Iowa group focuses on LGBT seniors

From the Press-Citizen: Elsie Gauley Vega has not always been comfortable about admitting her sexuality. She even married a man, even though she knew she was a lesbian, because she thought it was the only way she could have children. “I wanted to be a mother, back in the ’50s, I knew no other way,” Vega said.
Today, the 83-year-old mother of four is not only open about discussing her sexual orientation, she produces a monthly television show where she interviews other gay and lesbian individuals and their family members. “My goal is to let the public know we are as normal as God made us,” Vega said. “Those of us in the gay and lesbian community are members of society like our brothers and sisters.” The “Friends and Neighbors” television show, which Vega produces at the Johnson County/Iowa City Senior Center, is just one of several local initiatives to reach out to all demographics of the LGBT community, including older residents. Another organization, the Visibility Action Team, has been working to address concerns specific to seniors. Continue reading.]]>