There are around 1.5 million LGBTQ+ folks who are 65 and older across the country. These seniors have lived through history — Stonewall, some of the earliest LGBTQ+ Pride parades, the height of the AIDS epidemic, the federal legalization of same-sex marriage and more.
In the Tar Heel State, 1.8 million people are 65 and older, with that number expected to double in two decades. The growing senior population requires services and activities specifically tailored to them, ensuring there is community and support.
Municipalities and organizations like the Carolina Aging Alliance have worked to create inclusive programming to tailor for all seniors. We’ve created a guide for some upcoming events happening across the state for our elders from the Triangle to the Triad and beyond.
Carolina Aging Alliance
The Carolina Aging Alliance (CAA) was originally founded as the“Gay & Gray Initiative in 2011. In 2014, the organization formally partnered with SAGEUSA — a national organization offering supportive services and consumer resources to older LGBTQ+ adults and their caregivers. SAGEUSA also advocates for public policy changes to address the needs of LGBTQ+ older people, as well as education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ organizations.
The CAA created a mission statement in 2017, stating the organization “improves the quality of life for all LGBTQ+ older adults through inclusion, advocacy, education and positive social engagement.”
It’s vision: to “Increase awareness of and participation in Carolina Aging Alliance and be the premiere resource for service providers by expanding advocacy, education, and social engagement to benefit LGBTQ+ older adults.”
One way the CAA increases awareness and engagement is through its programming in the Triangle and Triad areas.
The Triad chapter of CAA is hosting a Pizza and Game Night at 6 p.m. on May 14 at Senior Resources of Guilford Lifestyle Center on 1401 Benjamin Pkwy in Greensboro. According to the event listing on the CAA website, this will allow for fellow LGBTQ+ seniors to connect and have a sense of fellowship through an evening of games and good times. More information can be found at the CAA website or by calling 336-373-4816, ext. 280.
Greensboro will also house the Celebrate US! Festival and Health Expo from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 19 at Twist Lounge. This marks the third year the CAA has held this expo, and this year, they’ve expanded the space to showcase local and regional healthcare providers.
“In addition to the fun, games, and numerous giveaways, you can now explore the parking lot, interacting with these compassionate healthcare providers who will be available to assist you when needed,” the event listing states. “As we grow older, the support of local organizations offering an inclusive and caring environment becomes increasingly crucial, providing essential care with ease.”
The CAA also has recurring programming year round to help connect North Carolina’s LGBTQ+ seniors to resources and each other. Some recurring events include Trivia at Twist Lounge on Thursdays, Wednesday and Sunday; Morning Walk ‘n Talk in Apex, Coffee and Conversation in Durham, The Green Monkey “Play Spades” Meetup every Tuesday in Raleigh and more.
For more information on the CAA and its events, go to its website at https://www.carolinaaging.org/.
Other Programs Across the State
Municipalities across the state have started to create special programs and events for their communities’ senior citizens. Whether it’s recreational sports or coffee socials, towns and cities are working to create special spaces for our elders.
Asheville’s Parks and Recreation Department has a special page for its “active adult” community. Some activities include weekly BINGO, square dancing, pottery and Zumba, just to name a few. The activities don’t end there for the Blue Ridge residents — the city also offers folk dancing, monthly field trips/outings and more. To learn more about Asheville’s activities for seniors, you can visit https://www.ashevillenc.gov/service/register-for-adult-and-senior-programs/.
Mecklenburg County’s Parks and Recreation also offers a wide range of activities and programs for its senior residents. Some of the events in the Charlotte area include Senior Book Club, arts and crafts and line dancing lessons, among other potential opportunities. One of the anticipated events coming up is the Senior Luau on May 24. The luau — which will include music, dancing, food and opportunities for social engagement — will last from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Arbor Glen Gymnasium. To register, go to https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/activity/search/detail/142650?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&locale=en-US.
The city of Winston-Salem also offers special programming for its “50 or better” community, according to the city’s Recreation and Parks Department’s website. The department holds special events and recurring programs for its seniors, giving them an opportunity to routinely engage with the community. In fact, the Piedmont Plus Senior Games are currently underway in Winston-Salem and will continue on until June 8. There is also an arts competition for Winston-Salem’s seniors, which takes place every year, and it features categories such as heritage arts, literary arts, performing arts and visual arts. For more information, go to https://www.cityofws.org/1919/Seniors.
The city of Durham also has tons of activities for its older adults, ranging from pickleball lessons to the Durham Senior Games. This summer is the summer of pickleball for Durham’s seniors — through June and July, there are classes offered to teach folks the basics of the sport. There are also multiple indoor and outdoor pickleball tournaments slated for the summer. More information can be found at https://www.dprplaymore.org/354/Mature-Adults. ::