At a forum entitled « Golden years of pride: making the invisible visible, » the Senior Pride Network launched a new poster that celebrates the contributions and the diversity of older gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people across Toronto.
The poster sends the message that « We’re here! We’re everywhere. »
These full-colour posters, which depict older GLBT persons with a wide variety of life experiences, will be distributed to organizations across the city that are looking to become gay positive, or that already welcome and celebrate older GLBT persons. Funds to cover the printing were raised by Jack Harmer, who held a swimathon to celebrate his 65th birthday. More than 200 laps later, the funds were in place to make the poster possible. The poster was designed by Gary Leroux, who volunteered his time and talent, as did photographer Jennifer Lafontaine, who also recruited a group of older GLBT volunteer photographers.
The « Golden years of pride » event also offered some poignant insights into older GLBT persons’ hopes and dreams of an inclusive community that includes the services they need, and what individuals and organizations can do to make this happen. Participants learned about many initiatives currently underway to enhance services for this community. Examples presented include the Older GLBT Program at The 519 Church Street Community Centre, which co-ordinates the Senior Pride Network as well as a number of programs and workshops for older participants, and various organizations targeted to older GLBT persons, including the Prime Timers, 5O Plus Toronto and WRIB.
Also of note are a supportive housing complex under development by WoodGreen Community Centre and Fife House, and some major developments in long-term care. Toronto Homes for the Aged is setting up a cluster of rooms targeted to GLBT seniors in two of its locations, Fudger House and Kipling Acres. « These developments in long-term care are revolutionary and profound, » said Dick Moore, Coordinator of the Older GLBT Program at The 519. « Although there are gay-friendly retirement homes in the U.S and
Members of the Senior Pride Network have worked with both homes providing training for staff, and we’ll continue to build this important partnership. »
« These new services in our homes for the aged are truly something to celebrate, » said Toronto Councillor Kyle Rae, Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale. « We talk a lot about inclusiveness, and welcoming diversity, and this is a concrete example of how we step beyond the talk. Our goal continues to be to create a city where services and programs are available – and provide a warm welcome – to anyone who needs them. »
The Senior Pride Network is also in discussions with other long-term care providers about recruiting and training staff to work with GLBT residents, and is working on many other fronts to promote and enhance services for elder GLBT persons. Adds
Talk to GLBT friends about their experiences as a way of better understanding our cultures. Take action. The future is ours to mould. »
The Senior Pride Network, coordinated by The 519 Church Street Community Centre, is a collective of organizations that are working together to provide a co-ordinated vision of services for GLBT seniors. Its members, which range from hospitals to community centres, work to promote and celebrate GLBT seniors, and to ensure that this community gets the supports and services that all seniors need to enjoy the highest quality of life.
Source: GLBT Program
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