Download this information sheet as a PDF.

Connecting with others is important. There are a range of organisations and resources to help LGBTI older people remain connected.

As you get older, you may find that your friendship groups get smaller and smaller, you go out less, you communicate less, you feel less confident about meeting new people or trying new things.

COVID-19 prompted many people to move to new areas. Or perhaps close friends moved away. It can be challenging to have to start again, make new friends and set new social routines.

Connecting with others is important for wellbeing. Participating in regular activities with others can prevent you feeling lonely, improve your health, improve your mood, build up feelings of self-worth, and add purpose to your life. You can feel empowered.

You might feel that you prefer the company of people about the same age as you. Or you could use this time to meet younger people and get to know their concerns and interests.

It can be daunting to make those first moves. But older LGBTI people have always been brave and resilient. While this might feel daunting, the payoff is that there are so many opportunities to have fun, feel part of things, make new friends and learn new skills.

How do you find your people/crowd? Some suggestions.

LGBTI organisations

One way is to find out if there are any LGBTIQ+ community organisations in your area. Many of these organisations run activities specifically for older LGBTI people, and sometimes have a community development person who can tell you about activities and welcome you.

You can browse these organisations, including those in your state or territory, on the QLife website.

Online connections

While technology can be daunting and expensive, it’s a good way of connecting to others. Many groups advertise their activities on social media (Facebook, Instagram etc) or LGBTI news sites. If they have a newsletter, signing up is a great way to stay informed. If you live outside of the big cities, social media can help you find your local Pride or Mardi Gras group.

Your local area

You could join your local public library. Libraries generally have computers available for the public, library staff who are knowledgeable and willing to help you embrace technology, and some local libraries run LGBTI reading groups.

If you’ve moved to a new council area, you could sign up for the council’s newsletter to find out about their activities. Many local councils around Australia run LGBTI-friendly events and activities.

Another way of thinking about connecting with others is to think about your own interests. Do you enjoy gardening or carpentry or playing cards? Can you find LGBTI groups who share those interests? Or could you start one yourself?

LGBTI Dates of Significance

In recent times governments, local councils and community organisations have recognised significant dates in the LGBTI calendar. Depending upon where you live, these agencies and organisations have hosted events to celebrate the LGBTI community.

Examples of significant dates or times of the year could be Mardi Gras, Midsumma, Pride Month, World AIDS Day, International Lesbian Day, Bisexuality Day, Intersex Awareness Day, IDAHOBIT and Transgender Awareness Week. You could do a search online or look at your community noticeboards as there’s a good chance there’ll be an event that interests you.

Volunteering

Volunteering is another way to get connected in your community, to feel that sense of satisfaction in helping others and in making the world a better place. Many LGBTI organisations need volunteers to help out at events, pack gifts or visit isolated people. There are also local sporting groups, animal rescue, food banks and environmental groups who always need extra help.

Campaigning

Many people say that they made their best friends while working on a social, political or human rights campaign. Working alongside like-minded, passionate people makes friendship easy. Think about what is most important to you and then you could consider finding a group doing that work.

Research Projects

Increasingly governments, academics and community organisations are interested in the lived experience of LGBTI older people. There are often requests for people to participate in research projects. This can be a valuable way to contribute to a better understanding of our communities. If you see an opportunity to participate in LGBTI research, this might be a fulfilling experience to engage in.

It’s not easy to stay connected. But it’s so important.

More information

• QLife - directory of local organisations, listed by state and territory. QLife provides free Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTIQ+ support. 3pm – midnight every day. Visit the QLife website or call 1800 184 527.