The ideals behind Pride Month are truly timeless. They can be found and celebrated at any age.
The senior living residents of Atria Hacienda in Palm Desert, California, recently invited friends and family to raise a glass to toast love, acceptance and equal rights at a Pride cocktail party.
“The idea for the party came from our residents,” says Don Wendell, Engage Life Director. “In June, we decorate the community with rainbow flags and ‘Love Wins’ messages, but some asked about a cocktail hour so they could invite their adult children and their spouses, many of whom identify as LGBTQ. I said I thought it was a great idea.”
Many others felt the same way. So, on a recent Friday evening in June, friends and family members gathered at Atria Hacienda to celebrate Pride and learn from one another’s experiences.
For those from generations that often avoided discussions about sexual orientation and gender expression, chances for dialogue are welcome opportunities and reflect greater awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ identity.
They’re also a lot of fun. The evening’s festivities were highlighted by a rousing show from Diva and Shante, local drag performers who sang to a packed house.
One resident, Osie, who attended with her son and his partner said, “It was absolutely fantastic, no other words for it. The food, the entertainment, the camaraderie and the sharing of love.”
Smiles and laughter filled the room when Shante belted out hits from Tina Turner and Diva performed a lively Judy Garland montage.
Such a good time was had that the queens stayed on long after their original booking time and closed the evening with a heartfelt message about our shared humanity.
Reflecting on the night, Diva said, “For those residents that have lived a life of pride and fought for the rights of generations to come, a celebration like this validates the convictions of a lifetime of service and lets them know how influential they have been, and their labors have not been forgotten.”
People belong together at Atria – in Pride Month, and every month. And that sense of belonging flourishes when people are free to be their authentic selves.