"Protect Y(OUR) Future"
It isn't just a theme—it’s a commitment we’re making to one another.
And it’s a promise we can only fulfill together.
LGBTQ+ elders in our region finally have a place where we’re seen, valued, and never have to face life alone. It’s something so many of us dreamed about and fought hard to make happen.
Now, the rights, safety, community, and joy we’ve worked so hard to secure are under threat once again—and in ways we’ve never faced before.
REAL IMPACT
These accomplishments are proof that when we come together, we create real change. We intend to double our pool of volunteers and the number of people we serve in 2025.
Protect Y(our) Future: Leo Egashira's Perspective
by Laney Williams
“GenPride is building community among often-isolated older LGBTQ people through its events, both in-person and virtually. That building of community allows each of us to support others and feel supported by others.”
Protecting Y(our) Future: Leo Egashira’s Perspective
by Laney Williams
Leo Egashira, one of GenPride’s original board members, has been instrumental in visioning and forming what GenPride is today. Not only did Leo receive an award at GenPride’s 2024 Pillars of Pride for his transformational work in developing GenPride but he stays very connected to the GenPride’s LGBTQ+ senior community by regularly attending hot lunches and BIPOC Lunches.
We reached out to Leo and he shared his insight. The recent election results have caused concern for all of us and Leo sees the work ahead.
“The current political climate is really detrimental to all LGBTQ folks, but especially our Transgender siblings. We need to continue to raise our voices to protect and expand rights for all.”
That sense of responsibility to protect all members of our diverse community is particularly essential now. Difficult times can be an opportunity to come together in support for our most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Leo does feel a sense of optimism for the political future. “Anti-Trump political forces have an opportunity to take back the U.S. House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections.”
And indeed the pendulum may swing back to a more progressive Congress after two years. In the meantime, concern for our rights as LGBTQ+ people can cause fear and isolation as well as possible depression and emotional fatigue. GenPride is a place of refuge and more. Leo says, “This community gives me people to celebrate happy occasions with and people to lend a sympathetic ear in difficult times.”
Now, more than ever, Leo and other community members like him find the value of GenPride to be vital. “GenPride is building community among often-isolated older LGBTQ people through its events, both in-person and virtually. That building of community allows each of us to support others and feel supported by others.”
JOIN THE SILVER CIRCLE
Join the movement! Be one of 100 new Silver Circle members giving $25 or more monthly, or one of 10 generous supporters donating $1,000 today. Together, we’ll make a lasting impact for LGBTQ+ elders.
Be Part of The Movement & Join The Silver Circle Today!
Make A One-Time Donation
Let’s get real—raising $20,000 by year’s end isn’t optional; it’s critical. Your gift powers our twice-weekly hot meals program, serving 100 LGBTQ+ elders every week with food, connection, and a reason to show up. It also fuels our Elder-to-Elder Volunteer Program, where LGBTQ+ seniors step into leadership, sharing their talents and passions to make GenPride’s programs truly shine.
Every dollar is a statement: we care, we see you, and we’ve got you. Let’s make it happen together—are you in?
PROTECT
YOUR
FUTURE
If you believe no LGBTQ+ elder should face aging alone or in fear, now is the time to invest in GenPride’s mission. Nearly half of our budget relies on vulnerable federal funding, but your gift will help us continue two vital programs.
