Pillars of Pride
Honoring our LGBTQIA+ Elders
This was GenPride’s first annual event, timed to coincide with the 2022 National Honor our LGBTQ Elders Day. GenPride asked our partners to nominate seniors from their communities so we can honor them at this inaugural event. You can see their profiles below or by clicking here! This is an important and exciting time for GenPride, as we prepare for the opening of Pride Place, a new LGBTQIA+ affirming senior affordable housing and community center on Capitol Hill, scheduled to open in 2023.
GenPride is partnering with Community Roots Housing on the development of this project – the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest - which will include a senior community and health services center on the ground floor. We are engaged in a capital campaign to secure $5M in funding to build out the community center at Pride Place; funds raised through our first annual event will support this effort.
This event recognized our LGBTQIA+ elders who have worked hard to lift up our community.
This generation of elders fought—and won—many of the rights we enjoy today. Without their tremendous courage in the face of hatred, discrimination and violence—our community would be very different. We are committed to this being a truly inclusive event that represents the many diverse intersectionalities of our community.
Event Video
Watch our recorded live stream of the event, including inspiring speeches from our honorees – we hope to see you next year!
Let us know how the event went for you with this feedback form here.
GenPride
GenPride is a 501c3 organization that was formed in 2015 for the purpose of providing specialized services to the LGBTQIA+ senior community. If you can't make our event you can still support helping to fund Pride Place by donating below.
Mission
We advocate for the unique needs of older LGBTQIA+ adults, offer innovative programs and services that promote wellbeing and prevent social isolation, cultivate belonging through community connection, and work to eliminate discrimination in all its forms.
Vision
All LGBTQIA+ older adults are valued for their resilience, are honored for their lived experiences, and thrive in socially-just communities that embody dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging.
Honoree Information
In 1990, after growing up a dutiful son in an conservative Christian home, Breanna exploded out of the closet and into a community she had no idea even existed up to that time. Waiting for her was community and support at Ingersoll Gender Center. The support groups and information helped Breanna to fully embrace and actualize her identity as a woman and for that she is eternally grateful. She immediately engaged to return the favor by joining the peer facilitators that have always been the heart of Ingersoll’s support.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Louise began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Dr. Shalit was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey and Massachusetts. He went to college at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, then moved to Seattle where he obtained his Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Washington in 1981. Realizing in his mid-twenties that he wanted to be a physician, he enrolled in the University of Washington Medical School, from which he graduated in 1985. He completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington in 1989. His involvement in HIV care started in the early 1980s while still in medical school.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Born in Fagatogo, American Samoa, Malie was raised in Saleufi, Apia & Seattle. Her passion stems from the cultural upbringing in her village setting, as well as values instilled in her by her grandparents. There were always village events that required participation or contributions. She was taught about sharing with her neighbors, inviting passersby for meals, or helping distribute food to families in her village surroundings during any environmental or health disasters. It became a natural thing for her to do back home. At a young age, she became accustomed to giving as well as honoring everyone else in unselfish cultural practices.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Martha Zuniga, the Deputy Director of Entre Hermanos. She has worked there for more than 10 years, first as a volunteer, then as a Medical Case Manager, and Prevention & Care Program Manager. Her main goal at Entre Hermanos, and in her life, is to support, educate, and advocate for the people affected by HIV, especially those from minority communities.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
As an ambassador with Pride ASIA, his history spans decades of advocacy and leadership for the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities.
Arnaldo started as a soloist with the Seattle Men’s Chorus (SMC) and has performed with SMC in some of the major concert halls in the US, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. In 1995, Arnaldo started a group called Cabaret Q where the “drag chanteuse” persona began. In 1999, Arnaldo began his solo cabaret shows in Seattle’s Capitol Hill and has since performed his one-person cabaret in Portland, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Puerto Vallarta, New York, and Manila. Arnaldo has also collaborated with various directors, choreographers, and songwriters in the Seattle area.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Aaliyah is a Community Leader, a trailblazer, and an advocate for both the African American community and the LGBTQIA+ community. As a fierce representation of the LGBTQIA+ community, she and her partner maintain the last standing African American Book Store (LEM's) for more than 20 Years. For 31 + years, she has worked at POCAAN, providing services for people on the margins, including those affected by and with HIV/AIDS.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Joel's role as the PrEP Navigator is to help members of the Latino Community to access available health services with an approach to people at high risk of getting HIV. Additionally, He is the host of the radio program “Mucho Gusto” transmitted every Sunday at 2 pm on 99.3 FM. Joel works at EH because he believes that involving yourself in the struggle is the key to create a socially just world where everyone has the same opportunities.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Domenico is a longtime supporter of Gay City and is in his eleventh year as a member of the Board of Directors of Gay City. With more than a decade of service on our Board and as a volunteer, Domenico has provided endless support to Gay City. Whether hosting dinners at his home with homemade Italian meals or offering his expertise in designing health services, Domenico has been an incredible asset to the organization and an influential leader in our communities.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Lynda Greene, the Executive Director at the Southeast Seattle Senior Center located in one of the most diverse zip codes in the nation, 98118. Lynda has been a pioneering, proactive, and powerful ally for the LGBTQ community. The Southeast Seattle Senior Center is celebrating over 60 years of providing services, activities, and support to promote self-sufficient and fulfilling lives for aging adults in our multi-cultural community.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Bill is a founding member and has always brought his cheerful spirit and empathetic heart to their work and community of members of all ages. He has engaged and gently educated younger singing members helping to enlarge the circle of acceptance and appreciation for our history within our chorus. Even now, Bill is involved in working on a Historical Archives project for SMC.
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, Ph.D., a professor and Director of the Goldsen Institute at the University of Washington and is a nationally and internationally recognized scholar and activist addressing health inequities across underserved, resilient communities.
Karen is the founder of GenPride, Shanti Seattle, and Rainbow Research Group of the Gerontological Society of America.
Read more about Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen by clicking here...
Louise Chernin began her involvement with GSBA in the 1990s and was appointed President & CEO in 2002, a role she served in until retiring at the end of 2020. Through her tenure, Louise led GSBA to become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in North America.
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund wouldn't be the program it is today without Louise, having issued over $5 million to LGBTQ+ and allied throughout her leadership of the organization. Her activism stretches across multiple movements, including Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and 1970s, the anti-nuclear movement, the Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s, and the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement.
In her retirement, Louise remains deeply committed to advancing education and economic equity, currently serving as Chair of Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees; as well as continuing her activism in a number of social justice organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of OutRight Action International and the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
She lives in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood with her wife Mary, the two having tied the knot this past summer after 28 years together.
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