How verification works
“LGBTQIA+-affirming” can mean very different things. Instead of a single checkmark, we show the specific, documented evidence behind each listing, with sources and reviewed dates where available, so you can judge for yourself.
Evidence is separate from payment
A paid listing plan can never buy, unlock or influence an evidence label. Free listings show the same evidence as paid ones.
Every badge is specific
Each label has a definition, a source, a reviewed date and an honest note about what it does (and doesn't) prove.
We don't overclaim
We never say every listing is independently verified. Where evidence is thin, we say so plainly.
The evidence labels
What each label means
Colour is a shorthand, the text and reviewed date always carry the real meaning.
The organization is founded around, or explicitly centers, LGBTQIA+ older adults in its mission and programming.
What it does & doesn't prove: Indicates an LGBTQIA+-centered mission. It does not by itself certify care quality, staffing or licensing.
Housing designed and developed specifically for LGBTQIA+ older adults, often with affirming community programming.
What it does & doesn't prove: Describes the housing's intent and design. Availability, pricing and eligibility can change. Confirm directly.
Recognized as a 'Leader' in the Human Rights Campaign Long-Term Care Equality Index for LGBTQIA+-inclusive policies and practices.
What it does & doesn't prove: Reflects self-submitted policies scored by HRC in a specific index year. It is a policy benchmark, not a care-quality rating or an on-site audit.
Typical source: HRC Long-Term Care Equality Index
Recognized as a 'High Performer' in the HRC Long-Term Care Equality Index.
What it does & doesn't prove: Reflects self-submitted policies scored by HRC in a specific index year. It is a policy benchmark, not a care-quality rating.
Typical source: HRC Long-Term Care Equality Index
Staff have completed SAGECare LGBTQIA+ aging cultural-competency training at a credentialed level (Standard or Platinum).
What it does & doesn't prove: Confirms completed staff training as of a date. Training credentials lapse and staff turn over. Check the credential date and level.
Typical source: SAGECare (sageusa.org)
A documented partnership or affiliation with SAGE or a SAGE program serving LGBTQIA+ elders.
What it does & doesn't prove: Indicates an affiliation. It does not certify individual staff training or care outcomes.
Typical source: SAGE
The provider has directly confirmed specific LGBTQIA+-inclusive policies (nondiscrimination, couples, chosen family) to Chosen Years.
What it does & doesn't prove: A provider's own attestation, recorded with a date. It has not been independently verified against public documentation.
Independently referenced or recommended in public LGBTQIA+-aging resources, directories or reporting.
What it does & doesn't prove: Cites an outside source. The recommending party, not Chosen Years, vouched for it; read the linked source.
We are actively gathering and reviewing documentation for this organization's LGBTQIA+-inclusion claims.
What it does & doesn't prove: No evidence is confirmed yet. Treat inclusion claims as unverified until this resolves.
Listed for completeness, but we have not yet found independent documentation of LGBTQIA+-inclusive policies or practices.
What it does & doesn't prove: Absence of evidence is not evidence of exclusion. It simply means we have nothing documented yet. Ask the provider directly.
Organization labels
Nonprofit and other consumer labels
These describe an organization's type and payment model. A nonprofit label never automatically implies LGBTQIA+ verification or care quality.
Nonprofit
Registered nonprofit organization.
Government
A government agency or program.
Community Organization
Community-based or grassroots organization.
Affordable Housing
Offers income-qualified or subsidized housing.
Market-Rate
Standard private-pay pricing.
Faith-Affiliated
Affiliated with a religious organization.
Veteran Services
Serves or prioritizes veterans.
Medicaid Accepted
Accepts Medicaid or public benefits.
Private Pay
Private payment; may not accept public benefits.
Waitlist Reported
Has reported a waitlist for availability.
See something out of date?
Providers and consumers can both submit corrections. We'd rather be told than be wrong.
Chosen Years provides directory information and is not medical, legal or financial advice.