LGBT+ Events Happening This Month at Sebastopol Senior Center
| Our Rainbow Connection for the LGBTQ+ CommunityWe are thrilled to report that our Rainbow Connection groups for the LGBTQ+ community is thriving! We’ve reached more individuals within our LGBT community than ever before. Notably, participation in our Senior Lesbians in Community group (SLIC) has grown tremendously. Senior Lesbians in Community (SLIC)Feedback from Attendees: “SLIC provides great support, community, and friendship during these trying times.”“As a newcomer to California, I was seeking connections with other older Lesbians. I now feel at home in my new community.”“As seniors, it is hard to make and find LGBT friends. Really like daytime activities for us who don’t drive at night.”“I have participated in several SLIC gatherings and events, both in increasing a sense of community, as well as learning, documentary on gay parental rights, Death Café, and more.”“Helped to feel more connected with the community, having similar experiences and issues. Also listening to people helped to know other coping skills and referral information about better health.”“Vital senior and community engagement opportunities! Benefits each one of us an community at large!”“I love attending SLIC meetings”“It made me feel safer to be myself in this world! I feel much more connected to my community and myself afterwards.”“Improved me from isolation. Gave me feeling of belonging and there are people who care.”“This program has been a godsend for me and for many other aging lesbians. It is not only tremendous social support, but we are setting up ways to network to help each other with health concerns as we age.” Enhancing Engagement Among Senior Gay and Bisexual Men We have successfully boosted attendance at our monthly mixer, hosted at a local LGBT-owned coffee house, specifically for our senior gay and bisexual men. Starting with just four participants in early 2025, we saw attendance soar to 35 participants by September 2025! This event takes place year-round, although we do observe a decline in participation during the winter months. Furthermore, a committed group of 15 men consistently joins our monthly Heart Circle gathering.Feedback from Attendees: “It helps me feel part of a broader community, not just the gay community. I was particularly impressed by the level of community involvement.”“Being part of this group has encouraged me to overcome my tendency to isolate. It has truly given me the opportunity to meet and connect with other men around my age.”“I’m thankful for the LGBTQ programs you provide, especially the Wednesday Walks, shared lunches, and Heart Circles. These initiatives have profoundly impacted my life. Participating has lifted my spirits, allowed me to engage with new people, and reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation. I feel happier, more connected to my community, and have experienced improvements both emotionally and physically because of these activities. These programs are vital for the support, connection, and wellbeing of LGBTQ seniors like me, and I truly hope they continue to receive the funding needed to grow and succeed.”“These activities help me embrace and celebrate my authentic self as a gay man. I love being around guys I can relate to.” Holding Spaces Guest Speaker: Shanon Levine, MPH Did you know that Planned Parenthood provides gender-affirming hormone therapy, STI testing and treatment, PrEP and PEP, birth control, and cancer screenings? Yes, they do! WE have arranged for their Senior Program Manager come share with us that and more about their offerings for our LGBT+ community.I am especially proud to present this informative talk titled: All Genders, All Bodies, All Care: Planned Parenthood for LGBTQ+ Individuals. (view below for details) Next Month: We are also excited to welcome Remi Newman on March 4th. As the HIV and STI Clinical Health Educator at Kaiser Permanente, she will discuss her latest book, “Hands On: Stories of Sexuality Work, Intimacy, and Healing,” offering valuable insights and stimulating conversation. We eagerly anticipate your presence at these events as we continue to cultivate a robust, supportive community together. Rainbow Connection Golden Guy Potluck, Sunday, Feb 15th | 2-5PMWe are hosting a potluck for Gay and Bi men (both cis and trans) at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center. We are bringing together our own Men’s Rainbow Connection, the Golden Guys, and the Billys for this yearly potluck (view below for details) Upcoming Events (view below for details)Senior Lesbians in Community (SLIC) at Wischemann Hall, 1st & 3rd Mon | 1:30pmLGBT+ Community Lunch: Feb 2nd & Mar 2nd | 12pmHeart Circle for Guys: Feb 2nd & Mar 2nd | 1:30pmHolding Space for All: Feb 4th & Mar 4th 2-3:20Gay & Bi guys Mixer at BREW: Feb 27th Mar 27th | 4pmGay & Bi guys Potluck at the Senior Center | Sun, Feb 15th | 2-5pm With warmth & gratitude, Scotty King (LGBT Liaison) |
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| Our LGBT+ Mission:To foster pride, connectedness, belonging, diversity and inclusion for all LGBT+ adults by providing educational, social, and recreational opportunities in the continuing pursuit of a fulfilling and healthy life. We co-create this through active volunteerism at our wide variety of in-person activities. |
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| Ways to Support UsAt the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our seniors through a variety of programs, services, and community events, including our LGBT+ activities. Some examples include our Harvest Cafe, free rides program, dozens of life-long learning programs, fitness and fall prevention programs; and so much more. In addition, we are a hub of resources for many Sonoma County families! Your generosity enables us to continue providing a welcoming and supportive environment where seniors can stay active, connected, and engaged. By donating to the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, you are helping us create a vibrant community where our seniors thrive. Your support makes a difference—thank you for being a vital part of our mission. All donations are fully tax-deductible: Tax ID: 23-7043925 If you want to direct your donation to our LGBT+ program, just put “LGBT” in the comment section when you make your gift online, in the memo on your check or if you call in your donation. Thank you for your consideration. This community keeps us going! |