Support group provides safe space for older members of LGBTQ community
June is Pride Month, and the spotlight is on the contributions made by the LGBTQ community in Pennsylvania.
"Welcome everybody to our Silver Triangle meeting," is the warm greeting that starts the bi-monthly meetings at the Rainbow Rose Center in York County.
"I'd love to talk about how our generation has impacted the LGBT community," one member shared.
The group provides a safe space for individuals who have spent most of their lives unable to openly discuss their unique experiences.
"I only came out three years ago, so I spent 64 years hiding in the closet," member Randy said.
Silver Triangle is specifically tailored to members of the LGBTQ community who are 55 and older.
"Finding this was huge for me because mentally, I'm better. Yeah, a lot less stress on my brain," Randy said.
"Yes, there is what we see as negativity in the backlash, but it's because there's so much good happening," Steph said.
The group, which started in February, serves as a sounding board for out seniors. This includes those who can't physically attend the meetings.
"There's a much more accepting place in the gay community for trans people now," Everest said.
The meetings sometimes feature guest speakers, but more often, they are a platform for open conversation.
"There's usually a commonality when you make a friend. And to make a friend that also has the commonality of being in the LGBT community is just another way in which to connect," said Jenn PageWise, with the Rainbow Rose Center.
This sense of belonging is something many members didn't have when they were younger. At that time, resources like this for the gay community didn't exist.
Now, they're enjoying it.
The center also offers other support groups for teens, families and people living with HIV.