Gay Life Volume 34, Number 3

Aging, for me at least, is pretty surreal; sometimes I forget that Iím no longer a youth. But reality sets in whenever I realize there is an entire generation of people younger than me. Certain universal concerns transcend generations, but there are priorities and pleasures I donít immediately understand. Similarly, older generations face issues I canít always appreciate.

Though there are still too many exceptions, more and more LGBT young people can walk out of the closet and into supportive arms of friends and family. But whoever imagines theyíll go back into the closet? Unfortunately, that is a reality facing many LGBT seniors as they begin to navigate new bureaucracies and housing environments.

Thankfully, there are groups, both national and local, that can address these issues. Check out our feature on page 12 and, while there, read a brief conversation with Marty Shayt. Marty is a Senior Volunteer with Gay Life who was first involved with the GLCCB at its start in 1977. His contributions to the GLCCB and Gay Life have been invaluable and his institutional knowledge is incalculable. (And on a personal note, it is an honor, and a pleasure, working with him!)

Maggie Beetz
Editor