Baby Boomers like me grew up in a world that was overwhelmingly hostile to our sexual orientations and gender identities. It was dangerous, even illegal, in most places to be a part of the same- sex loving community.
Yet as we came out to family, friends, and employers, we paved the way to a far more tolerant and accepting society. We survived the social panic and political hysteria of the early years of the AIDS epidemic. After decades of struggle, we’ve even lived to see the right to same-sex marriage become the law of the land.
Now, as we grow older, we face isolation and potentially debilitating health issues that come with aging. But even worse, there is a growing movement in our society that would like nothing better than to turn back the clock and force LGBTQ elders back into the closet.
I have not retreated from ‘real life’ because they keep me fighting to participate... with PRIDE !
SOCIAL ISOLATION… if one can truly HATE a term, for me it is that one! LGBTQ older adults were already more likely to be socially isolated. That is for a number of reasons: we are less likely to have partners, we are definitely less likely to have children and grandchildren, and our children are the built-in caregivers in our society. They say 50% of us LGBTQ folk are single. So for us, sheltering in place meant more likely that you were alone, which for a lot of our community members was a real challenge.
If you haven’t yet ordered any at-home tests fromCOVIDtests.gov, you can get a total of 8 free tests shipped to your home. You just need to place 2 separate orders — each order equals 4 tests.
NBC 5 KXAS #SomethingGood News Article - A Dallas-based non-profit is doing something good for older adults in the LGBT community. The organization is called the Silver Pride Project and the group supports and addresses the specific needs of the aging generation in the LGBT community. (Click here to read more)
Dallas Morning News Article - Oak Lawn retiree now advocates for those who led the local equal rights fight 50 years ago, and now face ageism and homophobia. (Click here to read more)
If you’re a younger gay person, respect your elders, look at us and understand that you will be old someday, if you’re lucky enough to avoid dying young of some disease or accident. The older gay and trans individuals have a lot to teach, and you have a lot to learn.
Remember, we learned a lot by having to survive and cope with what we endured during the 70’s, 80's and 90's. And most importantly, everyone remember…we are STILL here, and we are STILL Queer! (Click here to read more)
Rik Wallin was born as Richard Michael Knapp on November 26, 1961 in Connecticut.
He graduated from Jonathan Law High School in Milford Connecticut in 1969. He attended and graduated from Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport with a degree in Computer Programming and development of computer software... (Click here to read more)
We’re all human, we’re all aging and we all need support in making our way through this crazy world!
There are too many older LGBT people in Dallas who do not have the community support they need to thrive.
Aging can be rough for anyone. But when you’re part of a marginalized, often underrepresented community — LGBTQ seniors, for instance , it can be extra tough….. (Click here to read more)
LGBTQ+ people are a part of every community in the city! We need more targeted discussions regarding how we can work toward a Dallas that is welcoming to all, free from discrimination, and where everyone can thrive.
WE DON’T HAVE TO FAIL SO MISERABLY AT ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF OUR LGBTQ SILVER SENIORS!