LGBTQ+ Elders and Affirming Community Program on September 20

On September 20, approximately 70 people attended a workshop on the topic of "LGBTQ+ Elders and Affirming Community: A Film and Conversation for Erie's Future." The program was held at the Tom Ridge Environment Center and was sponsored by the LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation, UPMC Western Behavioral Health, UPMC Health Plan, Mercyhurst University, Stairways Behavioral Health, Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC), and Saint Mary's Home of Erie.

There were three learning objectives: Define at least three DEI issues facing older LGBTQ+ individuals, Identify three resources to promote safe and successful aging for the LGBTQ+ community, and to Describe at least two paths for advocacy to promote an inclusive and affirming community for LGBTQ+ elders.

After viewing the film Gen Silent about aging and being gay, participants heard from a panel that provided locally focused remarks and answered questions from the audience. Moderated by Chuck Scalise, Chair of the LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation, the panel included Sheila Ardery, a native of Erie who now resides in Boston and has had a very successful career in Housing issues, Dianne Cunningham, President/Owner of Home Instead in Erie, Allen Bonace, President & CEO of Saint Mary's Home of Erie, and Ray Maholtz, Deputy Director of the Erie County Area Agency on Aging.

This is the second of a planned series of educational programs planned by the LGBT Funds of the Erie Community Foundation.