Be Proud!

At Sound Generations, we pride ourselves on not just acknowledging the diversity of older community members, but also taking steps to ensure that we are supporting the unique challenges that come with being a part of marginalized communities. The month of June is recognized nationally as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and we would like to take a moment to celebrate the older adults who identify as LGBTQIA+ and acknowledge that the progress toward equality could not have been made possible without them.

Being out and visible as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community has always presented challenges for people on a personal, professional, and systemic scale. There is still much work to be done, but we cannot discredit how far we have come in embracing the LGBTQIA+ community, and more specifically, the older adults in that community who helped pave the way for generations after them.

• Learn about the problems and prejudices that older adults in the queer community face on a regular basis, like increased rates of mental illness, denial of access to essential health services, or social isolation from loss of friendships and relationships just because of their identity.
• Be an ally. If you know an older adult in the LGBTQIA+ community, your open support of them has the ability to make a greater impact than you might realize on their general wellbeing. Everyone deserves to feel loved and supported.
• Advocate for LGBTQIA+ older adults. Be a part of the continued movement toward justice and equality for these valued community members by getting involved in local, state, or even federal movements to push for policies that protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.