Queerness and Aging in Vancouver: Senior LGBTQ2SiA+ Resources in the City
What’s On Queer publisher, Jude Goodwin, carries the BOLD banner during the Dyke March 2018.
Loneliness is a concern for seniors and this is particularly keen within the queer senior community. Some might be alienated from their straight families, some might be childless and thus missing the support of a younger generation, some will be experiencing restricted mobility and access to many spaces and transit - it all adds up to an elder spending way too much time alone. Long and happy lives need community.
We thought to start looking into resources for senior queers in Vancouver and you know what? There’s not nearly enough here! We need so much more. If you know of any social clubs or other resources for seniors in the LGBTQ2SiA+ community please send it to us at whatsonqueerbc@gmail.com
LGBTQ+ Social Groups for Seniors
The West End Seniors Network (WESN) is an organization dedicated to promoting social inclusion and access for seniors in the city. They have a number of programs specifically designed for older members of the LGBTQ+ community, including lunch clubs, movie nights, support groups, and more. WESN also offers resources such as referrals to other organizations, assistance with housing applications, and even transportation assistance. Click here to read their monthly newsletter.
BOLD Older Lesbians and Dykes. BOLD organizes the annual BOLDFest Conference in Vancouver BC on the weekend after Labour Day, bringing together older/old lesbians and dykes from across Canada, the US and even Australia! Most who attend are 50+, but younger womyn friends and partners are most welcome and often do attend. BOLD holds a variety of virtual social events as well and you can keep informed by joining the BOLD Facebook Group where members can chat and share. “Our commitment is to create a safe space and to build a strong, connected community for 50+ (and our younger friends/partners!) womyn/wimmin/women who define themselves as lesbians and dykes”
West End Prime Timers - Founded in 1990, Vancouver Prime Timers is a group for mature gay and bi men, and younger friends, who meet regularly in the Vancouver area to enjoy social, educational and recreational activities. Members meeting is held once a month.
For Artists and Writers! Quirk-e Kollective. The Queer Imaging and Riting Kollective for Elders
NEW! 55+ Meetup Group for Queer Women. This new "50+ Fabulous Queer Women of Vancouver" Meetup is for queer women over 55. Organizers plan to organize meet ups at events such as movies, theatre, game nights, patio parties and outdoor hangouts where possible – all easy to get to. The group has just started fall 2023. https://www.meetup.com/50-fabulous-queer-women-of-vancouver/
Men55+ - In Person Monthly, every 1st Tuesday 6:00pm - 7:30pm HIM on Davie – Lounge Space, 1033 Davie Street - Suite 300 - A facilitated safe space to talk, listen, and share your experiences of conscious ageing with other queer men.
https://checkhimout.ca/event/men-55-in-person-2/all/
Dignity Seniors Society Social events page can be found here →
Community Care Services
Qmunitiy Seniors - Organizations like QMUNITY are working hard to ensure that healthcare services are accessible for everyone in Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ community—especially those who may be experiencing discrimination due to their age or gender identity/expression. The organization provides counseling services, support groups, mental health resources, and more that are specifically tailored towards older members of the queer community. Additionally, they provide information on other healthcare resources such as shelters and clinics located throughout the greater Vancouver area.
411 Seniors is the Lower Mainland’s HUB for older adults. This is a place where people can find each other, learn, and connect. Please have a look through our website and find out how you can become involved, or how we can assist you.
Dignity Seniors Society - supporting BC’s LGBTQ2Si+ seniors.
LGBTQ End-of-Life Conversations Website - hosted by the SFU Gerontology Research Centre. Information, conversations, surveys and more.
Seniors in Surrey - At DIVERSEcity, we have become a hub for healthy ageing services and programs for diverse seniors, helping them live healthier, independent lives. We won’t let them be forgotten or left behind.
Multicultural Helping House Seniors Program - MHHS' Seniors Program provides a comfortable and inviting space for seniors to socialize and be a part of the community. It aims to enhance seniors' wellbeing. Currently listing Yoga and Digital Literacy. 4802 Fraser Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5V 4H4, Canada. helpinghouse.org
LGBTQ Dignity Project - Our project is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Institute of Gender and Health. Our goal is to improve the conditions today’s older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit (LGBTQI2S) individuals face when they enter long-term care. https://www.lgbtqi2sdignityproject.ca/
Volunteer with Dignity Seniors - Dignity Seniors is led by 2SLGTBQI+ seniors, and we work towards increasing supports for 2SLGTBQI+ Seniors throughout BC through research, advocacy and community partnerships.
We're beginning to post various volunteer roles for our Society, and will likely open more up in the next 6 months as our developing working committees commence. I'm wondering if you would be willing to post a link to our opportunities page on our website. Here it is if you'd like to check it out and/or are willing to promote:
https://www.dignityseniors.org/opportunities-1
Great List of Senior Resources
My Davie Village website has a good page of resources for lgbq+ seniors.
