A culture of support for the LGBT community
LGBT services for Geneva seniors are life-changing. Fear of rejection previously kept many older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people from seeking support in the community. So we created services specifically to support their unique situation:
- Rainbow Elders is a service offering monthly newsletters, periodic workshops, and events, such as the Lavender Gala
- Project Visibility is a national, award-winning, cultural competency training program about LGBT elders. Training sessions are held at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care agencies, and many other services providers
LGBT Elders in Geneva consider these services and events a lifeline for socializing and support.
“When you reach 85 years old and haven’t been ‘out and proud’ for most of your life, experiences like the Lavender Gala and other LBGT opportunities are a lifeline of social contact where you can ‘be yourself’ without fear of reprisal. Nothing can beat being able to share a conversation with someone from my own generation who knows what it’s like to have led a closeted life. I only hope that a way can be found to attract and connect more elderly gay men in the area for socializing and friendship— it would be a ray of sunshine in an otherwise overcast life.” Bill Autrey is one of the seven area elders featured in the Project Visibility film.