Updates for LGBT Older Adults
Stay in the Loop 
LGBT News for August 2016
Links and videos of interest to the mature LGBT adult are just a click away.
Introducing
The Rainbow Supper Club
Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, October 4, WLEN will begin offering a monthly evening meal for LGBT older adults, in addition to the two lunches the Rainbow Lunch Club offers every month. The Rainbow Supper Club will meet on the first Tuesday of every month. It joins the lunches on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.

The Nutrition Program of Elder Services of Worcester Area provides the meals, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester at 90 Holden Street has generously allowed us to use their kitchen and hall for a third monthly meal.

Donations for people 60+ are $2.50. Guest under 60 pay $5.50. Reservations are due a week before the meal. Check our Web site for more details.

If you have been unable to join us for lunch because you work, this supper is for you. Joan and Ben and our many volunteers are looking forward to serving new diners as well as our current lunch crowd.


‘Seniors Give Gay Advice!’
Popular gay vlogger Davey Wavey assembled a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seniors to discuss their own experiences growing up as queer people, as well as how the world has changed since they were younger, in this short YouTube video. While each subject featured in the video offered his or her own contribution, one woman completely stole our hearts with what she had to say: “I would say the same thing to all of us: that our queerness, that thing that sets us apart that can cause us to feel unwanted, unloved, rejected and alone in the world is a gift. Be brave. The journey is just beginning.”


LBT Women’s Sexual Health Info
“As we grow older as lesbian, bisexual and trans women, information about sexual health and sexuality can be hard to come by. Since we’re in the crosshairs of our culture’s ageism, homophobia and inability to accept gender fluidity, there’s a dearth of information and other resources to meet our particular needs.” Philadelphia Gay News

Read the rest of the article here




No One Will Care for LGBT Boomers But Themselves

“You can’t control getting older, but you can influence the quality of life.” David Rae, financial planner.




Justice in Aging
Health Network Alert
LGBT people need to be aware of recent developments that change how Medicare and Medicaid work for them. First, the Supreme Court’s legalization of same sex marriage in all states changed how Medicare and Medicaid evaluate the eligibility of same sex spouses for both programs. Depending on the program and the individual’s circumstances, the changes can be positive or negative.  Additionally, Medicare has begun covering Gender Reassignment Surgery and issued new rules that protect transgender older adults from sex discrimination in healthcare.

Three new fact sheets can help consumers learn how these changes may affect them, whether they are LGBT individuals married to someone of the same sex, or transgender individuals needing to access health care. These fact sheets were produced in partnership with SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender Elders), the SHIP National Network (State Health Insurance Assistance Programs), and Administration for Community Living (ACL).

The three fact sheets are: Direct service advocates are encouraged to share these resources widely with the individuals they serve.  
When Everyone Can Be Queer Is Anyone?
“The speed with which modern society has adapted to accommodate the world’s vast spectrum of gender and sexual identities may be the most important cultural metamorphosis of our time.” (First Words, Jenna Wortham,  New York Times Magazine, JULY 12, 2016)



Elder Care Q&A, August 2016 Should I Buy Prescriptions Online?
Q: Are online Canadian pharmacies offering cheap drugs for real?

A: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is very clear: “If you cannot confirm that an online pharmacy is licensed in the United States, you should not use that online pharmacy.” The FDA has no jurisdiction over prescription medication from other countries, and can’t guarantee the safety or effectiveness of those medications. Only 3% of online pharmacies reviewed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy are in compliance with U.S. pharmacy laws and practice standards....

Upcoming Events
Worcester Pride
LGBTQIA,Parade, Entertainment, Vendors

Saturday, September 10, 2016
For more information visit website here


Ongoing  

Rainbow Readers
A monthly book club dedicated to reading all things Queer and LGBTQA.Augusts' book  is " Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by KJ Charles " Copies will be in the store closer to the date!

August 13th, 6:00pm -8:00pm 
at Annie's Book Stop
65 James Street, Worcester MA
508-796-5613


For more information please email: RainbowReadersMass@gmail.com


Canal District Art Walk
Every 3rd Tuesday, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Meet at 50 Water Street, rain or shine. Stroll Worcester’s historic Water Street to see artists displaying their art in various venues. Click here for more information.


Worcester Wellness Walks
Bring water and comfortable shoes for all walks and insect protection and sunscreen for outdoor walks.
  • Edward M. Kennedy Center, Mondays at 10:30 am, outside, meet at center, 19 Tacoma Street.
  • Elm Park, Wednesdays at 4:30pm, outside, meet at tables near playgrounds.
  • Atrium at St. Vincent Hospital, Wednesdays at 4:30pm, inside.

Local Food Trucks on the Common
11:00am - 2:00 pm
Every Thursday on the Worcester Common

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.
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