Updates for LGBT Older Adults
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LGBT News for March 2016
Links and videos of interest to the mature LGBT adult are just a click away.
Lesbian Named Chief Justice
The governor of Puerto Rico has nominated Judge Maite Oronoz Rodriguez to head the U.S. territory's Supreme Court. If confirmed, she will be the first openly gay chief justice in the United States. Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla announced the nomination on February 12, calling it a "new time" for Puerto Rico's judicial branch. At 39, Oronoz Rodriguez is also the youngest member of the Puerto Rico Supreme Court. “It is time to fortify justice amid the challenges of the future. It is time for a generational change,” the governor said, adding, “I tasked this job to the youngest justice in the court…Maite Oronoz Rodríguez.”

No Wrong Door
Sometimes elders or their caregivers need help or information but they don’t know where to get it. Other times they do make a call but it’s to the “wrong” agency or program. Since 2003, the Massachusetts Aging and Disability Resource Consortia (ADRCs) have participated in a program called “No Wrong Door,” designed to connect people with the help they need wherever they call. No Wrong Door means that no matter where an elder or caregiver calls they will be directed to the “right” place for them to get help.

The mission of the Massachusetts ADRCs is to provide consumers, regardless of age, disability, or income, with access to services and information.  ADRCs offer information and referral services, Options Counseling and assistance with decision support, service planning, and consumer-directed options regarding long-term services and supports.  In Massachusetts, ADRCs address each individual’s unique needs, goals, and choices to live independent lives in the setting of their choice, no matter how old they are, how much money they have or what abilities they have... 

Show Some *#!%ing Respect
YouTube sensation DaveyWavey rants against young gay men who diss on older gay men because of their age. He reminds his peers in no uncertain terms that it is because that older gay man they are ragging on “fought and sweat and bled and marched and stood up” that the world they live in is better than the world he grew up in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDRJ8Z2_UL8
Rainbow Lunch Club
The Rainbow Lunch Club meets the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month and offers LGBTIQA seniors age 60+ a nutritious meal and an opportunity to socialize and enjoy various activities including programs and  entertainment. Advance reservations are required:508-756-1545 ext.404 or via email at wlen@eswa.org. $2.50 suggested donation for those age 60+; the fee for younger individuals is $5.50

Click here for all the details including: program, menu, directions and other important information


Questions Young Lesbians have for Older Lesbians  
A lesbian couple in their 20s who’ve been together three years find it difficult to imagine what it would be like to grow old together. They interview an older lesbian couple in a 12-year relationship, who talk about what it has been like to come out and to live together. Takeaway quotes from the older women: “If you don’t know how to be a friend, you don’t know how to be in a relationship” and “Live in your truth and turn off the voices that will condemn you.”

Watch the video here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSZwtxRezZQ#t=15
Elder Care Q&A
March 2016
Q: Should older people worry about ‘eating better’?
A: You’re never too old to start “eating better.” No matter what your age, the food choices you make daily have an impact on how you look and feel...  

Click here to read the rest of the article
Seeking Research Participants

If you:

  • currently receive home care services or have done so in the past ten years
  • are lesbian and 65 years of age or older
  • and are interested in sharing your experiences in a research study on this topic

For more information please contact: Dr. Sandy Butler, University of Maine, School of Social Work 844-641-2382 (toll free) sbutler@maine.edu

Research involves one telephone interview
(lasting 30 to 45 minutes) for which study
participants will receive $25.

Recruitment of study participants will
continue through March 31, 2016.
(University of Maine IRB Approved January 2015)

Upcoming Events
Rainbow Readers
A monthly book club dedicated to reading all things Queer and LGBTQA.

For March we bring you a new take on greek myths with "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller

Meets March 19th from 6pm-8pm

at Annie's Book Stop
65 James Street, Worcester MA
508-796-5613
 



Worcester Pride
Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Join Worcester Pride as we proudly march down Park Ave in our first ever St Patrick's Day Parade!

Sunday, March 13, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM


WLEN – Worcester LGBT Elder Network, is a joint effort of Elder Services of Worcester Area Inc.,
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging and the Worcester Senior Center.