SLO Village is a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Older Adults.
SLO Village is a safe space for LGBTQ+ Older Adults and was created to ensure, like other Villages throughout the U.S., that LGBTQ+ older adults feel safe, welcome and connected.
As we age, we often incur changes to our support system and the inevitable consequences of an aging body. This may lead to needing extra support, like assistance with driving to a medical appointment or simply socializing with others over coffee. Creating a chosen support system is not a foreign need for the LGBTQ+ community, SLO Village is working hard to fill that void for all older adults in SLO County.
“GALA was instrumental in founding SLO Village,” said Dave Kuykendall, SLO Village Board President. “To get started, GALA Pride Center and SLO Village member, John Alongi, invested initial funds to join the Village-to- Village Network. GALA ultimately raised funds to launch SLO Village, the group cloned off its own 501(C)(3), and SLO Village began offering services in November 2015.”
Today, SLO Village is established with a robust membership and volunteer base that offers older adults the ability to age with pride in their own homes, and to remain actively engaged in the community. Click here to read more about the relationship between GALA Pride and Diversities and SLO Village.
SLO Village is a growing organization and honors the work and legacy of founding member, Tauria Linala. We are always striving to make sure SLO Village continues to be a safe space to age with pride.
Resources for LGBTQ+ Older Adults:
Local (San Luis Obispo County)
Gala Pride & Diversity Center advocates for the Central Coast’s LGBTQ+ community and prioritizes the individuals of the Central Coast in their everyday lives from helping someone new to the area to find connections to helping a person find valuable support services. https://galacc.org/
Tranz Central Coast (TCC) uses outreach and advocacy to help transgender and gender-diverse people live authentic, productive and happy lives in a safe and affirming community. https://www.tranzcentralcoast.org/
National (United States)
The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers. https://www.sageusa.org/what-we-do/national-resource-center-on-lgbt-aging/
A national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBTQ+ elders since 1978. They build welcoming communities and keep our issues in the national conversation to ensure a fulfilling future for all LGBTQ+ people. https://lgbtagingcenter.org/