Cleveland, Erie, and Pittsburgh LGBTQ Seniors Meet for the First Time

On Friday, Nov. 14th, members of Aging with Pride Erie, Older Wiser Leaders (OWLS) of the Persad Center, Pittsburgh, and Rainbow Pioneers from the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland met for the first time to get to know each other, discuss mutual concerns, and plan for the future. Hosted by the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, approximately 30 people came together for discussions, lunch, and a wonderful afternoon spent at the Cleveland Art Museum. Everyone agreed that there should be more collaborative planning in the future as people discussed issues facing older LGBT individuals in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.

Founded in 1975, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland (https://lgbtcleveland.org) is located in a beautiful, modern building and offers services to all members of all ages of the LGBTQ community in Greater Cleveland. While there, members of Aging with Pride participated in a Tai Chi class, visited an on-site medical clinic, viewed a youth art show, saw a small computer lab, and had a delicious lunch provided free of charge.

About the Author

Blane Dessy

Blane Dessy (He/his/him) Being part of a community is very important and helping to build that community is equally important. I volunteer because it's important to contribute to efforts that support others and that build an environment where everyone can be successful. I also volunteer with Hagen History Center, Sarah R. Children's Center, Burleigh Legacy Alliance, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and NWPA Poetry. I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania for my undergraduate degree and received my master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. I recently received an advanced certificate (post-master's) in Archival Studies from PennWest University. I have also volunteered with the Erie Community Foundation LGBT Funds. I'm a voracious reader and buy far too many books.