Better Together: Empowering LGBTQ+ Older Adults to Plan, Protect, and Thrive
By Gus Hernandez
For LGBTQ+ older adults, planning for the future is about dignity, autonomy, and peace of mind. That belief is at the heart of 50+ And Better Together Senior Services at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, a program grounded in care, connection, and the understanding that our community faces unique challenges in aging.
This spring, The Center is bringing a free, community-centered event designed to empower LGBTQ+ seniors with tools, knowledge, and trusted support: the Advanced Health Care Directive Workshop & Resource Fair, taking place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street, San Diego CA 92103.
This workshop reflects The Center’s commitment to creating affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ older adults can be informed and supported by organizations that understand their lived experiences.
Planning with Purpose
An Advanced Health Care Directive is one of the most important documents a person can complete. It outlines medical wishes, names a trusted decision-maker, and ensures that care aligns with personal values, especially during moments when an individual may be unable to advocate for themselves.
For LGBTQ+ individuals, these decisions can be especially complex. Chosen family, long-term partners, and friends may not always be legally recognized without clear documentation. Past experiences of discrimination in health care settings can also raise concerns about whether one’s identity and wishes will be honored.
This workshop is intentionally designed to address those realities head-on, providing accurate information, compassionate guidance, and an inclusive and LGBTQ-affirming setting where participants feel seen and respected.
A Guided Workshop with a Trusted Estate Planning Attorney
The workshop features a one-hour guided presentation designed for LGBTQ+ individuals and families led by Rebecca Secord, estate planning attorney and owner of Your Home Legal. With more than 15 years of legal experience and a demonstrated commitment to serving LGBTQ+ communities, Rebecca Secord brings both expertise and empathy to a topic that can often feel overwhelming.
From 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., participants will receive a clear overview of estate planning fundamentals, followed by a step-by-step walkthrough of California’s Advance Health Care Directive. Support will be available to help attendees begin completing their documents, ask questions, and feel more confident navigating next steps.
Resource Fair
Before and after the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a robust resource fair, open from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and again from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. These resource tables reflect the deep network of partners who share The Center’s commitment to holistic, affirming support for older adults.
Confirmed participating organizations include:
- Fellowship of Older Gays (FOG)
- Caregiver Coalition
- Aging & Independence Services (County of San Diego)
- San Diego PACE at San Ysidro Health
- CogniHealth (Trusted Dementia Care at Home)
- Robin Wagner (Medicare/Insurance)
- Sharp Hospice & Palliative Care
- Alzheimer’s San Diego
- San Diego Futures Foundation
- San Diego Food Bank
- Southern Caregiver Resource Center
- Aaron Homecare
- Moores Cancer Center
- Family Health Centers of San Diego
- Christie’s Place
- Visiting Angels
- Elder Law & Advocacy
- Your Home Legal (Presenter)
Together, these partners create a one-stop opportunity for seniors to connect with services related to health care, caregiving, housing stability, dementia care, hospice and palliative support, food security, legal advocacy, and insurance navigation.
50+ And Better Together
50+ And Better Together Senior Services at The Center continues to demonstrate what affirming, proactive aging support can look like, providing programming that doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations, but approaches them with warmth, expertise, and respect.
Every question answered at this event represents another LGBTQ+ elder taking control of their future with confidence. It also reflects the broader truth that aging well is not just about individual planning, but about strong community infrastructure.
Join the Community
The Advanced Health Care Directive Workshop & Resource Fair is free and open to the community. Whether you’re ready to complete your directive, curious about available resources, or simply want to learn more in a supportive environment, this event offers something valuable for every LGBTQ+ older adult and their loved ones.
At The Center, aging isn’t something we face alone; we do it better together.
For more information, visit thecentersd.org or stop by The Center on May 12 and be part of a community that shows up for one another, every step of the way.
- When: Tuesday, May 12, 11:00am-2:00pm
- Where: 3909 Centre St, San Diego, CA 92103
- Contact: For more information, please contact seniors@thecentersd.org