Elder Pride Act
Sponsored By: Senator Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced
Summary
Centers LGBTQI older adults in federal aging programs. The bill would add an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion to the Older Americans Act, explicitly name LGBTQI status and HIV status in key definitions, and create a Rural Outreach Grant Program to strengthen services in rural areas.
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- Older adults who are LGBTQI or living with HIV: Would be explicitly covered by the Act's definitions so aging services would identify and serve their specific needs. This aims to improve cultural competence and help close service gaps for these groups.
- Federal aging programs and agencies: Would gain a dedicated Office of LGBTQI Inclusion with defined leadership, reporting duties, and a role in interagency coordination, data collection, and policy advocacy to guide more inclusive practice.
- Rural communities and service providers: Would be eligible for a new Rural Outreach Grant Program to fund community outreach, nondiscrimination work, and HIV-related sexual health services in rural areas. Grants would include reporting requirements and a capped federal appropriation.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal office and protections for LGBTQI seniors
If enacted, the bill would create an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion at the Department of Health and Human Services. The office would be led by a Director (appointed by the Secretary) and would include an Assistant Director (appointed by the Director). The office would coordinate federal work, collect and share data, recommend culturally competent policies, and administer grants, including the new rural outreach program. The bill would also add "status as an LGBTQI individual" and "status as an individual with HIV" to Older Americans Act definitions and make a small conforming change replacing "minorities" with "minority individuals." The Director would report to Congress within 5 years of enactment and every 5 years after that.
New rural grants for LGBTQI seniors
If enacted, the bill would create a Rural Outreach Grant Program to help LGBTQI and other protected-class older people in rural areas. The Assistant Secretary, through the Director of LGBTQI Inclusion, would award grants to states, tribes, area agencies on aging, senior centers, nonprofits, and similar groups. Grants could fund partnerships, outreach, culturally competent services, and comprehensive sexual health services, including for older people with HIV. Congress would be asked to appropriate $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Grantees would have to use funds to supplement, not supplant, state or local funds, coordinate with local agencies, and report to Congress (first report within 1 year and then annually about the prior two-year period).
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
WI • D
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 5/21/2026
Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
MN • D
Sponsored 6/3/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov