A county lunch program is now available for seniors in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
A new dining option is available for local seniors who identify as LGBT. Erie County's Senior Services Department held its first congregate dining for LGBT seniors on Monday.
An advocate with the Silver Pride Project, Rod Hensel, says after years of discrimination, some LGBT seniors are reluctant to access government services.
"What we're trying to do is provide a safe environment where people can come and they can socialize and learn about what other programs are available for seniors in Erie County," Hensel said.
"We're hoping that this will be a model that'll be used elsewhere because it's being done in very few cities across the country."
The affordable healthy lunch for LGBT seniors will be available once a month at the Preservation Pub on Main Street in Allentown.
Currently, daily lunch is provided to seniors at 45 sites across the county. For more information, contact the PRIDE Center of WNY.