The 411 Seniors Centre Celebrates LGTB
Seniors (Aug-Sep 2004)
The 411 Seniors Centre made history in 2003 as British Columbia’s, and
possibly all of Canada’s, first seniors’ centre to openly celebrate lesbian,
gay, transgendered and bisexual (LGTB) seniors. On
July 28, the 411 Seniors Centre proudly carried on that tradition with its
second annual Aging With Pride celebration. The celebration included keynote speakers,
entertainment and fantastic food. In
addition to this celebration, the 411 also took part in the Pride Parade in
Vancouver, and had a booth at the Pride Festival on Sunset Beach.
“It is extremely important for organizations serving seniors, as well
as for the younger generations of LGTB people to recognize and celebrate LGTB
elders” encouraged Margaret Coates, Executive Director, 411 Seniors Centre.
“That today’s LGTB community is able to openly celebrate Pride is due largely
to the efforts of this older generation of women and men, who pushed for the
recognition and equality of people of all orientations and gender identities.
We would like to encourage individuals and organizations everywhere to join us
in honouring them during Pride Week,” continued Ms.
Coates.
This year marks the fourth year
of the 411 Seniors Centre Society’s partnership with The Centre (an
organization that serves and supports Vancouver’s LGTB communities) and Family
Services of Greater Vancouver in the LGTB Generations Project. The LGTB
Generations Project is designed to address the unique needs and culture of
aging and older LGTB people. Through the
Project, the 411 Seniors Centre has undergone an intense and exciting
organizational overhaul with the intent of making the organization more
welcoming to LGTB seniors. This process
of change is being developed into a tangible model that can be shared with
other senior-serving organizations everywhere.
“In my twenty years of human
services work, I have never observed greater pride than that exhibited by
members, volunteers and staff over being part of such a dynamic organization as
the 411 Seniors Centre,” declared Susan Sorrell, LGTB Coordinator, 411 Seniors
Centre. “Part of this pride is most
certainly about 411’s courage, innovation and leadership in ‘blazing new
trails’ for seniors and senior-serving organizations. I am proud to be part of such a wonderul organization,” continued Ms. Sorrell.
Some examples of the “trails being blazed” toward encouraging LGTB inclusivity at the 411 include: constitution and by-law
changes; education and sensitivity workshops for board members, staff and
volunteers; hiring of an LGTB Coordinator; establishing an annual Pride Day
celebration during Pride Week; displaying of the rainbow flag and LGTB posters
in the lobby and other key locations throughout the building; updating print materials
to ensure inclusive language; providing special training for Information and
Referral Counsellors who deal with clients one on
one; examining current programs and services to ensure inclusivity;
and hosting unique LGTB events.
Recent accolades to the 411 for its groundbreaking work include
receiving the 2003 Cultural Harmony Award from the City of Vancouver, and being
profiled on CityTV’s CityHeroes.
The LGTB Generations Project itself has been praised by Shari Brotman, a leading researcher in the field of LGTB seniors,
as “the most comprehensive and innovative program for LGTB seniors in the
country.”
~Tammy Wang