ACNBA Pride

2S-LGBTQ+ youth often face unique struggles with understanding their identities, feeling safe to live their life authentically for fear of losing friends and fa...mily, and being able to balance the expectations of their social circles. Combining this with the peer pressures of socially constructed views of sex and attraction and the many binary thought processes of what is normal or accepted youth are burdened heavily while simply trying to figure out their place in the world and who they want to be. Understanding this, and learning more about how we can support youth in the 2S-LGBTQ+ community and even those who identify as Asexual and not 2S-LGBTQ+ is a responsibility we have as a community! #AsexualAwarenessWeek #ACEWeek #queerseniors #Pride #CelebrateDiversity #NorthBay #SimcoeMuskoka #Sudbury AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area, Gilbert Centre, Réseau Access Network, North Bay Indigenous Hub, OAHAS Sudbury Community - Oahas [* : : : : : : 2-+ : & ? 28% 18 25-31, 2020]

Asexual identity is one that often faces a lot of invisibility as it is an identity that is often stigmatized and misunderstood; often being thought of as a ch...oice and not an identity by those confusing it with chosen celibacy. Did you know, 1% of North Americans identify as Asexual? 1% that means that approximately 5790000 people in North America identify as Asexual. Just think of the many who do not feel safe disclosing their identity! Let’s think as a community how we can help everyone feel accepted and loved! #AsexualAwarenessWeek #ACEWeek #queerseniors #Pride #CelebrateDiversity #NorthBay #SimcoeMuskoka #Sudbury Aids Committee of North Bay and Area, Gilbert Centre, Réseau Access Network, North Bay Indigenous Hub, OAHAS, Sudbury Community - Oahas [* : : : : : : 2-+ : & ? 1% 25-30, 2020]

Today we begin Asexual Awareness Week/ACE Week (October 25-31). This week is dedicated to expanding the knowledge and raising awareness of asexuality. Those who... identify as asexual often face rejection from their support networks and those closest to them. It is also important to note that not all 2S-LGBTQ+ communities are widely accepting of asexual individuals who also identify as 2S-LGBTQ+. We need to change this narrative; we need to change our acceptance of diversity and our embrace of all of our differences. The New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults program is so proud to provide you with a week of educational and interactive posts aimed to celebrate asexuality, to extend our open arms of support and to help educate our communities on how to support each other and initiate positive change together! #AsexualAwarenessWeek #ACEWeek #queerseniors #Pride #CelebrateDiversity #NorthBay #SimcoeMuskoka #Sudbury AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area, Gilbert Centre, Réseau Access Network, North Bay Indigenous Hub, OAHAS Sudbury Community - Oahas [* : : : : : : 2-+ : & 25-30, 2020]

Today is National Coming Out Day! The New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults Program wanted to take this time to celebrate the background and stories of 2S-LGBTQ+ seniors in our community and to let everyone know that we are here to support you whether you are ready today or in the future. Coming out can be a scary and exciting time for queer folx and we want to celebrate everyone's right to be their true self without judgment or discrimination! We are a safe space for you...! Thank you to D.L. from North Bay, ON for sharing your story with us and helping those in our community know they are not alone! Your bravery and your journey is one to be celebrated. If you or someone you know identified as a 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adult and you are looking for support or social programs please reach out to us. We are here to help! Ashley (North Bay) [email protected] Adrienne (Sudbury) [email protected] Evan (Simcoe/Muskoka) [email protected] AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area Réseau Access Network Gilbert Centre

Reminder of the upcoming OLDER & BOLDER VIRTUAL SUPPORT MEETING on October 13, 2020, at 7:30pm. This is a safe virtual meeting space for seniors who identify as 2S-LGBTQ+ to come together and share experiences and advice. Pre-registration is required! and the links will be sent out on the day of the meeting. Please email [email protected] to register! ... Haven't used Zoom before? Nervous about how to get connected? Concerned at how we keep the space safe? Please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or requests for support! I am here to help you connect in any way we can. Ashley Di Benedetto New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Seniors Program Coordinator [email protected] 705-471-7044/705-497-3560 (office)

Pronouns are required, not preferred! Earlier this week was #InternationalPronounsDay, but we're talking about #pronouns all week. Share your pronouns! Ask for pronouns! Respect the pronoun! #PronounsDay #MyPronounsAre #TheyThem #PronounsMatter #WhatAreYourPronouns #DontAssume #PronounsAreRequired Safer Spaces AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area [ :... 21, 2020 ! ' ? ! & : & . . ’ ( ). ’ ’ , , - . . . ( ' ). (, , , ) : ' / ? : : 2-+ : ]

https://tinyurl.com/yyfpxeqv

Yesterday was #InternationalPronounsDay, but we're talking about #pronouns all week! Today we have some thoughts on why you can't (and should never) assume someone's pronouns. Share your pronouns! Ask for pronouns! Respect the pronoun! #PronounsDay #MyPronounsAre #TheyThem #PronounsMatter #WhatAreYourPronouns #DontAssume Safer Spaces [ :... 21, 2020 , ... ' & : & . . / , , , , , . ( , ). /, ' ! , . ! ; . . ' . : : 2-+ : ]

Today is National Pronouns Day! We will be sharing resources and educational tools over the next couple days on our Facebook pages. Ask people's pronouns, respect the pronoun! #NationalPronounsDay

New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Seniors Program North Bay is looking for queer seniors who are interested in sharing their stories with us as part of a campaign for National Coming Out Day (October 11, 2020) Please see the poster below for more details. Contact Ashley at [email protected] or any of the other seniors coordinators in your area for more information. Réseau Access Network Gilbert Centre #NationalComingOutDay2020 #ACNBA #PRIDE #NorthBay #Sudbury #SimcoeMuskok...a [Image Reads: National Coming Out Day Oct 11, 2020 Calling all 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults The New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Seniors Program is looking for older adults 2S-LGBTQ+ members of the community willing to share their coming out stories on our social media as part of our National Coming Out Day campaign. You can choose to share as much, or as little as you want! The shared stories will be posted using our social media accounts. If you are interested in sharing your story and helping us recognize the diverse backgrounds of 2S-LGBTQ+older adults, please email: Ashley (North Bay & Area): [email protected] Adrienne (Subbury & Area): [email protected] Evan (Simcoe County and Muskoka Area): [email protected] All stories received will be shared with respect and dignity! If you would like your story shared on our social media anonymously, please let us know. All submissions are required by Friday October 9, 2020 *background image: white door with the pride rainbow coming out of it *bottom left image: New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Seniors Program Logo]

How to ‘keep your bubble tight’ during COVID-19 from our friends at Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance and Boylesque T.O.

Laura MacMillan is doing amazing work with The Biopsychosocial Investigations of Gender (BIG) Lab Research Team, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto... Mississauga. She is focused on highlighting how BIPOC trans youth might experience unique sources of resilience as well as unique challenges. "Very little research has focused on the unique experiences of BIPOC trans youth. This study will make sure that the experiences of BIPOC trans youth are heard. This study will use qualitative interviewing to ensure that the words of the participants are front and centre. Specifically, we would like to ask how participants’ race and gender identities impact their experiences with their peers, family members/guardians, school/work/volunteering, healthcare providers, and community. As one example, we are interested in asking about whether school/work/volunteering spaces feel safe and welcoming for our participants."-Laura Macillan If you are a BIPOC trans youth please go to this link https://tinyurl.com/yyfpxeqv

Calling all 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults in North Bay & Area! (as well as Service Providers, Caregivers, and Family/Friends of Seniors who identify as 2S-LGBTQ+) The New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults Program is conducting a Community Needs Assessment with the goal of creating programs and supports that are specifically designed FOR YOU! We need your help and your feedback. Please take the time to fill out our survey below! ... https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NewHorizons The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and needs to be completed in one sitting. As always contact me if you have any questions, concerns or if you need help navigating how to fill out the survey. This survey can also be provided in written form or facilitated for anyone who requires assistance. Ashley [email protected] or 705-471-7044 [Image reads: Calling All 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults in North Bay and Area WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! Community Needs Assessment Our 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults Program is conducting a Community Needs Assessment Survey to help build a program designed specifically FOR YOU! Please take a moment to fill out our survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NewHorizons For more information contact: Ashley Di Benedetto [email protected] *right side "inclusion, safety, and advocacy **Top right: Logo for ACNBA and Logo for New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults Program]

Today is National Coming Out Day! The New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults Program wanted to take this time to celebrate the background and stories of 2S-LGBTQ+ seniors in our community and to let everyone know that we are here to support you whether you are ready today or in the future. Coming out can be a scary and exciting time for queer folx and we want to celebrate everyone's right to be their true self without judgment or discrimination! We are a safe space for you...! Thank you to D.L. from North Bay, ON for sharing your story with us and helping those in our community know they are not alone! Your bravery and your journey is one to be celebrated. If you or someone you know identified as a 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adult and you are looking for support or social programs please reach out to us. We are here to help! Ashley (North Bay) [email protected] Adrienne (Sudbury) [email protected] Evan (Simcoe/Muskoka) [email protected] AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area Réseau Access Network Gilbert Centre

Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration organizers are so proud to share this next video with you. Lezlie Maria Lee Kam is a FIERCE, TENACIOUS and PERSISTENT advocate for 2S-LGBTQ+ seniors. She has a huge personality and an even more important political statement to make. Please watch this video of LeZlie explaining why using the term DYKE is important to her and why she refers to herself as a Jurassic & Bionic Dyke! It will make you chuckle amidst its importa...nt message of BEING YOUR TRUE AUTHENTIC SELF! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSYCV-DCd4c&feature=youtu.be AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area Senior Pride Network Toronto Gilbert Centre Réseau Access Network #NationalSeniorsDay2020 #queerseniors #PRIDE #Toronto #NorthBay #Muskoka #Simcoe #Sudbury #BeYourTrueSelf #NoApologies

Reminder of the upcoming OLDER & BOLDER VIRTUAL SUPPORT MEETING on October 13, 2020, at 7:30pm. This is a safe virtual meeting space for seniors who identify as 2S-LGBTQ+ to come together and share experiences and advice. Pre-registration is required! and the links will be sent out on the day of the meeting. Please email [email protected] to register! ... Haven't used Zoom before? Nervous about how to get connected? Concerned at how we keep the space safe? Please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or requests for support! I am here to help you connect in any way we can. Ashley Di Benedetto New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Seniors Program Coordinator [email protected] 705-471-7044/705-497-3560 (office)

Thank you Jason Maclennan and North Bay PRIDE for their support of Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration! https://www.youtube.com/watch AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area Gilbert Centre Senior Pride Network Toronto Réseau Access Network ... Let Queer Senior Voices be Heard! Let's Celebrate!

We are so delighted to share this amazing series of performances celebrating queer senior voices as part of Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration! Bricks and Glitter is a community arts festival celebrating and centering Black, Indigenous, Two-Spirit, Trans and Queer talent, ingenuity, caring, anger, and abundance. *some of these videos contain mature content and language. Viewer discretion is advised*... Senior Pride Network Toronto AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area Gilbert Centre Réseau Access Network #queerseniors #NationalSeniorsDay2020 #GilbertCentre #ReseauACCESSNetwork #AIDSNorthBay #Toronto #NorthBay #Sudbury #Muskoka #Simcoe #PRIDE

Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration is proud to have Lezlie Maria Lee Kam speak about the Impact of COVID-19 on Queer Seniors. LeZlie is a passionate and tenacious human being. She has been an activist in the 2S-LGBTQ+ community since 1976 when she came out as a lesbian of colour. LeZlie identifies as an out and proud Brown, Trini, Carib, callaloo dyke. LeZlie continues to be a passionate advocate for 2S-LGBTQ+ senior rights and endeavour we are proud to sup...port! Thank you LeZlie! Senior Pride Network Toronto AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area Gilbert Centre Réseau Access Network #queerseniors #NationalSeniorsDay2020 #GilbertCentre #ReseauACCESSNetwork #AIDSNorthBay #Toronto #NorthBay #Sudbury #Muskoka #Simcoe #PRIDE

Today is the day! We are so excited to share with you all our day of National Seniors Day virtual events as part of Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration! Join us now for our Virtual Opening Ceremonies by watching the links below! Opening Ceremonies & Land Acknowledgment by Ashley Di Benedetto (North Bay & Area) ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGe45lm_KcM Land Acknowledgment by LeZlie Lee Kam (Toronto/GTA area) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB7X7o371nQ&feature=youtu.be Written Land Acknowledgment by Réseau ACCESS Network (Sudbury Area) ** see photo attached Senior Pride Network Toronto AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area Gilbert Centre Réseau Access Network North Bay Indigenous Hub #queerseniors #NationalSeniorsDay2020 #GilbertCentre #ReseauACCESSNetwork #AIDSNorthBay #Toronto #NorthBay #Sudbury #Muskoka #Simcoe #PRIDE

TOMORROW IS THE DAY! Registration for the live webinars and performances ends at 4:00pm tonight (September 30, 2020) Tomorrow promises to be a spectacular day of education, celebration, and entertainment for 2S-LGBTQ+ seniors and their support networks and service providers. Everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about how we can effect positive change in our communities! ... For some excitement and anticipation, please enjoy the following trailer for DRAG HEALS season 2! Brian Cope aka Miss Juwanna DeWitt will be joining us live on Zoom at 7:00pm to dazzle us with their fabulous talent.... you may even get a sneak peek t what's to come for season 2 ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbhRIj3JKt0 All of the organizers look forward to seeing you .. VIRTUALLY ... tomorrow October 1, 2020, for Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration! AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area, Senior Pride Network Toronto, Gilbert Centre, Réseau Access Network North Bay Indigenous Hub #NationalSeniorsDay2020 #queerseniors #PRIDE #Toronto #NorthBay #Simcoe #Muskoka #Subury #GilbertCentre #ReseauACCESSNetwork #AIDSNorthBay #SeniorPrideNetworkToronto [Image Reads: Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration October 1, 2020 *Rainbow image* ** Logos for ACNBA, Gilbert Centre, Senior Pride Network Toronto, Reseau ACCESS Network, New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Seniors, and North Bay Indigenous Hub** Join us for a day full of celebrating 2S-LGBTQ+ seniors! Free to attend Pre-registration required for all live events https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/122118803629]

AGENDA RELEASE!!! The organizers of Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration are so excited to release our official agenda for the day! This agenda outlines our Webinar/Live performances as well as our special video releases which you can find on the ACNBA Pride page throughout the day on October 1, 2020. Registration is required for the day's Live Webinars and Presentations. Please use the link below to register: ... https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/122118803629 If you have any questions please feel free to contact Ashley Di Benedetto at [email protected] Thank you from all of us for celebrating National Seniors Day 2020 with us! Gilbert Centre, Réseau Access Network, AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area Senior Pride Network Toronto #queerseniors #NationalSeniorsDay2020 #GilbertCentre #ReseauACCESSNetwork #AIDSNorthBay #Toronto #NorthBay #Sudbury #Muskoka #Simcoe #PRIDE [Image Reads: Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration! October 1, 2020 Hosted By: Senior Pride Network Toronto & The New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Seniors Program 8:30AM: Opening Ceremonies videos shared on Facebook 9:00AM: Public Service Announcement by LeZlie Lee Kam: The Impacts of COVID-19 on Queer Seniors 11:00AM: Live Webinar - Highlights of the Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission Submission with Tom Warner from the Senior Pride Network Toronto 12:00PM: Lunch Break 1:00PM: Live Webinar - Resistance, Resilience & Reclaiming Space by OUT of the CLOSET with LeZlie Lee Kam 3:00PM: Bricks & Glitter Video release on Facebook 3:30PM: Live Webinar - How COVID-19 Has Affected Reconciliation: How We Can Support Positive Change with Pheonix Whittaker from the North Bay Indigenous Hub 5:00PM: OUT of the CLOSET Presents: What is a Jurassic & Bionic Dyke? 7:00PM: Special Presentation by Brian Cope from DRAG HEALS! (a.k.a. Dirk DeWitt and Miss Juwanna DeWitt)]

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! The organizers of Silver & Rainbows: A National Seniors Day Celebration (Oct. 1, 2020) are so excited to share with you a SPECIAL GUEST announcement for the day! In the evening on October 1, 2020, we will have a special guest performance by Brian Cope or better known as his female alter ego, Miss Juwanna DeWitt from DRAG HEALS!! ... Brian is a fierce and fabulous emerging performer and play-write and we are so excited that he will be a part of this amazing celebration! Keep checking out Facebook updates for more information and teasers on Miss Juwanna DeWitt's performance! Remember to register for our event at https://www.eventbrite.ca/myevent?eid=122118803629 ** Limited availability** Thank you to all organizing partners: Gilbert Centre Réseau Access Network Senior Pride Network Toronto New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Seniors Program North Bay & AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area #NatonalSeniorsDay2020 #queerseniors #PRIDE #gilbertcentre #aidscommitteenorthbay #reseauaccessnetwork #NewHorizons #NorthBay #Toronto #Sudbury #Muskoka #Simcoe