LGBTQ+ Seniors of the INW October 2025 Newsletter

We begin with good news from Hungary, per a "Fix the News" link to Human Rights Watch. The last weekend in June the city of Budapest, Hungary welcomed one of the largest Pride gatherings in its history. The mayor issued a proclamation welcoming the massive event on behalf of  the city. What is particularly notable about this event is that the federal government had just banned all LGBTQ+ events in the country short months before. The Hungarian regime is seen as a role model by US conservatives in its attempt to gut laws protecting LGBTQ+ citizens. They have been very successful. Having the courage to speak up when your rights are being taken away is critical to keeping our protections. The queer community in Hungary is letting us know they will not go away, and they will be visible, even when threatened.

George Takei, senior citizen, out Star Trek alum, is supporting awareness of the American Library Association's banned book week, October 5-11. They are urging everyone to read a banned book in October - and talk about it. Our public libraries continue to face harassment as more books are taken off shelves. The association states that roughly 72% of book challenges come from organized movements and government agencies. Seven of the  ten most banned books in America feature queer characters. Takei stated that books are essential to the foundation of democracy. Aunties Bookstore in Spokane has an excellent display of banned books with descriptions of why each one was banned, including Wizard of Oz and Charlottes Web.

Our Friday Zoom speaker in September was Dr. Traci Gillig, associate professor at Washington State University. Dr. Gillig presented her findings from the annual LGBTQ+ survey for the State of Washington. Spoiler alert - it appears that queer seniors in Washington are very resilient. The Zoom call was well attended, and participants appreciated Dr. Gillig's presentation. Cameryn volunteered to prepare a summary of the findings that Dr. Gillig reviewed. The summary may be found on the resources page of our website.

We have two separate Zoom speakers in October:

On Friday, October 17, Carole Pertofsky, who speaks and conducts workshops internationally, will be offering an experiential talk on constructing well being. Carole recently retired from Stanford University. Join us for a lively and fun hour about manifesting peace and health in your life.

On Friday, October 26, we will have Kelsey Solberg, Sr. Energy Program Manager from AVISTA talk to us about how we, as seniors, can reduce our energy bills. Being warm in the winter with less financial stress sounds like a good idea.

Our Steering Committee met for a one-day retreat on Friday, September 26. A broad range of topics were discussed including ways to enhance our Friday Zoom calls, align better with other LGBTQ groups in the area, ideas for speakers, reviewed our finances and talked strategies to deal with the increasingly hostile and difficult environment that we find ourselves in. The Committee members are excited to be growing our group in ways that benefit our community.

Please put this date on your calendars - November 8. The Spectrum Singers have agreed to an open rehearsal prior to our Thanksgiving potluck, partly for our enjoyment.

Please note, addresses to our events are NOT posted on our website. This is for our collective privacy and security. Addresses can always be found in the newsletter sent to our newsletter subscribers.

OCTOBER SCHEDULE:

every Friday at 4 pm zoom call - the Zoom link is sent out every week to our newsletter subscribers

October 7, no host Taco Tuesday

October 11, Saturday potluck

October 17 Friday 4 pm Zoom.  Speaker Carole Pertofsky on constructing well being

October 22, no host Lunch on the Town

October 24 Friday 4 pm Zoom.  Speaker Kelsey Solberg, Sr. Energy Program Manager, AVISTA, on saving money on your utility bill

October 30 Thursday 4 pm Zoom Steering Committee Meeting. If you would like to attend or have an idea for us, email us at: admin@lgbtqseniorsoftheinlandnorthwest.com

October 31 Happy Halloween - treat yourself!

YOU are NOT alone and YOU are welcome here.