Generation Plus

Photo from Blue Ridge Pride Festival 2019 taken by James Patton. Two elder queer men stand together, wearing shirts that say "People. Power. Pride."

Born between 1946 and 1964, LGBTQIA2S+ 55+ Baby Boomers played a critical role in advancing the United States gay rights movement. Within one generation, they succeeded in changing social attitudes from seeing homosexuality as a psychiatric condition to winning same-sex marriage rights. Standing on their shoulders we believe that our community is strongest when we stand together.

GenPlus builds on a legacy created by the WNC LGBTQ Elders and Land of Sky. We work to advance their vision and continue to raise awareness and advocacy. Joining us in partnership are many area organizations including Land of Sky, Council on Aging, AARP WNC, and more. We seek to reduce isolation, build social networks, educate and advocate for this community. Join us as we celebrate Aging with Pride. Welcome to life’s third act, the years beyond 55!

We work to include the 4 Pillars of Blue Ridge Pride.

  • Advocacy– Working to advocate on behalf of our aging LGBTQIA2S+ community through a variety of initiatives.

  • Celebration– includes community events such as our monthly ‘Connections’ social group, annual picnics, holiday gathering, and more.

  • Education– Information sharing, building connections and educating the public on issues regarding the LGBTQIA2S+ aging community.

  • Serve– By providing our initiatives, events, and information we serve an under-represented community to Advocate, Celebrate, Educate and Serve for their needs and rights as equal citizens.

  • Generation Plus members pet animals at Hendo Care Farm.

    Connections

    Connections is a monthly meeting for our LGBTQ+ elders to socialize, educate and advocate. The vision for Connections is to provide a thriving group that welcomes and elevates us all. Our goals include bringing awareness and information to a growing LGBTQ+ elder community settling in the region. Our organization affirms the right of everyone to live as their authentic self.

  • A graphic promoting Thrive! "our monthly lunch & learn for our LGBTQ+ elders" by Blue Ridge Pride Generation Plus.

    Thrive!

    Thrive! is an educational lunch and learn program for our Generation Plus LGBTQ+ senior community. We believe in nurturing the mind, body and spirit in an all-inclusive environment. Each month features a new topic such as nutrition, exercise, and more. This series showcases members of our community presenting information to better enjoy our lives as LGBTQ+ elders.

  • A graphic stating: "Aging is living. There's no such thing as 'too experienced.' Every age is the right age. Retirement is not a requirement. Longevity is the best thing to happen in ages. Age is not the problem. Ageism is the problem."

    A World without Ageism

    In partnership with Buncombe County Aging Services, AARP and others, we envision a world without Ageism. We host opportunities to learn about ageism and elder abuse in May (Older Americans Awareness Month) and June (Elder Abuse Awareness Month).

Generation Plus members pose with a large frame which says "Aging Unbound."

Rainbow Inspirations

A virtual series of spotlights on our LGBTQ+ community leaders and influencers. We are grateful to our partner, AARP, for helping to bring this series to our community! Rainbow Inspiration is produced in cooperation with AARP Mountain Region.

Meet Tina White

Meet David Macvaugh

Meet Susan Wilson

Meet Lori Horvitz

Meet Steve Stonecypher

Meet Diana King