LGBT elders show their colors for Pride

PrideFest, in recent years, has gotten over disco. Families with young children now have special activities and an area set aside just for them. Rainbow Alley plans activities especially for teens. And the emerging LGBT elder population gets some special attention as well. The disco will still be there, but the 300,000 people who will crowd into Denver’s Civic Center June 18 and 19 will show plenty of diversity in interests, appearances and needs.

SAGE of the Rockies, the elders program at the GLBT Community Center will march and ride in the Sunday parade, have information available and designate a spot for seniors to take a break from the hubbub.

Members of Older Lesbians Organizing for Change will join with the SAGE contingent in the parade and help out at the information booth.

Colorado Prime Timers will not be marching in the PrideFest parade because they’re going to be busy. However, the group will have their own informational booth along with working the Coors, Pepsi and El Dorado concessions both days of PrideFest at 14th Avenue and Broadway.

On July 20, the Colorado Prime Timers will be celebrating 20 years as part of the Prime Timers Worldwide Organization.

In July 2012, the Colorado Prime Timers will celebrate 25 years serving the Denver gay community with a special Rocky Mountain Regional Gathering. For more information, visit www.coloradoprimetimers.com.

If you want to celebrate Pride a little early, come to one of the SAGE coffee hours at The Center (1301 E. Colfax Avenue) where people can share their stories of finding their own pride and going to past PrideFests. Coffee hours are from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – men meet on Tuesday, June 14 – and women meet on Wednesday, June 15.

Options are available for those who want to be in the Parade but can’t walk the few miles down East Colfax Avenue. SAGE will have Banjo Billy’s party bus – both covered and open air – for seniors to ride in. If you want to walk part of the way and jump on the bus, that’s OK, too, says SAGE director Shari Wilkins.

“All are welcome on the bus whether young or old,” said Wilkins. Everyone is encouraged to march in the Parade, even with walkers or wheelchairs, as long as they’re up to it and can keep up with the pace. Anyone needing special assistance should call Wilkins at The Center (303-733-7743). The bus will also be available to take people back to Cheesman Park after the parade.

“We’re asking everybody to wear some kind of rainbow color shirt and meet at 8:30 a.m. near the Franklin Street entrance to Cheesman Park on Sunday (June 19),” said Wilkins.

Veteran elders who want to march with the service members Grand Marshal contingent should contact organizer John Kelly at jjkellyii@aol.com for information and to sign up.

A rest area with shade and water for seniors to take a break from the crowds and noise will be available on the east side of Broadway Street.

SAGE will offer information on its many activities at the booth for Center programs on Sponsor Row.