Today is “National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day”, a time to recognize the challenges, struggles and triumphs of older LGBT adults. This day of recognition, started in 2016, pays tribute to the sacrifices and successes of LGBT older adults and thanks them for leading the fight to expand LGBT rights. There are an estimated 3 million LGBT adults over the age of 55 throughout the U.S.
“In these times of uncertainty and change, the lessons we can learn from our LGBT elders are more important than ever,” said Monte Ephraim, Manager of LGBT Older Adult Programming at The LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care in Baltimore. “There is no better time to listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and let them know the enormous impact they have had on all our lives than on May 16.”
In our youth obsessed culture, growing older can be an isolating and lonely experience, even forcing individuals back into the closet as they begin to access geriatric social services and health care.
Accessing support and services can be a challenge for LGBT persons that live alone or who have lost a spouse/partner or who do not have close relatives. In Hampton Roads, one support group and one social group for gay men are active. The Tidewater Prime Timers of Southeast Virginia is an active chapter of a national social organization catering to gay men that offers a social outlet and support.
In addition, the LGBT Life Center offers a social group meeting called “50 Plus Fabulous” that is open to all LGBTQ seniors and allies that want to connect with like-minded individuals. This group meets the last Wednesday of each month at the LGBT Life Center in Norfolk. The next meeting is Wed., May 30 from 6;30 – 8 p.m. If you have any questions about this meeting, contact the group facilitator, Daryl Wiggins, at dwiggins@lgbtlifecenter.or
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For more information about “National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day”, visit www.lgbteldersday.org
For LGBT Aging Resources click on the following links:
