July 2026 Newsletter

Hello Everygaybody - Summer is here, we're still queer, and oh my, what a PRIDE month we had.

About a dozen of us were at the Coeur d'Alene Pride in the Park on a cold blustery early June Saturday. We played the “old" card and struck the tent early afternoon, retreating to a warm abode for pulled pork and fixings. Despite the glum anti-LGBTQ laws emanating from Idaho politicians, the event was well attended and festive.

Spokane Pride was yet again blessed with our presence the following week - between the parade and our booth, it made for a very long weekend. Kudos to Hannah, Rich, Marney and many others for donating their time and energy representing our community.

A couple of us showed up at the Creston, British Columbia PrideFest on the last Saturday of June. It's great to see a small town put on a family-friendly event despite the ongoing challenges of producing such a gathering. Big Shoutout to Matthew and his crew from Spokane Pride for showing up with their sound system and positive energy to support the day.

Our ongoing Taco Tuesday, Lunch-OUT-on-the-Town, and Coffee & Conversation continue to provide safe elder queer space for us to commune and support - check out the calendar for times in July. All are welcome at these no-host events. We did not have a potluck in June, due to other Pride events, but we will meet again the second Saturday of the month in July.

Your Steering Committee meets the last Thursday of the month. In our June meeting we debriefed and reviewed our participation in the Coeur d'Alene and Spokane Pride festivals. There are too few of us interested in taking turns at a booth during Spokane Pride. We will be soliciting additional volunteers in spring, or we may just walk or ride in the parade. In other committee news, we have some interesting possibilities for speakers on our third Friday zoom calls. Stay tuned! Currently, the Steering Committee is comprised of Cam, Marney, Deena, Hannah, Gianni, Christine, Ken, Rich, Doug, and Dale.

Be aware that there are a slew of anti LGBTQ+ laws pending or about to be implemented, at the local, state and national level that can directly affect your life and well-being. As an example, there is a "bathroom" law in Idaho that prohibits individuals from using a public bathroom other than for the gender assigned at birth. The law is scheduled to take effect July 1, although there are lawsuits filed, and it is possible that there will be a delay of enactment. The situation is murky. We will try to have a lawyer speak to us this fall about many of the situations unfolding.

Our third Friday zoom speaker for July is Dr. Pam Kohlmeier, a local Pride and Trans advocate. Dr. Pam was this year's Pride Parade Ally Grand Marshall. She is also an ER doctor and graduate of Gonzaga Law School. We are very pleased to have her as our speaker. Please join us for an insightful hour.

Calendar of Events:

Every Friday at 4: Zoom hour: First Friday of the month is reserved for our coming out stories and related conversation. Third Fridays are reserved for invited speakers on various topics related to elder LGBTQ+ issues.

Tuesday, July 7: Taco Tuesday, noon.

Saturday, July 11: Potluck, noon. Always good food and conversation.

Thursday, July 16: Coffee and Conversation, 10-12 am. Tea and coffee provided, you have to make your own conversation

Friday, July 17: Third Friday Zoom Speaker, 4-5 pm. Dr. Pam Kohlmeier, Pride and Trans Community Advocate.

Wednesday, July 22: Lunch-OUT-on-the-Town, noon.

Thursday, July 30: Steering Committee at 3 pm, zoom

May you take Pride with you in all your endeavors - you are not alone!