Targeting Isolation asked Elizabeth McMechan, Older Adult Program Coordinator for Over the Rainbow, Rainbow Resource Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, about the types of programs that are available for older adults in the 2SLGBTQ+ community (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc.) and to share how older adults can get involved within their communities. Here is what she had to say...
TIMA: Please introduce yourself and tell me about your role within Rainbow Resource Centre.
Elizabeth McMechan, Rainbow Resource Centre: My name is Elizabeth McMechan and I use she/they pronouns and I am the older adults program coordinator at Rainbow Resource Centre. I work with older adults who are 55 years of age or older and who are members of the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc. community.
TIMA: What type of programs are available in Winnipeg/Manitoba for older adults in the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Elizabeth McMechan, Rainbow Resource Centre: We offer a wide range of free programming that addresses needs around socialization, education, physical activity, creative activity and also addressing specific issues that the 2SLGBTQ+ community faces as older adults.
This programming includes monthly recurring programs, our most popular being our Coffee and Chat group which is offered virtually and in-person each week. It’s a fantastic program where people can come and sit around a table and talk about everything under the sun… from people’s coming out experiences, to what people are gardening this year. We also do monthly outings which can include anything from bowling to going to The Leaf or going to the movies. This programming gets us out into the public space, but as a group which allows people to feel safer.
We also do lots of virtual programming for individuals who live outside of Winnipeg or are unable to access programming in-person. We do virtual webinars with the Canadian Mental Health Association, with the Healthy Aging Resource Team and with Connected Canadians, which is a tech service for older adults.
"We also do lots of virtual programming for individuals who live outside of Winnipeg or are unable to access programming in-person."
TIMA: If someone were to visit and had time sit down with you and have a coffee, what would you want them to know about Rainbow Resource Centre and the Over the Rainbow program?
"A lot of these older adults have experienced homophobia and transphobia in a way that is very different than what we see today."
Elizabeth McMechan, Rainbow Resource Centre: I would want people to know that Rainbow Resource Centre is a safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals of any age. I would want people to know that there is an incredible team here to support people, where our goal at Rainbow Resource Centre is that from the minute you walk through the doors and until you no longer need us, you are supported.
TIMA: What do you believe are some of the barriers for older adults in the 2SLGBTQ+ community who are wanting to get become more socially connected with their community?
Elizabeth McMechan, Rainbow Resource Centre: A lot of these older adults have experienced homophobia and transphobia in a way that is very different than what we see today. A lot of these individuals came out in the 60s, 70s, & 80s, they lived through the HIV/AIDS epidemic and crisis and they fought for legislation. These are people who've experienced a lot of violence for being who they are, for loving who they love… so I think that trauma doesn't just dissipate as you get older. I think it can compound for some people and individuals feel a hesitancy to share who they are, and fear that you might be judged or rejected. Especially when you're an older adult and you're vulnerable and not just being vulnerable because you're queer, but being vulnerable because you're also an older adult. So, having places like Rainbow Resource Centre where it is our specific outlook to reduce those feelings of isolation, I think is critical, especially for folks experiencing intersecting forms of marginalization and oppression.
"This is a community that's not only supportive of one another and welcoming and warm, but it is also resilient and tough as nails..."
TIMA: What would you like people to know about eh 2SLGBTQ+ community in Winnipeg?
Elizabeth McMechan, Rainbow Resource Centre: I'd like people to know that our community is a community of resilience! I work with individuals who have been through more than people can probably imagine and they still say, for example, I'm going to make my way with my walker down to the supporting Trans Youth March and I'm going to be there because they need me. So, this is a community that's not only supportive of one another and welcoming and warm, but it is also resilient and tough as nails and we're not going anywhere.
TIMA: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Elizabeth McMechan, Rainbow Resource Centre: Next door to us, the Place of Pride is being built and it will be Canada's first older adult living facility for adults aged 55 years or older who are 2SLGBTQ+, which is very exciting. It's the first of its kind in Canada. We're really thrilled that it's being built and we're actually hoping to be able to move people in by the spring. I think this is really going to bring a generation of folks back together.
There's going to be an open house coming up soon where people from the public will have access to see the blueprint plans, ask questions with the architects and it's going to be pretty cool!
"Next door to us, the Place of Pride is being built and it will be Canada's first older adult living facility for adults aged 55 years or older who are 2SLGBTQ+... I think this is really going to bring a generation of folks back together."
To learn more about Rainbow Resource Centre's Over the Rainbow programming for adults aged 55+ you can visit: www.rainbowresourcecentre.org/programs/over-the-rainbow