In 2022, the LGBTQIA+ community is experiencing growing acceptance and support in parts of our world, but increased repression in other places. We see growth in new Pride celebrations and the popping up of local gatherings for folks of all ages. Despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic, people are meeting virtually or safely in-person, and building connections—including with allies. Increasing numbers of young people are coming out as LGBTQIA+. Massachusetts elder service workers are being trained in LGBTQIA+ cultural competence thanks to the recent passage of groundbreaking legislation. Also, increasing numbers of “out” political candidates are running for office around the USA. And more.
But several states in this country are targeting LGBTQIA+ people, especially transgender youth. Access to gender-affirming care is being restricted, as is the right of young transgender women to participate in school sports. Trans women of color remain at a high risk of violent attacks. Public school teachers, including in nearby New Hampshire, are discouraged from discussing many identity issues in the classroom. Many elders still fear sharing their personal identity to service providers who are not explicitly supportive of LGBTQIA+ people. The law of the land in a number of countries still results in imprisonment and death for homosexual behavior, so asylum seekers come to the USA, fleeing such danger. And more.
The Rainbow Elders has been a valued LifePath program since 2012. According to Rainbow Elders Volunteer Donna Liebl, “While I worked at LifePath, we would discuss offering services for LGBT elders, based on the federal mandate to serve people in the greatest economic and social need. I asked the Citizens’ Advisory Board to earmark federal funds, and they agreed.
“We started by offering a series of breakfasts, with speakers on issues like LGBT health and the transgender experience. We also offered entertainment. Annually, we held intergenerational dinners with Community Action Youth Programs and Greenfield Community College. The young people were great and taught us a lot. In the summer we held a picnic, usually at a private daylily farm. Attendees wanted more events, so we established an LGBT Title III mealsite once a month at the South Deerfield Senior Center, which proved to be a very supportive location.
“We also offered education to elder services providers in this area. We developed 5-minute scripts on our lives as transgender, bisexual, lesbian, and gay elders. We would also present a brief bit on LGBT history and about other sexual and gender diverse identities. Then came the pandemic.”
“Everyone’s story, their needs, their comfort level is different. That is the real success story of LifePath and Rainbow Elders.”
In the words of Rainbow Elders Volunteer David Posner, “If you recall the beginning of the pandemic, the word ‘unprecedented’ was used everywhere. It seemed everyone was asking who has ever had to do this: weigh our own personal responsibility for other people’s lives against our simple wish to just live and gather and pursue life on our own terms? To the LGBTQIA+ community, there was terrible precedence in the early AIDS crisis.
“The first lesbians I met were young, outspoken, and brave, fighting in a vacuum for ANY RESPONSE whatsoever to AIDS—to save the lives of gay men and trans people. These amazing women are now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, some of them are in Rainbow Elders. The first gay men I met were also in their 20s through 40s. Many of them died long ago. The survivors are now elders, some in Rainbow Elders.
“But out of that actual precedent of a pandemic came something good. We came out at great personal cost. And we found connectedness.
“And then COVID brought isolation. Which is why Rainbow Elders, supported generously by LifePath, has been so important and cherished. We have enhanced reliable and regular connection via Zoom, provided tech support, developed and adapted ground rules to maximize inclusivity for this diverse group, showcased each other’s talents, promoted healthy living, and supported each other as valued community members.”
Rainbow Elders Volunteer Celia Lang writes: “Everyone’s story, their needs, their comfort level is different. That is the real success story of LifePath and Rainbow Elders. Our gatherings have been a lifeline for aging LGBTQIA+ older adults. Some of our regulars have serious physical and mental health issues, and along with the rest of us—we are aging. Rainbow Elders provides a safe space to voice our concerns and learn of support, and I believe we validate and act as witnesses to the dignity of aging, in particular in this new century where many elders have struggled to find their footing with technology and/or a welcome at service organizations.
“As a volunteer with Rainbow Elders, I champion LifePath. As an elder, I have been introduced to many of LifePath’s services. Rainbow Elders plays an important role in LifePath’s commitment to serve older adults and is a role model for agencies across Massachusetts and the country.”
Virtual programming is likely here to stay, as it enables the Rainbow Elders to reach homebound folks as near at hand as Greenfield, and wonderful new friends as far away as California. This summer we are reviving in-person programming, having done so briefly last summer. Please feel free to sign up to receive our newsletter or call 413-773-5555, X1242 for more information. And thank you for whatever you do to build an inclusive world for all elders, all people, and all creatures!
