August 2026 Newsletter
The August fires have really dominated the thoughts and actions of so many of us. We live with the anticipation of evacuation alerts, effects of smoke on our health, and worry about the plight of friends and family in the region. It has been, and most likely, will remain, a difficult period in the Inland Northwest. Coupled with the recent attack in Spokane of a trans man, it is quite a challenge for us as queer seniors to manage the pervasive anxiety that only seems to get stronger.
We as a group have no hard services to offer - those support services have to be found elsewhere. But we do have some really great medicine - each other. We are a social group. The number one issue for seniors, queer especially, is isolation. We are a social group that welcomes any older identifying member of the rainbow tribe to our times together. It is that connection which makes us stronger, and the burden of the time a bit lighter. Whether you attend the zoom calls, or the potluck, or Taco Tuesday, lunch OUT on the town, coffee and conversation, or just get a bit of relief knowing we are present, we want you to know that you are not alone. And, you are valued.
On the silver lining front, thankfully those of our group who were evacuated are back home, safe and sound.
More good news, many of us were on hand at Garfield Pride in August to soak up the fabulousness and spread our word
Our August zoom speaker was Jenn Knight, Outreach Coordinator for Outstanding Life, an online LGBTQ+ national support group. Many attendees have subsequently joined her group's mailing list. It was a very interesting presentation. Their contact information can be found in the resources page of our website.
Christine attended a webinar, Transforming Choices, conducted by Dr. Lauren Catlett. Dr, Catlett is a faculty member of the University of Virginia School of Nursing. Her talk explored the issues older adults face in the health care system. She also examined resources to support trans adults. Christine found the seminar informative and well presented. The webinar can be viewed here at www.youtube.com/@CarolinaAging. Christine will be available to share more at the Coffee and Conversation hour at Spectrum Center.
Please join us for our third Friday zoom speaker. This month's speaker, Sarah Harmon, supervising attorney at the Lincoln LGBTQ+ Rights Clinic, will join us again with some of her students. She will talk about the current legal issues for queer citizens and respond to questions.
Hopefully, September brings some relief. It definitely brings opportunities to gather.
September schedule of events:
September 1, Tuesday: Taco Tuesday, noon.
September 12, Saturday: Potluck, noon.
September 17, Thursday: Coffee and Conversation, 10 am – noon.
September 18, Friday: Zoom speaker, 4 pm with Sarah Harmon, attorney
September 23, Wednesday: Lunch-OUT-on-the-Town, noon.
September 26, Saturday: Steering Committee Retreat, 9 am- 2 pm. If you have topics you would like addressed, please email us here, or talk to one of folks on the committee.
Every Friday: Zoom check in at 4pm.
So, it might be a good time to review your homeowners or renters’ insurance policy, your exit plan if you need to leave, and what you would take with you.
Enjoy the End of Summer!