Rainbow Connections

LGBT Volunteer Program

     The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Programs sends thanks to all those who responded to our survey request. We appreciate your time and use your feedback to shape our programs and services.

     Our volunteer survey confirmed the need for providing LGBT or ally volunteer matches to LGBT older adults (60+) in our community to create connection and combat social isolation, so we are planning a Pilot Program according to the following schedule:

• March-Recruitment
• April-Training
• May-Matching
• June-Kick-Off!

     If you are interested in either volunteering or being matched with a volunteer during the pilot phase, please contact Michael Chifalo at mchifalo@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-4518 by March 31.

LGBT Support Group for Caregivers providing care to those with Alzheimer's or Dementia

The AAA is looking to partner with our local Alzheimer’s Association chapter to offer a caregiving support group to the LGBT community. This support group would be for those who are caregivers—whether in their home, long distance, or for a loved one in a long-term care community—who identify as LGBT, are caring for someone who identifies as LGBT, or allies of the community. Caregiving support groups are a meaningful way to connect with other people who have similar experiences and struggles, and enable those who are “in the trenches” of caregiving to share stories and ideas with one another. Oftentimes those in the LGBT community face different obstacles, and we are hoping to build a community of folks who can share and understand together. If you are interested in participating in such a group, or know someone who may benefit, please contact Michael Chifalo at mchifalo@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-4518.

March Coffee Klatch

Medicare Basics 

Our Coffee Klatch is taking a different shape and form for 2019! Instead of meeting at the same place multiple times per year, we are taking the Klatch on the road with a year-long series of topics with rotating times and locations. Our Winter series, continues with Medicare Basics presented by AAA Medicare Counselor (and Rainbow Elder!), Maggie Benton on March 19 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Longmont Senior Center at 910 Longs Peak Avenue. Please join us for a discussion about Medicare, followed by a Q & A session where your questions will be answered. For more information, contact Michael Chifalo.

Join me for a free lunch & learn about the resources available through the AAA for Boulder County older adults on Saturday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Longmont Out Boulder County office, 630 Main Street. Lunch will be served. This is a free event but pre-registration is required. To RSVP, please email next50@outboulder.org.

Project Visibility Training Webinar

March 7

10 - 11:30 a.m.

The goal of Project Visibility is to co-create an aging services community that is informed of, sensitive to, and supportive of LGBT elders. The course reviews history and terms, and teaches skills we hope will open the hearts and minds of those caring for this often invisible population. Attend in person at 225 E. 16th Avenue, Suite 1100, Denver 80203 or by webinar at https://www.cohca.org/events/calendar/?ill_calendar_event_id=4432.

Colorado Senior Lobby's Senior Day at the Capitol

March 13

8 a.m - 12:30 p.m.

Scottish Rite Masonic Center

1370 Grant Street

Denver, 80203

Meet legislators, elected officials and the day's sponsors while you learn about what legislation will impact older Coloradans in the coming years. For additional details, click here. Purchase your $10 ticket here. Rainbow Elders who want to carpool together from Boulder County, can contact Michael Chifalo for more information. 

LGBTQ Lobby Day

One Colorado's annual LGBTQ Lobby Day held on Feb. 13 gathered folks together to learn about the important legislation for which they are lobbying. The day began with information about two bills:  HB19-1039 Identity Documents for Transgender Persons and HB19-1129 Conversion Therapy. Then participants were taught how to share their stories before breaking into smaller lobbying teams who actually met with their elected officials. What an empowering experience it was to lobby for our causes directly to our own legislators! To stay updated on the above-mentioned bills, please click on their links. For more information about One Colorado, please visit here.

LGBTQ+ Intentional Residential Community

Many Rainbow Elders are aware that a group has taken the first steps to create an intentional living community that will grow over time. The group is excited to announce that the first of five new condominium buildings is complete. One large two-bedroom, accessible condominium is available for rent immediately! Though most in the initial group are age 55+, the intentional living concept is open to all ages. Those in the first building will finish moving in over the next few weeks and once settled will host a gathering for interested people who want to take a look. If you know anyone who may be interested in renting, please share this information and contact Elisabeth Borden at elisabethborden@gmail.com.