This Wednesday, we went to the LGBTQ Community Center to attend a luncheon which involved free Chinese food and speaking to some lively seniors. I was very happy that this was happening because our class haven’t gotten the opportunity to speak with seniors who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. It was sad that not everyone in our class got to join us for this LEG, but I’m glad that I got the opportunity to speak with more seniors who have similar identities as mine.
Throughout the lunch, me and three other seniors, Stacey, Gary and Patty, had some great conversations about music, life advice and our upbringing. The seniors mostly talked the whole time, which was great for me because all I had to do was sit and actively listen. I felt the most comfortable in this space, and I found it really helpful to hear the perspectives of LGBTQ+ seniors.
To be honest, there were question cards on the table, but we didn’t really use them. The conversations we had were so organic, and Gary emphasized the idea of “living my best life” and doing things I don’t think of doing. Stacey gave me the advice of pursuing my passions, and not caring about what anyone else thinks. Patty was so kind, telling me that I can still make friends when I’m 70+. Throughout this time I felt empowered, but more importantly, I felt comfortable in my own skin.
I was so happy to find out that the senior LGBTQ+ community here is tight-knit and close. They support each other and have camaraderie with one another. This is something that’s often lacking with the younger generation, as younger LGBTQ+ folx tend to have problematic thoughts regarding internalized homophobia, sexual racism, body shaming and much more.
I hope that in the future I can volunteer or intern at the LGBTQ Community Center in Hillcrest. This is a space that’s often overlooked (due to the gay bars and hip cafes/shops) and I hope next year I can be more involved in this space to interact with more seniors and engage in intergenerational LGBTQ+ interactions.
Throughout the lunch, me and three other seniors, Stacey, Gary and Patty, had some great conversations about music, life advice and our upbringing. The seniors mostly talked the whole time, which was great for me because all I had to do was sit and actively listen. I felt the most comfortable in this space, and I found it really helpful to hear the perspectives of LGBTQ+ seniors.
To be honest, there were question cards on the table, but we didn’t really use them. The conversations we had were so organic, and Gary emphasized the idea of “living my best life” and doing things I don’t think of doing. Stacey gave me the advice of pursuing my passions, and not caring about what anyone else thinks. Patty was so kind, telling me that I can still make friends when I’m 70+. Throughout this time I felt empowered, but more importantly, I felt comfortable in my own skin.
I was so happy to find out that the senior LGBTQ+ community here is tight-knit and close. They support each other and have camaraderie with one another. This is something that’s often lacking with the younger generation, as younger LGBTQ+ folx tend to have problematic thoughts regarding internalized homophobia, sexual racism, body shaming and much more.
I hope that in the future I can volunteer or intern at the LGBTQ Community Center in Hillcrest. This is a space that’s often overlooked (due to the gay bars and hip cafes/shops) and I hope next year I can be more involved in this space to interact with more seniors and engage in intergenerational LGBTQ+ interactions.