National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day

by Pete Genco

Each year, May 16 has been designated National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day. It is a day to honor the activism and bravery of the more seasoned members of the LGBTQ+ Community. Locally, Aging with Pride (AWP) is a group that provides a variety of activities for the LGBTQ+ individuals living in NW PA. Activities include dinners, book club, game nights, movie nights, coffee hours, educational programs, and more! The AWP Legacy Project documents interviews with many of the elders in our community, often including the early days of activism for the LGBTQ+ Community.

Please join us for a Sharing Session at 2:30 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Werner Books in the Liberty Plaza. Open to all ages! What have some of the elders done or been through? Are there individuals who inspired you? Please join us even if only to listen!! If the weather is nice, we will be outside in the courtyard! For questions about the Sharing Session, please contact Pete at 814.384.9785.

About the Author

Pete Pete G (he/him) volunteers with Erie Gay News as a way to give back to the community. Now retired, he enjoys having more time to devote to local LGBTQ+ organizations and events. Pete serves as the 2026 chair of Aging With Pride Erie and is active on several of the organization's committees. He also organizes Bears Do Dinner, a monthly dinner group that has been bringing people together since 2013. Pete studied at SUNY Buffalo and the Universität Würzburg, earning BAs in German and Linguistics as well as a master's degree in Library and Information Science. He speaks German, enjoys cooking, and sells Pampered Chef products.