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LGBTQ2S+ seniors invited to open house in Abbotsford

Event on Thursday, June 8 at recreation centre is part of BC Seniors Week
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An open house for LGBTQ2S+ seniors takes place June 8 in Abbotsford. (Stock photo from Unsplash)

The Senior Services department at Archway Community Services and Qmunity host an open house on Thursday, June 8 for LGBTQ2S+ individuals over 55 as well as friends, family and allies.

The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Abbotsford Recreation Centre, 2499 McMillan Rd. Visitors can enter to win door prizes and tour the Seniors Activity Centre.

The community is invited to drop in, socialize and have conversations with local businesses, organizations and community members sharing information and resources.

Organizers hope to create spaces for the senior LGBTQ2S+ community to gather and will be seeking input into what kind of social events and gatherings to hold in the future.

“This open house is just the beginning of what we hope to offer,” said Karen Kenny, who is part of the Archway Senior Services team who helped secure funding for the event from United Way BC.

“The older adults of the LGBTQ2S+ community need to see themselves reflected in their community. Providing space is essential to making this happen.”

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Ron, one of the organizing committee members, said he often has to travel to Mission, Chilliwack or further to find gathering spaces for like-minded seniors.

“I just want to be able to do something here within my community instead of having to go elsewhere,” he said, especially after losing his partner of 27 years.

This is the first event that has been specifically designed for LGBTQ2S+ seniors as part of BC Seniors Week events in Abbotsford.

“Not only is this a historic first for our seniors, but it also allows local LGBTQ2S+ youth to see themselves reflected as living and aging in our community,” Kenny said.

Visit Archway.ca/QSeniors for more information, including the organizations that will be present.

The Archway Senior Services Department provides relationship-building, advocacy, and programs. Qmunity is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives through services, connection and leadership.