance, and rules regarding hospitalization, housing, and social services for LGBT older adults, LGBT older adults and people living with HIV stand to gain an unprecedented recognition of rights. While these policy changes represent signicant progress, policy makers and advocates must be mindful of how these various policies intersect and affect marginalized communities. Through inclusive policy reform, policymakers can ensure that their policies sufficiently address the needs of all LGBT elders. This article begins by describing recent policies regarding stigma and resources regarding LGBT older adults and people living with HIV. It then provides context for such policy reform by exploring the demographics of LGBT older adults with HIV to highlight the immense importance of policies addressing some of the barriers for this community. It concludes by proposing several strategies for inclusive policy reform, including inclusive legislative drafting of bills, informal and formal rule making, increased research, mandatory cultural competency trainings for health care staff, and increased community education. // (2013)
