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As we celebrate Pride Month, we put a spotlight on equality, protecting human rights, understanding, acceptance and increased visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals. Like all celebrations, Pride Month has a history, one that older adults may not be familiar with. Before we ask for understanding and acceptance from our mom, dad, grandparent, or any senior in our lives, we first need to create a space for discussion, learning and growth.

Want to learn more about the importance of discussing Pride and other LGBTQ+ issues with seniors? We encourage you to watch the webinar, Pride: Love is Love, presented by Northbridge Vice President of Engagement and Memory Care Services, Kelly McCarthy, and Stonebridge at Burlington Senior Resident Engagement Director, George Silvia.

You can also read our blog, Love is Love: Creating Conversations, Building Understanding, Strengthening Community & Celebrating Pride. This blog takes a deeper dive into the Pride: Love is Love presentation, exploring the guiding principles behind the discussion, key takeaways for attendees, and reflections on what has been shared during Pride presentations across Northbridge communities.

Here are six tips for facilitating conversations about the LGBTQ+ community with a senior in your life:

1. Make it relatable
   One topic that may help make the LGBTQ+ experience more relatable is ageism. Ask if they have ever been denied an opportunity because of their age. Were they ever encouraged to retire early or told they lacked the skills to continue working? Invite them to share their own experiences before drawing similarities to discrimination that members of the LGBTQ+ community may have faced.
2. Focus on love
   Keep the conversation positive. Focus on equality, the importance of protecting everyone’s human rights, and the freedom to love who you choose.
3. Give it time
   Understanding takes time and will most likely require multiple conversations. Start with acknowledgement, but remember there is a difference between acknowledgement and understanding. One discussion may open the door, but continued conversations help build understanding.
4. Share personal experiences
   Once you’ve created a safe space for discussion, talk about real-life experiences. Does your loved one have friends, family members, children or grandchildren who are part of the LGBTQ+ community? Allow them to share their journeys, and if they’re comfortable, consider inviting them to be part of the conversation.
5. Celebrate growth
   Remember that everyone’s understanding of the topic will be different, so growth will look different, too. This may be a brand-new concept for one person while someone else has already spent years learning or being involved in the community. No matter where the journey begins, celebrate the growth and understanding that develops along the way.
6. Lead with respect
   This is a deeply personal subject, so it’s important to establish ground rules for the conversation. Respect all opinions and personal stories that are shared. The goal is to create a safe, open environment where questions are welcomed and conversations remain respectful.

If you don’t feel comfortable leading a discussion like this, ask if there is someone in your family or friend group who would be. Involving someone with personal experience can provide a more authentic perspective and often leads to greater understanding. If you know someone who is willing to share their story, let them. Sometimes the most powerful way to explain the importance of being able to love who you choose is through a love story, something your loved one can easily relate to.

Click here to watch our Pride presentation: Pride: Love is Love.

How Does Northbridge Celebrate Pride?

Throughout the month of June, we encourage all Northbridge communities to host Pride events and celebrations. Many communities begin with an educational presentation or conversation, followed by a community celebration.

This year, George Silvia, Senior Resident Engagement Director at Stonebridge at Burlington, traveled to 15 Northbridge communities across New England to present Pride: Love is Love to residents, associates, families and friends, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and greater understanding.

Our community, Stafford Hill, also hosted an LGBTQ+ art show featuring the work of a resident who was one of the first openly gay cartoonists.

Every Northbridge community proudly displays the Pride flag to ensure that everyone who lives, works or visits our communities knows they are entering a place of understanding, inclusivity and acceptance. Click here to read our blog, The Pride Flag and Its Meaning – Hope Comes in Many Colors, to learn more about the history and meaning behind the Pride flag.

At Northbridge communities throughout New England, we’re committed to creating welcoming environments where residents, families, associates and visitors feel comfortable being themselves. We hope this post helps encourage meaningful conversations, greater understanding and a stronger sense of community.