A support group for older members of the LGBTQ2S+ community is growing, says Travis Jones, facilitator of .
The weekly discussion group, which includes speakers and activities, was created as a way for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, 55 years and older, to connect at a time in their lives they might be feeling isolated, especially during the holidays. Jones previously told the Courier some pioneers of the gay rights movement who have moved into care facilities are being forced back into the closet.
鈥淭hese are the people who fought for my rights,鈥� says Travis Jones. 鈥淭hey fought for gay marriage and equal employment rights. These are the same people who, after doing all of this good work, are going back into the closet after retirement.鈥�
As a follow up, the Courier had a few questions for Jones about how the program is working out.
How are your meetings going?
Rainbow Roundtable has put on some amazing events this season. Attendance for the group has been really great. In terms of our programming we鈥檝e had local authors come in to read their book, our pizza and a movie nights are very popular and many local businesses, organizations and service providers have come to speak on everything from mindfulness and depression to inclusive sex toys. For our future we are determined to see an even bigger presence of transgender folks and lesbian women. To demonstrate our belief in the value of inclusion we make conscious choices regarding guests to the Roundtable. This group鈥檚 event calendar is co-created by the participants at the beginning of each term so representation as always, really matters.
听
Christmas and the holidays can be a tough time for anyone feeling isolated. Is it particularly difficult time for the LGBTQ2s+ community?
Speaking from my own experience, it鈥檚 very challenging in 麻豆传媒映画to establish a solid group of close friends, even more so as we age. With a culture such as ours 鈥� so hyper-focussed on youth and the battle to retain it 鈥� finding yourself with less support than you would want is pretty common.
听
How is the Rainbow Roundtable helping with that?
We鈥檝e worked to unify older adults and elders with their peers at the Roundtable, but also to bring folks together with the service providers, organizations and business around them in a unique way. So far it has been a great success full of newly forged connections.
听
Tell me about your upcoming party.
Dec. 14 is the final night of Rainbow Roundtable鈥檚 first season. We are very grateful that so many amazing businesses have sponsored gift bags and prizes and catered our holiday party. We invite anyone who has been to the Roundtable more than once before Dec. 14 to join us for some holiday cheer!
听
What鈥檚 happening for 2019?
We have secured funding for a winter session which begins Jan. 18. As always we will meet Friday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room C at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Center.
