It always helps to speak with someone who “just understands.” No matter the point you are at along your journey, Julie can provide you with just a listening ear, referrals to events and supports that you would feel comfortable with, as well as suggested reading and information.
LGBTQIA+ Initiative
Springwell strives to provide the very best information, resources, and supports to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) older adults and their allies living in our communities.
OVERVIEW
LGBTQIA+ seniors face the typical challenges of aging; however, because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, they are at higher risk for abuse, isolation, discrimination, and exploitation.
Fearful of mistreatment, LGBTQIA+ seniors are five times less likely to access services than non-LGBTQIA+ seniors. Many LGBTQIA+ seniors are estranged from their family of origin and do not have children, so they face the challenges of aging without support that many people take for granted.
WHY SPRINGWELL
Springwell’s LGBTQIA+ Initiative has staff available to answer questions, provide information and referrals, and offer programs and events for LGBTQIA+ older adults, their family members, as well as trainings for local professionals in greater Boston and MetroWest.
LGBTQIA+ and SOFFA* Friendly Events
*SOFFA = Significant Others, Friends, Family or Allies
Virtual Coffee Hour
Every Monday @ 10:30 a.m (in case of a Monday holiday, coffee hour will be on Tuesday).
Join us FREE on zoom for coffee (or tea) and a chat about this ‘n that! LGBTQIA+ folx and SOFFAs of all ages are welcome! Learn more or RSVP here.
The Dune Shack, A Creative Thinking Space
Thursdays @ 10:30 a.m.
Give your wits a good workout with our weekly game, share your artwork, or just enjoy the good vibes and good company while taking an hourlong break away from the demands of the day. RSVP to get link here.
Learning Opportunities
Springwell offers these presentations/conversations as part of our commitment to creating safe spaces to learn and ask questions.
Springwell offers these presentations in-person and via Zoom or Teams. Please fill out the contact form or email Julie Nowak, the LGBTQIA+ Initiative Coordinator to express your interest and arrange a presentation/conversation at your venue.
GRAY PRIDE: Welcoming & Working with LGBTQIA+ Elders (currently on hold for redevelopment)
This cultural competency training has helped organizations that want to ensure a welcoming, informed, and thoughtful approach to care for LGBTQIA+ elders who are seeking support and services. Springwell has brought this training to many groups/organizations/congregations in greater Boston or MetroWest.
MODERN PRONOUNS: THEY IS CORRECT!
Using “they and them” in the singular may seem to go against what you learned about grammar in grade school, but you’ve probably been noticing a lot of people using the pronouns they/them instead of he/him or she/her. In fact, Massachusetts now offers M, F, and X gender markers on driver’s licenses, and terms such as nonbinary and genderfluid have made it into mainstream media.
This talk was created for grandparents seeking to better support their LGBTQIA+ loved ones, but has also been used by many agencies and venues as an opportunity for staff/guests to learn the essentials of welcoming and affirming language, the differences between sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and the meanings of the letters LGBTQIA+. Learn more about how using affirming language and pronouns can help you create a more inclusive community. Join Julie Nowak (she/any), LGBTQIA+ Initiative Coordinator at Springwell for this lively and informative presentation/conversation.
LGBTQ&A
LGBTQ&A is a FREE, safe space for guests to ask questions as they seek to better understand the LGBTQIA+ community. Parents, grandparents, allies and other older adults can feel comfortable asking about unfamiliar pronouns or simple, effective ways to support and affirm an LGBTQIA+ loved one. This space is conducive to curiosity and learning and can be created in-person or via Zoom for small groups (3 – 10 people) and can last 60-90 minutes as needed.
Springwell is developing and maintaining a resource guide of local LGBTQ+ inclusive resources. A print version is available on request, and an online version will be available soon for download.
Contact Us
Interested in the LGBTQIA+ Initiative, attending an event, or setting up a training session?
You can either fill out the Contact Us form, or call Julie Nowak, LGBTQIA+ Initiative Coordinator, confidentially at (508) 573-7288.