Social Imperatives for Pride Organizers to Support LGBTQ Seniors
Workshop Session 1
Friday, March 4th, 10:45 am
Presented by Jason Flatt, & Judy Bowenwiener
Overview:
Since the first PRIDE march in 1970, community has come together for Pride parades, marches, and festivals where we celebrate, protest, and connect. But for LGBTQIA+ seniors, it can seem as if PRIDE celebrations have passed them by. especially with the crowds, the heat, the lack of seating, shade, and access to bathrooms as well as less obvious barriers. This session will involve a presentation on why it is important to engage LGBTQIA+ seniors as well as a discussion with an advocate from Stonewall generation about ways to make your PRIDE celebrations welcoming and more age friendly. The workshop will begin with a brief presentation about why and how to make your PRIDE celebrations more age-friendly and welcoming for LGBTQIA+ seniors. Then we will hold a discussion with Judy Bowenwiener, is a 77-year-old self-proclaimed “Equality-For-All activist.” Judy lived on Christopher Street at the time of the Stonewall Riots, and she marched with the Gay Activists Alliance in the first PRIDE March.
About Jason Flatt:
Jason D. Flatt, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Health. Jason’s current research works to better understand concerns of diverse older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and their families. He also teaches courses on community based participatory research and social and behavioral health theory. Jason’s research is funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging; American Federation for Aging Research; and The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Jason is also working with several community leaders here in Las Vegas to create Building H.O.U.S.E. Las Vegas, a group dedicated to organizing and creating affordable and welcoming housing for LGBTQIA+ community. Jason’s work has been featured in the NPR, U.S. News and World Report, The Advocate, Newsweek, as well as at the Alzheimer’s Association. Learn more about Jason’s research at www.RainbowsofAging.org
About Judy Bowenwiener:
Judy Bowenwiener is a 77-year-old self-proclaimed “Equality-For-All activist.” She lived on Christopher Street at the time of the Stonewall Riots, and she marched with the Gay Activists Alliance in the early Christopher Street Liberation Day Marches. She is currently a member of The Center in Las Vegas, an LGBTQIA+ support organization. She is active in creating housing for those in need, and fighting against prejudice and hate. For instance, she is leading efforts to create housing for LGBTQIA+ adults, fundraising for the community, and developing new programs and services for underserved groups in Las Vegas, NV.
