ORLANDO, Fla. — Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals dealt with isolation that led to depression, but many senior members of the LGBTQ+ community felt lonely and sad even before then.

What You Need To Know

  • Many LGBTQ+ seniors face significant feelings of isolation

  • Estrangement from family and being childless add to those feelings, AARP reports

  • The Center Orlando offers support groups and counseling to help

  • One of the center's groups has a weekly game day and hosts a monthly lunch 

According to a survey by the AARP in 2020, about 50% of LGBTQ+ seniors reported feeling isolated as they aged. Besides typical factors that contribute to loneliness in elders, many LGBTQ+ seniors feel estranged from family and have no children to lean on, the survey indicated. LGBTQ+ adults ages 50 to 95 are more likely to live alone than heterosexual adults and are three to four times less likely to have children, a major support system for older adults, AARP reported. 

The director of The Center Orlando said his organization is working to support Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ seniors. 

“The LGBTQ population, especially seniors, face a higher level of isolation,” The Center Orlando Chief Executive Officer George Wallace said. “So you have to think, my generation and younger, so many of us have families, and it's much more acceptable now to come out, but for seniors now in their 70s and 80s, (many) don't have children and often live in a closeted world."

The Center Orlando organizes support groups and counseling sessions to try to help.

Linda Fleming, 75, is among the Central Floridians who is an active member at The Center Orlando. The single, gay woman knows the importance of surrounding herself with support because all three of her brothers, who were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, have passed away.

Fleming became active at the center nearly 10 years ago when she and five men were the only members, but over the years, more women have joined. All of them form a tight community of support, friendship and, ultimately, family. 

The center’s O.W.L's group, Older Wiser Learning, is dedicated to bringing older LGBTQ+ seniors together. Members hold game days every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and also host a lunch once a month. 

Participants like Fleming said they hope The Center Orlando’s support groups inspire other communities to organize similar activities.

To learn more about The Center Orlando’s counseling and group programs, visit its website.