SAGE of the Rockies
Welcome to SAGE of the Rockies!
The Center is proud to recognize and affirm that our community is made up of a wonderful diversity of LGBT people of all ages. Understanding that folks have different interests, strengths, needs, relationships and resources as they get older, The Center offers programming designed especially for people over 50.
Click on the SAGE Calendar of Events page link on your left for a complete listing of programs.
Establishing SAGE of the Rockies
Over the past decade, an active and committed group of advocates has drawn increasing attention to the often neglected issues of growing old as a gay man, a lesbian, a bisexual or a transgendered person. Gay and Gray in the West was an organization begun very informally that eventually produced three significant conferences in Denver that helped to articulate these issues locally, and that ultimately led to the creation of a full-fledged program at The Center.
In 2009, The Center became an affiliate of SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to the older members of the LGBT community, and our program was officially named SAGE of the Rockies. Our program embodies the principles and values of SAGE as reflected in all we have to offer.
Services:
The services offered through SAGE of the Rockies include a variety of exciting, educational, and helpful ways to get involved as an older LGBT adult. Whether planning for the future (housing, finances, legal issues, health care), having a good time (social events, intergenerational opportunities, travel), or finding help when you need it (caregiver support groups, referrals to safe and quality community services, educational presentations), SAGE of the Rockies is here for you.
Advocacy:
We know from experience that when we come together and speak as a united voice, we can make things happen to negate the effects of ageism and homophobia. We are a whole generation of change-makers (the 60’s, Stonewall, LGBT Pride, response to HIV/AIDS) and we haven’t stopped yet. Now we have new fronts needing our attention, like safe places to live and receive care, affordable housing, laws that protect against discrimination and harm, and being treated equally with other older (and married) people when it comes to benefits and service eligibility. SAGE of the Rockies gives us that voice.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender:
This is who we are…all of the above…and we’re proud to be a community that is not afraid to affirm and include. The Center offers a place where we come together, without having to explain ourselves, accepted as we are, and valued. No questions asked. SAGE of the Rockies welcomes you.
Elders:
Yes…elders! While the word may have different (and sometimes unpleasant) meanings for different people, we want to give it the honor and status it rightly deserves. In many cultures, to be an “elder” carries the highest level of respect, earned only through the experiences and learning of a lifetime. Ageism has no place at SAGE of the Rockies. We are proud to be LONG-TIME members of our GLBT community, and we intend to remain so. We agree with the creed of OLOC members (Old Lesbians Organizing for Change) as stated on their national web site and worth quoting here:
“Why We Call Ourselves Old”
Society calls us Old behind our backs while calling us “Older” to our faces. “Old” has become a term of insult and shame. To be “Old” means to be ignored and scorned, to be made invisible and expendable. We refute the lie that it is shameful to be an “Old” woman. We name ourselves “Old Lesbians” because we will no longer accommodate ourselves to language that implies in any way that “Old” means inferior. We call ourselves OLD with pride. In doing so, we challenge the stereotypes directly. Thus, we empower and change ourselves, each other, and the world.”
SAGE of the Rockies offers all members of the LGBT community the opportunity to celebrate aging, with pride, connection, and dignity. We will be visible, we will be heard, and we will make a difference for each other and our community. Stay in touch and get involved.
Our work will revolve around eight core questions that came out of the first regional SAGE of the Rockies conference on LGBT aging in October 2010:
o Where will I live? (housing)
o Who will care for me? (competent care)
o Will I count? (equality)
o How will I stay healthy? (health and wellness)
o Who will be my friends and lovers? (social relationships)
o How will I pay for what I want and need? (finances)
o How will I protect myself from loss and harm? (legal)
o What is my purpose as a GLBT elder? (spiritual)
For specific program information, please click here to see our SAGE of the Rockies monthly calendar of events.
Additional community connections and meetings for SAGE constituents
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meets the 1st Thursday of each month at Montview Presbyterian Church @ Montview and Dahlia.
Support groups begin at 6:30 p.m. with educational meeting at 7:30p.m.
Women-centered organizations for SAGErs:
Older Lesbians Organizing for Change - angelas323@msn.com
Denver Flamingo Girls (social dining group 50+) - denverflamingos@earthlink.com
Golden Girls - goldengirls@earthlink.com
Salon - trishbang@aol.com
Women’s Group - mountaingypsy@hotmail.com
Babes Around Denver - http://www.babesarounddenver.com
Denver Women’s Chorus - www.rmarts.org
Men-centered organizations for SAGErs:
Prime Timers - 303-331-2458 - www.coloradoprimetimers.com
EMBRACE - 303-997-2818 - www.embracedenver.org
Element - 720-382-5900 ext 16 - www.thedenverelement.com
Denver Gay Men’s Chorus - www.rmarts.org