Edenwald Makes History as Maryland’s First ‘LGBTQ+ Long-TermCare Equality Leader’ in Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI) byHRC Foundation and SAGE
TOWSON, MARYLAND — Today, Edenwald Senior Living is proud to announce its designation as a “LGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Equality Leader” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and SAGE, as part of the 2025 Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI). The LEI is the only national benchmarking tool focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion in residential long-term care and senior housing communities. This year, 274 senior housing communities across 33 states participated in the LEI.
Edenwald is the first and only organization in Maryland to receive this prestigious honor, reflecting a steadfast commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and equitable environment for residents, team members, and visitors alike.
“We are honored to be recognized by the HRC Foundation and SAGE. We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect,” said David Brown, Vice President, Chief Information and Equity Officer of Edenwald Senior Living. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to the principles of equality and inclusion, underscoring our dedication to making sure that every individual feels respected, heard, and truly valued.”
According to a recent study by AARP, 78 percent of LGBTQ+ adults 45-plus are concerned about having enough support as they age. With a greater likelihood to be single and without children, LGBTQ+ older people can benefit from the support of paid aging services and supports like residential long-term care and senior housing. Inclusive housing providers are pivotal partners in helping the LGBTQ+ community age with dignity and respect.
“All 274 participating communities deserve our deepest gratitude for their leadership,” said Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “Their work sends a powerful message: LGBTQ+ people deserve to age with dignity, safety, and pride in communities that see and understand who they are. The best care is found in communities that embrace our full humanity and lived experiences, from residents to staff and visitors.”
The LEI measures the following policy and practice areas as benchmarks of LGBTQ+ inclusion in senior housing settings:
- Non-Discrimination and Staff Training
- Ensuring legal protections for LGBTQ+ residents, visitors, and staff along with staff training is a critical step in laying down the foundation for inclusivity.
- Resident Services & Support
- This section of the LEI evaluates policies and practices that demonstrate progress toward LGBTQ+ resident care and support.
- Employee Benefits & Policies
- LGBTQ+ employees, like LGBTQ+ residents, should receive equal treatment and access to health-related benefits and policies.
- Resident & Community Engagement
- This section of the LEI evaluates best practices a community takes to publicly demonstrate its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
“This is truly an honor. Edenwald is a community that has always welcomed all people. So, having that assessed and affirmed by the HRC Foundation and SAGE is very gratifying. ” said Mark Beggs, President and CEO of Edenwald Senior Living. “As anti-LGBTQ+ extremism rises, it’s more crucial than ever that we stand firm in our commitment to human dignity, equality, and inclusion. Our goal is to provide a community where individuals can live authentically, free from fear or discrimination,” Brown continued. “This recognition from HRC and SAGE reinforces our ongoing mission to ensure every resident, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels respected, valued, and at home.”
We dedicate this 2025 designation in loving memory of Norma Long, whose life reminds us all of the power of living authentically. Norma’s courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to being true to herself serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all. For more information on the LEI and to view the 2025 report, click here.
About Edenwald Senior Living
Located in the desirable Towson community near dining, shopping, Goucher College and Baltimore’s many cultural offerings, Edenwald is a resident-driven, intellectually rich community. Enjoy a lifestyle steeped in culture, enhanced by finely appointed, maintenance-free apartment homes, stellar service and amenities, and exceptional healthcare, if ever needed, right on campus. For more information, visit www.edenwald.org.
