2SLGBTQIA+ individuals over 55 as well as friends, family and allies are invited to an open house on June 8th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

The event is hosted by the Archway Senior Services department and QMUNITY.

The community is invited to drop in, socialize and have conversations with local businesses, organizations and community members sharing information and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Organizers hope to create spaces for the senior 2SLGBTQIA+ community to gather and will be seeking input into what kind of social events and gatherings to hold in the future.

“This open house is just the beginning of what we hope to offer,” said Karen Kenny, who is part of the Archway Senior Service team who helped secure funding for the event from United Way BC.

“The older adults of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community need to see themselves reflected in their community. Providing space is essential to making this happen.”

One of the organizing committee members, Ron finds himself having to travel to Mission, Chilliwack or further to find gathering spaces for like-minded seniors. “I just want to be able to do something here within my community instead of having to go elsewhere,” he said, especially after losing his partner of 27 years.

This is the first event that has been specifically designed for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors during the BC Seniors Week events in Abbotsford.

“Not only is this a historic first for our seniors, but it also allows local 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to see themselves reflected as living and aging in our community,” said Kenny.

The event will be held at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre at 2499 McMillian Road. Visitors can enter to win door prizes and tour the Abbotsford Recreation Centre Seniors Activity Centre

More details including the organizations that will be present can be found at Archway.ca/QSeniors

The Archway Senior Services Department enriches the lives of seniors through relationship-building, advocacy, and programs. QMUNITY is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives through services, connection and leadership.