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Project Visibility for LGBT Elders
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A few weeks ago, I attended a Project Visibility Training (that you will have the opportunity to attend on March 15!) It was a training that really opened my eyes to the needs of LBGT Seniors.
Some compelling facts I learned are that LGBT Seniors are:
- 5 times less likely to access senior services than are heterosexual seniors.
- 4 times less likely to have children
- 2 times more likely to live alone
- These seniors are "twice-hidden" due to social discrimination on two levels: ageism and homophobia or heterosexism.
- Most elders lived during a time that homosexuality was considered a disease.
- 1-3 million Americans over 65 are lesbian, gay, bi, or trans. By 2030, over 4 million will be.
Together with Out Boulder I would like to see improvement on these issues of the LGBT elder community. We are strong supporters of Project Visibility to properly train caregivers and organizations; and we are here to help spread awareness of the current issues surrounding LGBT elders. Out Boulder is dedicated to supporting every part of the LBGT community, at any age, from every possible life experience. If there is a program you would like to see Out Boulder offer to the elder community, please contact me at jspolnik@outboulder.org or 303.499.5777.
And please take part in the next Project Visibility Training! On March 15, 8:45 am - 12:00 noon, view the award-winning "Project Visibility" film in which area LGBT elders talk about their concerns about the aging services network. Participants will gain a new understanding of the history, strengths and needs of LGBT elders; tools for open, inclusive communication; practical, problem-solving experience; an action plan of simple and necessary changes to indicate that a service or agency is safe and welcoming; and a comprehensive 48-page guidebook. "Rainbow elders" are encouraged to attend and add their life experiences to the discussion. Trainings will repeat on October 18 and Nov. 9. More info.
~Jen Spolnik, Out Boulder
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Meet Jess Markowitz!
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This week's spotlight is on Jess Markowitz, LSW. Jess is a licensed social worker practicing in Boulder and Longmont, CO and has supported the LGBTQ community through her career as a social worker, and as an Out Boulder volunteer. Most recently, Jess teamed up with Out Boulder's Pride Planning Committee to plan and promote Pride Fest 2012. "I am excited to be surrounded by all of the positive energy," she notes. "It's been great to get to know Out Boulder and everyone involved."
Jess's specific role on the Pridefest Planning Committee is working on the marketing plan. She has been a wonderful addition to the team, who we can depend on, and has great insights into the everlasting possibilities of marketing! The committee is open to any one who is interested in offering their time and dedication. The next meeting is Tuesday, March 20 at 5:30 at the Absinthe House. Jess earned her Bachelors in Psychology from Wesleyan University, and her Masters in Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work. Originally from New England, Jess moved out to Colorado to train at the Boulder Institute for Psychotherapy & Research (BIPR) and has since connected with several other local programs and agencies. Read More.
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Speaking Out Training - March 18
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With all the votes counted, and accounting for some scheduling issues, we have now selected our training date, Sunday, March 18th, from 10 AM to 3:00 PM, location TBD. There will be another date coming up so don't worry if you can't make this one. We want this bureau to have the widest range of rich stories to share with our community and this means we want you!
We hope to see you at this training, please RSVP at your earliest convenience to Mauricio.
If you have any questions or concerns, do please also email those to Mauricio by clicking on the RSVP link above.
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Lunch & Learn with Out Boulder and Lambda Legal - March 22
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Bring your lunch and get ready to hear this interesting overview of the State of Civil Unions presented by Omar Narvaéz of Lambda Legal.
12:30 - 2pm on Thursday, March 22 @ Community Foundation, 1123 Spruce Street. RSVP on Facebook!
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Join Dancin' Divas for Giddyup Kitty - April 13
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Out Boulder and Dancin' Divas Present Giddyup Kitty! Friday April 13, 6:30 - 8:30pm at Avalon Dance Hall, 6185 Arapahoe Avenue. Giddyup Kitty is a dynamite, all-women's bluegrass band, who will have you boot-scootin' and toe tappin' all night long! Two-step lessons with Olivia Travel's own dance instructor, Susie Pringle, and pre and post show dance music DJ. Cost is $10 at the door and a wine/water/soda cash bar will be available. More info.
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Men's Book Group - March 17
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Our book selection for the month of March is Hero, by Perry Moore. Join us Saturday, March 17, 5-6pm to discuss this
About Hero: The last thing in the world Thom Creed wants is to add to his father's pain, so he keeps secrets. Like that he has special powers. And that he's been asked to join the League - the very organization of superheroes that spurned his dad. But the most painful secret of all is one Thom can barely face himself: he's gay.
To survive, Thom will face challenges he never imagined. To find happiness, he'll have to come to terms with his father's past and discover the kind of hero he really wants to be.
 More info about the Men's Gook Group
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That's not all! Check out these other upcoming events in our community:
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 The following are the Pride House's regular office hours. If you need to visit us outside of these hours please contact jspolnik@outboulder.org for an appointment. Hope to see you soon!
Tue, Thu, Fri - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Wed - 12 - 4 p.m.
Sat, Sun, and Mon - by appointment
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Some of the events, views and opinions expressed in the eNewsletter are solely those of their authors and/or organizations, and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by Out Boulder. We encourage you to contact the event sponsor for more information.
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