education , and by connecting with youth . The Rainbow Elders social calendar stays full : “ Coffee , Cookies and Chat ” on the first Wednesday of every month , and regular meals , dances , picnics , films , and concerts . All events are free or subsidized for members and create more opportunities for 2SLGBTQ + seniors to form friendships and improve the community they live in — with the safety , comfort , and freedom to fully be themselves .
For Glynis Roberts , a retired teacher who identifies as a queer woman , joining Rainbow Elders has not only provided a space of acceptance , but it has also filled a void left after retiring . For years , being a teacher and mother were her primary focuses . Now , Glynis fully embraces who she is , while making new connections .
“ I was worried about losing friends . I don ’ t know if I lost them as much as I isolated myself ,” said Glynis about her coming out journey . “ I was my own worst enemy . But as I gained confidence throughout the years , I wasn ’ t worried anymore . It was my own self-growth I had to go through .”
Part of this confidence is attributed to Rainbow Elders and having support from folks of all backgrounds who have walked similar paths in life . “ That ’ s what I love about the group ,” Glynis said . “ It ’ s inclusive , and within the group there ’ s a larger umbrella of people who have been marginalized in the past . I think it ’ s lovely to include everyone , from someone who ’ s just coming out when they ’ re 65 , to people who have been out their entire lives .”
Venessa Robinson , a transgender woman and another proud member of Rainbow Elders , decided to wait until after retirement to transition . Although she had always known who she was , Venessa says there were not the same resources available for transgender people — or the same level of acceptance .
“ I came out when the time was right for me , but I wish it had been right for me sooner ,” said Venessa . “ Until you start being your true self , you don ’ t really understand how important it is . Once you do , going back just isn ’ t an option .”
For any seniors who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ + community but are hesitant to reach out to a group like Rainbow Elders , Venessa encourages them to “ give it a go !”
“ Be as careful as you feel you need to be , but if you ’ re feeling too intimidated to show up to a group meeting , you can reach out to Rainbow Elders and ask to talk to somebody ,” shared Venessa . “ One of us will be happy to meet with you and come with you to a meeting to feel supported .”
One of the pillars of Rainbow Elders is advocacy . Many aging 2SLGBTQ + people face discrimination in senior living and long-term care facilities . To help combat this issue , Rainbow Elders regularly hosts panel discussions to promote awareness and acceptance among the staff and residents . The impact of these thoughtful , open conversations furthers Rainbow Elders ’ mission to make the world a more inclusive place than it was in their youth .
“ I hope we can get to a place in this world where people are accepted for who they are , and don ’ t have to conform to somebody else ’ s standards ,” said Venessa .
No matter where they are in their personal journeys , 2SLGBTQ + seniors do not have to navigate it alone ; a community awaits them with open arms and open hearts . “ I ’ m starting to finally feel my place in retirement ,” said Glynis . “ And one area is with Rainbow Elders . That ’ s a good feeling .”
“ Until you start being your true self , you don ’ t really understand how important it is .
Once you do , going back just isn ’ t an option .”
— Venessa Robinson
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