Blog archive
March 2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
VILLAGES WELCOME LGBT MEMBERS
By Blog MasterPosted: 05/25/2021
By Shad Cruz, MSW, MSG
Forty years ago, five cases of Pneumocystis pneumonia, a rare opportunistic infection, were diagnosed in Los Angeles signaling the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the Gay community. When COVID-19 began to engulf large cities across the US just over a year ago, many older LGBT people experienced it as an echo of the uncertainty, fear, and trauma they felt 40 years ago. They expressed sentiments like, “I’m looking in the newspaper to see how many friends have died again” and “I can’t go through all this loss another time.”
Historically, LGBT people often had to leave their families of origin due to the prejudice and stigma they encountered at home. They were attracted to cities like Los Angeles, where they could find safety, acceptance, and friendship in the larger LGBT communities. Over time, these relationships evolved into “families of choice” that replaced their lost families of birth. Then, in the 80s, the decimation of the HIV/AIDS crisis fractured these created families and left many isolated. The few survivors were left deep in mourning at the loss of so many of their friends and loved ones, and reluctant to create new social bonds.
Over the last 30 years, the LGBT community has become increasingly integrated in the larger culture. While this is a welcome change, it has also resulted in the loss of many LGBT-exclusive spaces. This loss has had a heavy impact on older Gay people, as these were often the only places they felt comfortable being themselves. Ironically, integration has, in effect, left many older LGBT people feeling further isolated.
As might be expected, research has shown that older LGBT people only feel free sharing their “invisible minority status” in places they know will be safe. Yet this aspect of their identity can create unique challenges and even disparities in health outcomes. Organizations such as health care providers and social service agencies help LGBT people know they are safe by developing a “welcoming presence.” This can be as simple as a rainbow logo on a brochure saying “All Are Welcome Here” or adding gender pronouns on email signatures. Additionally, these signs can also help people coming from other minority populations feel more comfortable and open to sharing their experience.
Villages have a direct benefit to offer this population since they specialize in reducing social isolation among older adults. In turn, Villages are able to increase their membership and diversity by including people with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. But without a deliberate sign of welcome, LGBT people may not recognize this valuable opportunity and pass it by. In this way, a small gesture could have a major impact for a historically oppressed population and the Village movement.
Katie Brandon, Executive Director of our Pasadena Village understands the importance of promoting a diverse and inclusive membership. “Everyone's experiences shape how they age, and at Pasadena Village, we know that LGBT adults both contribute so much to the cultural fabric of our community, but now are more likely to be experiencing feelings of isolation. We value inclusivity and strive to bring older adults of all backgrounds and orientations together, giving them the opportunity to support each other and form meaningful relationships with those they might not have otherwise met."