From Gray to Rainbow
Creating welcoming environments to grow old together
The "From Gray to Rainbow" project aims to reduce isolation among Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (2SLGBTQ+) older adults, raise awareness and foster welcoming environments among private senior residences around the inclusion of diversity and create a multigenerational and supportive community within the Estrie region.
To achieve this goal, we will develop educational tools to raise awareness and offer various workshops which will be adapted to the interests of the participating elders, in collaboration with PSRs and their living environment committees. It is through this project that the online networking platform for 2SLGBTQ+* elders came about, the Rainbow Seniors Network.
*The “+” symbol is used to encompass all individuals within the sexual and gender diversity not specifically listed in the acronym.
From Gray to Rainbow is a project created by the members of GRIS Estrie’s elders committee, in partnership with the City of Sherbrooke, DIRA-Estrie and the Research Chair on Mistreatment of Older Adults. With financial support from the Government of Québec as part of the program Québec ami des aînés.
As part of From Gray to Rainbow, we offer
Programming full of dynamic and interactive activities for your PSR or other spaces for senior people (coffee and discussion, workshop, dinner and presentation).
- An interactive and dynamic workshop entitled “Back in my days, we didn’t have that.”
- A participatory workshop focused on the intergenerational challenges related to diversity within the family, entitled “My granddaughter introduced me to her girlfriend.”
Support for PSR’s residence committee members (or living environment committee) in the implementation of a rainbow component to support the care and inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ residents.
The Rainbow Seniors Network, a virtual platform created for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (2SLGBTQ+) elders, seniors and older adults in the Estrie region.
Any of these activities spark your interest? Contact us to book a meeting!
To join the project managers :
GRIS Estrie: : GRIS Estrie is a nonprofit community organization aiming to demystify sexual orientations and gender identities through testimonies. Our mission is to foster a better understanding of sexual and gender diversity and to promote the integration of LGBT+ people in society.
GRIS Estrie is currently looking for people aged 55 and over who would like to get involved as volunteers in the organization.
Here are a few ways to get involved
- Joining a committee
- Becoming a volunteer taxi
- Sharing your lived experience
- Writing in our newsletter
- And more!
