SAGE Metro Portland is a program of Friendly House SUMMER

Gay & Grey News
A newsletter of SAGE Metro Portland, serving LGBT older adults in the Portland Metropolitan area
SUMMER 2013
SAGE Metro Portland Marches in Pride
This year we were particularly
enthused to be part of Portland
Pride. Not only were we able to
show off our new name and affiliation with SAGE, but we were also
able to highlight some milestones
from community members. Thanks
to a volunteer from The Portland
Gay Men’s Chorus, Eric and
Eugene were able to ride through
the parade in a stylish convertible
SAGE Metro Portland members proudly
marched under our new name in the
and celebrate their 60th anniversary.
2013 Portland Pride Parade.
Sister Paula also rode with us and
celebrated 50 years as living as Paula. As we passed through the huge crowd of
onlookers we felt all the support! We also hosted the Senior Tent at the Pride
Festival and met new people, saw old friends and spent time talking to younger
generations about the issues facing LGBT older adults. Each year our presence at
Pride increases and we look forward to 2014.
SAGE Metro
Portland is
a program of
Friendly House
Contact Information:
1737 NW 26th Ave
@ NW Thurman St.
503.224.2640
www.friendlyhouseinc.org
[email protected]
One of our many dedicated volunteers,
Randy helped make the weekend such a
success.
Photo courtesy of Neil “Nikki” Isaacs.
David readies his cheer for the Pride Parade. Photo courtesy of Neil “Nikki”
Isaacs.
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Frank expressing his Pride as he gets
ready for the parade to begin.
Photo courtesy of Neil “Nikki” Isaacs
Madeleine Pope, Coordinator, After School Program at Friendly
House, enjoying time with Nikki. Photo courtesy of Neil “Nikki”
Isaacs
SAGE Metro Portland
members float their
parade boat with
Cristine leading the
way.
Peg, SAGE Advisory Committee Member, enjoying
the company of good friends. Photo courtesy of Neil
“Nikki” Isaacs
The SAGE Metro Portland float was rockin’ with bold Pride
signs.
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Events & Announcements
Walk with SAGE Metro Portland in this
year's AIDS Walk
This year's AIDS walk will take place on Sunday, September 22nd. The walk is
a 2.5 mile walk through downtown Portland that raises money for Cascade
AIDS Project. SAGE Metro Portland will have a team in this year's walk to not
only support a good cause, but to bring awareness to the impact HIV/AIDS has
on older adults.
We have a fundraising goal of $300 as a team, and you can help us by making a donation for team SAGE
Metro Portland. We also invite you to walk with us and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the older adult
community.
To join our team or to make a donation go to aidswalkportland.org and search for SAGE Metro Portland.
Did you know:
The rates of HIV/AIDS among older adults 50 and over has increased more than 61% from 2001 to 2007.
Those age 50 and older now comprise 27% of the overall population of people living with HIV/AIDS.
By 2015 those older than 50 will become the majority of all people living with HIV /AIDS.
Older adults are less likely to be tested because they are not perceived to be at risk, including being sexually
active and/or intravenous drug users. In addition, doctors are less likely to ask older patients about sexual activity—including numbers of sexual partners, using protection and their risk for HIV/AIDS—due to discomfort as well as a common, but mistaken, belief that older adults are not sexually active.
Only 19% of adults age 50 and older report talking to their medical provider about HIV/AIDS.
Ageism heightens the discomfort surrounding HIV/AIDS resulting in older adults being more likely to be
blamed for "getting themselves infected."
HIV positive older adults report higher rates of self-blame, and are less likely to disclose their HIV/AIDS status out of fear it will negatively impact the lives of their friends and family.
(Information taken from The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging)
SAGE Metro Portland
Summer BBQ
August 9th at Friendly House
1737 NW 26th Ave.
Noon—2pm
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Events & Announcements
Statement from Friendly House, Inc. on the Ruling on DOMA
June 26th, 2013 - This will be a day people in the LGBT community will remember for the rest of our lives,
like we still remember where we were the day of the first moon walk. Members of SAGE Metro Portland and
our staff have been on pins and needles for weeks, hoping for a good decision! Though many people think
the shift in public opinion about the rights of LGBT people has been quick in this country, this decision has
been long in coming for older adults who first became active in the gay rights movement during the 1970s,
following the Stonewall riots in New York City. SAGE members in their 80s and 90s have wondered if this
day would come in their lifetimes.
The right to marry is monumental for LGBT people, and that much more so for older adults. Old age, often
associated with failing health, and ultimately the death of a spouse or life partner, is when some of the 1100
rights bestowed upon married couples are needed most. Health insurance, family leave, the power to make
decisions for a partner who is incapacitated, Social Security survivor benefits and property ownership are just
a few of the issues that come into play. I know a lot of SAGE Metro Portland members who will be applying
for marriage licenses as soon as they can.
Vaune Albanese, Executive Director, Friendly House, Inc.
For more information on marriage rights for LGBT older adults, please go to:
http://sageusa.org/issues/marriage.cfm
Want to Learn More About What the Supreme Court Decision Means?
Are you interested in having a discussion about the recent rulings by the Supreme Court on Proposition 8 and
DOMA? Do you have questions about same-sex marriage and your federal rights? Are you wondering how
the new decisions will affect your family and community? Please join attorneys Cynthia L. Barrett and Tabitha Lundberg Koh for a Q & A and legal discussion, which is open to the public.
Events will be on
Tuesday, July 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 6, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
At the Hollywood Branch Library, 4040 NE Tillamook.
Friendly Visitors Provide Companionship
The revitalized SAGE Friendly Visitor Program is now matching trained Friendly Visitors with Community
Companions. Modeled after the national Service and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender
Elders (SAGE) organization, our SAGE Friendly Visitors fill an important need in our community. By
providing weekly visits by telephone or in-person to LGBT older adults, Friendly Visitors provide companionship to reduce isolation and ease any fears of revealing sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition,
people can feel free to express themselves without fear of reprisal from a residential facility or care setting.
Shared activities can include conversations, games, hobbies, and outings. If you are an LGBT older adult in
the community who could benefit from this program, or know of someone who could benefit, please contact
Scott Winters, Program Assistant, [email protected], (503) 224-2640.
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Events & Announcements
New Exercise Class, Walking Club and Free Personal
Training for Older Adults
Morning Walking club every Monday July through August . Meet at Friendly House at 9:30am
Afternoon Walking club every Wednesday July through August . Meet at Friendly House at 12:45pm
Stronger at Any Stage Fitness Class Mondays 1:15-3:15. A seated exercise class for all levels
Personal training sessions Mondays from 3:30-4:30pm and Wednesday from 9:30-11am and 2-4pm
to register for a free* personal training appointment call (503)224-2640
We are enthused to continue offering fitness opportunities through the SAGE Metro Portland program.
During July and August we will be working with an intern from Portland Community College to offer a
walking club, personal training sessions and orientations to our fitness room. All fitness activities will be led
by Rusty Ferrel.
About Rusty Ferrel: Rusty has been participating
in exercise and has been conscious of nutrition
since she completed high school and decided to
continue her education. Exercise has always been
a part of her life, whether it was rock climbing,
joining a judo class, or swimming a mile just for
fun. Raised in several countries in Europe, Rusty
grew up speaking German, French, and
English. She enjoys travel and exploring new
venues to live happier and healthier. Currently, she
is studying Fitness Technology at Portland
Community College and will be finishing a Certificate in Healthy Older Adult Fitness with her internship at Friendly House.
With degrees in Foreign Correspondence and Translation, Business Management, and Psychology, she hopes
to combine her education with her experience with people. Her plans are to work with older adults to find
ways to stay healthy and maintain vitality. She hopes to be an asset to those who work hard on being the best
they can be.
One of Rusty's current interests is learning about Tai Chi. She is studying Long Form (Yang), and works with
the organization Tai Chi for Better Balance, to support older adults in gaining, retaining and re-gaining better
strength and balance in body and mind.
Should you have thoughts, suggestions or questions for her, please let Rusty or the SAGE staff know. She
very much looks forward to meeting all of you.
*all personal training appointments are free, however, if you are not a member of Friendly House you will
have to pay the $6 drop-in fee or membership fees. Scholarships are available.
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SAGE Ongoing Events
All events are free and require no RSVP unless otherwise noted
FH= Friendly House, 1737 NW 26th Ave. Buses 15, 17, 77
MCC=Metropolitan Community Church, NE 24th& Broadway. Bus 77
Every Tuesday, 10:30am-12:30pm VIEWS Support Group for LGBT older adults at FH
Support group for LGBT older adults (60+) to register call Peter, (503) 261-6181
Every Wednesday, 11:30am Loaves & Fishes Lunch at MCC
Meals on Wheels lunch for LGBT older adults
First Wednesday of the month, 12:30pm Advisory Committee meeting at MCC
Second Wednesday of the month, 12:30 pm Drop in Conversation Group at MCC
Let’s Talk About Aging in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Community. A peer led discussion group for LGBT individuals who are 60+.
Please RSVP to Lauren at (503)224-2640
July 10th, August 14th, September 11th
Third &Fourth Wednesdays of the month, 12:30pm Housing Committee meeting at MCC
These meetings are open to anyone interested in advocating for more
welcoming and inclusive senior housing option for LGBT older adults
Second Thursday of the month, 12:30pm 2nd Thursday Lunch at Village Inn, 1621 NE
10th. This is one of SAGE Metro Portland’s longest standing events and always
has a great crowd. We meet in the banquet room for lunch and good company.
July 11th, August 8th, September 12th
Third Thursday of the month, 12:30pm Milwaukie Social at various locations
Join us as we continue our new and growing social in Clackamas county.
We meet for lunch or coffee at LGBT friendly businesses in Milwaukie.
July 18th we will be at Grandma’s Corner Restaurant, 10880 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
on the corner of McLoughlin and Monroe in Milwaukie.
Fourth Thursday of the month, 4-6pm 4th Thursday Social at Hobos’s
Join us the fourth Thursday of every month for our SAGE social.
On July 25th, we will be meeting at Hobo’s, 120 NW 3rd, at 4pm.
*For More Information on any event call Lauren Fontanarosa at (503)224-2640*
http://www.facebook.com/gayandgreypdx
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SAVE THE DATE...
The Gay & Grey Expo is an annual event for
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older
adults and allies. The day includes a resource
fair, breakout sessions and speakers. The
Gay & Grey Expo is a one-of-a-kind event
and we are proud to be in our fifth year!
The Gay & Grey Expo builds community
among LGBT older adults, allies and activists. We celebrate the achievements of LGBT
older adults while advocating for a fair and
inclusive future. Our unique strengths and
experiences bring us together for an inspiring event that is fun and informative.
For more information:
gayandgreypdx.org
About SAGE Metro Portland:
SAGE is a program of Friendly House that works to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBT elders in the
Portland Metro area. We conduct trainings to educate about the unique issues facing LGBT elders, advocate
for inclusive and open housing, and build community through social events. In addition, we host the annual
Gay & Grey Expo to provide resources and information for LGBT elders.
To learn more about upcoming events check out our Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/gayandgreypdx
SAGE Metro Portland
A program of
Friendly House Inc.
2617 NW Savier St.
Portland, OR 97210
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Portland, OR
Permit No. 96
Address label here
SAGE Metro Portland is supported by foundation grants and individual
donors. To become a sponsor please contact our Development Director at
503.228.4391 or [email protected].
Friendly House Mission Statement
Friendly House creates a thriving community by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds
through quality educational, recreational and other life-sustaining services.
Senior Legal Assistance
Free 30 Minute Appointments With an Attorney 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.
Senior Health and Insurance Benefits (SHIBA)
Free Individual Assistance with Health Insurance Benefits or Questions
Information and Referral
Friendly House can assist with Information and Referral concerning Food & Nutrition Resources;
Housing and Assisted Living Resources; End of Life Planning; Support Group Referrals; and Other
Aging Issues and Concerns. Call Carol Beals, Friendly House Senior Information and Assistance
Specialist at 503.224.2640
SAGE Metro Portland Contact
Lauren Fontanarosa, SAGE Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 503.224.2640
After providing for the needs of your family, consider Friendly House in your estate plan.
For more information, contact Megan Jolly, Development Director, at 503.228.4391
www.friendlyhouseinc.org