We Are Familee: Rainbow Circle

Our program trains 2SLGBTQIA+ volunteers to provide compassionate, short term 1-to-1 social visits to 2SLGTBQIA+ seniors in the Lower Mainland. Seniors will be able to create short and long-term goals with their paired volunteers and get the plan into motion. Goals can include: improve support networks, knowing community-based services, combat social isolation, and improving general confidence to age in place.

  • The "We Are Familee" (title based on the 1979 Sister Sledge song that became a LGBT Anthem and is well recognised by many 2SLGBTQI+ older adults) program is a dedicated initiative aimed at supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors age-in-place. As community members, we recognize the unique challenges faced by seniors within our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, including the effects of life-long discrimination and oppression, which can lead to  feelings of isolation, the need for additional support, and the reliance on chosen family who may be facing similar challenges. Our program is designed to address these needs, offering a compassionate and inclusive support system.

    • Social visits to combat loneliness and foster companionship.

    • Accompaniment to appointments, ensuring seniors have support during medical or personal appointments.

    • Emotional support, providing a listening ear and empathetic understanding.

    • Advocacy, assisting seniors in navigating healthcare and social services.

    • Connection to community resources, linking seniors with culturally appropriate local groups, events, and support systems.

  • Participants have a solid social support network and are regularly engaged with their communities. We aim to reduce social isolation by ensuring that queer seniors are connected to chosen family, peers, and community groups in meaningful and consistent ways. This includes regular social visits, participation in events, and access to community programs that affirm their identities. These connections help participants feel seen, valued, and supported.

    Participants access culturally appropriate professional support networks, reducing barriers to heteronormative systemic discrimination. Many queer seniors avoid or are excluded from traditional support systems due to past trauma or discrimination. We connect participants with professionals who understand and affirm their identities (such as 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly health care providers, counselors, and legal or financial supports) so that they can receive the services they need without fear of judgment or harm.

    Intergenerational connections and awareness formed among community members. This program fosters intentional relationships between younger volunteers and older queer adults, bridging generational gaps. Through these connections, mutual learning, understanding, and respect often flourish

Please know that this program is run by our trusted trained volunteers. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide health and medical related services.

Do you know a 2SLGBTQIA+ senior (55+) who would benefit from our rainbow circle program?

Fill our intake form here