City opens new senior center for LGBT New Yorkers

City officials launched the opening Thursday of the country's first senior center in Chelsea geared toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender New Yorkers.

The new center, called SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), is opening on a limited basis first, and will provide mental health programs, as well as meals, fitness classes and technology classes. Officials said the center, at 305 Seventh Ave., will give LGBT seniors a place to feel comfortable.

"Opening The SAGE Center has been a dream for LGBT older people for many years," said SAGE Executive Director Michael Adams.

SAGE is partnering with the city's Department for the Aging.

"LGBT seniors often do not feel comfortable in a traditional senior center setting and this launch of a LGBT senior center is another important step in making New York accessible and more age-friendly for all New Yorkers," said DFTA Commissioner Lilliam Barrios-Paoli.