AZ - LGBTQ+ Aging and Southern Arizona Senior Pride

The challenges, experiences, issues and benefits of aging in America are universal. Minority communities that are marginalized and underserved have unique experiences, histories, and needs. Older people in the LGBTQ+ community have a history of rejection, discrimination, hate, violence, and systematic neglect.

“Expectation of rejection and discrimination is a stressor because of the almost constant vigilance required by minority groups to defend and protect themselves from potential rejection, discrimination and violence.” (Meyer 2003)

Older LGBTQ+ people have been forced to live a lie, hide in “closets” and stay invisible. Claiming our different sexual orientation or gender identity continues to be a reason for losing jobs, family, faith communities, friends, and critical providers. Our older community members have lived with paralyzing fear, economic consequences and painful isolation for a long time.

Historically we have been identified as mentally ill, criminals, deviants, abominations, and castoffs. LGBT hate crimes and hate speech, the AIDS crisis, mass firings, military “witch hunts” and exclusion by faith communities caused/causes personal and collective trauma and despair. Aging issues for the LGBTQI+ community are compounded because of these factors.

Southern Arizona Senior Pride, in Tucson, is an all volunteer, grassroots organization that acknowledges the disparities in safe, welcoming services and care for LGBTQI+ older people. Senior Pride provides services that include monthly events: Speakers Series, Elder Circle, Book Club, Dance Classes, a Class to Prevent Falls, and an Intergenerational Potluck. To further interrupt isolation The Community Cares Program-Tucson provides friendly visits and phone calls to homebound people 55+ and people with disabilities of any age. We hold regular Grief Support Groups.

Annually we have a poetry reading and film. We are members of the Elder Alliance and GLBT Chamber of Commerce. We partner with Pima Council On Aging, YWCA Tucson, Center for Community Dialogue, Interfaith Community Services, Soreo Hospice, PFLAG, and The UA Institute for LGBT Studies.

We are vigilant in raising awareness and encouraging implementation of inclusive policies and welcoming environments.

Senior Pride celebrates, supports, and unites Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults in Southern Arizona.

Visit their website for more details: https://soazseniorpride.org