“We’ve got our work cut out for us in 2018, but as this year draws to a close, it’s also worth acknowledging all the forward momentum we maintained in spite of this year’s many challenges. Here are 11 wins the LGBT community in the U.S. and around the world achieved in 2017—all of which call for celebration.” (Kristina Marusic, Logo NEWNOWNEXT, 12/19/17)

Read the article here

“LGBT older adults, like many older Americans in the United States, rely on a network of service providers as they age–for community programming and congregate meals, for health care, and for housing ranging from independent living to skilled nursing. Research finds that a majority of these services are offered by religiously affiliated organizations. While many of these religiously affiliated facilities provide quality care for millions of older adults, there is a coordinated effort to pass religious exemption laws, issue executive orders and agency guidance, and to litigate court cases to allow individuals, businesses, and even government contractors and grantees to use religion to discriminate. These laws are particularly worrisome for LGBT elders. Religious exemption laws jeopardize the security and safety of LGBT older adults at a time when they are most vulnerable and most in need." (“Dignity Denied: Religious Exemptions and LGBT Elder Services,” Movement Advancement Project, 12/5/17)

Read the article here

The Rainbow Lunch Club meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at noon . This month lunch is served on January 10th and 24th.

The Rainbow Supper Club meets this month on Tuesday January 2nd, supper is served at 6:00pm.

 

Both the Rainbow Lunch and Supper Clubs are held at the  Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden Street, Worcester, MA.

 

The suggested meal donation for people 60+ is $2.50. Guests under 60 pay $5.50.

Reservations are due a week before the meal.

Links to complete results and executive summaries (in English & Spanish), reports on the experiences of people of color, as well as additional breakout reports, including reports on trans people in the military and state-by-state reports.

Read the document here

“A special issue of LGBT Health includes the latest research, clinical practice innovations, and policy aimed at addressing disparities and enhancing healthcare for older LGBT populations. A collection of informative and insightful articles that contribute to the understanding of factors that affect the health of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans is published in LGBT Health, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The special issue is available free on the LGBT Health website.” (News Medical, 12/18/17).

Read the article here

The Rainbow Lunch/Supper is closed if the Nutrition Program is cancelled because of inclement weather (e.g. snow or icy conditions.) The cancellation will be announced as "Elder Services of Worcester Meals on Wheels and Dining Centers are closed" on WCRN 830 AM, WTAG 580 AM, WSRS 96.1 FM and WXLO 104.5 FM radio stations. Cancellations are also posted on Boston WHDH television channel 7.

 

You may also call the Nutrition Office at (508) 852-3205 after 8:00 a.m. for cancellation information.

 

Cancellation information is also posted on www.eswa.org by 9:00 am

Rainbow Readers

A monthly book club dedicated to reading all things Queer and LGBTQA at Annie's Book Stop 65 James Street, Worcester MA 508-796-5613 

Please RSVP on the Rainbow Readers Facebook Event page here

For more information please email: RainbowReadersMass@gmail.com

LGBTQI Meetup for Central Mass

The purpose of this Meetup group is to help create a vibrant LGBTQI+ community throughout Central Massachusetts. Check this page out for LBGTQI+ friendly events in our area! 

LGBTQI+ Meetup for Central MA