May 16th is National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day

National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day is Friday, May 16, 2025.   Established in 2015 by Baltimore's Chase Brexton Health Services, National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day gained national recognition through social media and the numerous contributions made by LGBTQ+ seniors. There are approximately 2.7 million LGBTQ+ adults aged 50 and older in the United States.

National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by LGBTQ+ Elders in Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

In 2023, a group of Erie LGBTQ+ elders identified a need and formed Aging with Pride (AWP) to support the aging LGBTQ+ population in Erie. Initially a social organization, AWP grew to incorporate a commitment to the greater Erie community through contributions to existing organizations.

This small, but vibrant association includes former teachers, registered nurses, managers, therapists, federal employees, manufacturing employees, and carpenters.

Our members volunteer, supporting the arts and working to improve the quality of life in Erie.  AWP members volunteer in community events to support Erie's homeless population such as Blizzard of Blankets and clothes/food pantry drives. Several members assisted at Voices for Independence's No Limits Adaptive Challenge. Members participated in intergenerational game night with youth at a local counseling center. AWP has active representation on the Independent Council for Aging and on the Greater Erie Community Action Committee which allows us to support broad initiatives.

LGBTQ+ older adults are at high risk for elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation due to factors such as social isolation, solo aging, past experiences with violence, harassment, and discrimination. AWP organizes social activities: dining at local restaurants and game nights to mitigate social isolation. There have been visits to art galleries in Cleveland and Pittsburgh. The group also schedules speakers on topics such as Medicare, which are of interest to all seniors.

Efforts have resulted in establishing relationships with other LGBTQ+ senior organizations in surrounding cities to share information and plan gatherings.

Since January 2025 a strong interest in establishing an formal archive to reflect the history of LGBTQ+ life in Northwestern Pennsylvania has evolved resulting in the collection of information and sources relevant to this goal.

We are Aging with Pride and Purpose in Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Please take a moment this May 16th to consider the LGBTQ+ elders contributing to the quality of life in Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Submitted by  Aging with Pride: Aging with Pride, an organization of senior LGBT+ members and allies, develops and sponsors social/recreational and educational events to promote healthy leisure activities, community, and an active, enjoyable lifestyle.