2019-01 Survey

Survey designed by Halifax Pride to investigate elders' participation in Pride. Survey designed 2018-12, sent out early 2018-01 to

• Elderberries Mailing List
• Elderberries FB group
• Turret Memories group

Survey respondents: 68 (1 duplicate submission was deleted)

Have you previously taken part in Pride events?

• Yes: 58, 85%

Have you felt included at Halifax Pride events?

1: not at all … 5: very

1 ( 8, 12%) ******
2 (11, 16%) *******
3 (33, 49%) *************************
4 ( 9, 13%) ******
5 ( 6,  9%) *****

What would make you feel more included?

• More year-round outreach: 39%
• More events specifically for elders 32%
• More communications and advertising targeted at elders: 9%
• More personal engagement at events 8%
• All of the above 6%
• More elders in leadership roles 2%
• Comments: 1) More events that are specifically for elders 2) PRIDE has evolved since 1988, there is no turning back from where we started. 3) better physical accessibility at the parade

Do you feel Halifax Pride should host events specifically for elders throughout the year?

• Yes: 78%

What sort of elder focused events would you be interested in attending?

• Live performance (theatre, comedy, music, etc.) 63%
• Coffee/tea socials 69%
• Movies 52%
• Roundtable discussions 46%
• Lectures 46%
• Dances 45%
• Nature walks 35%
• Skill building workshops 34%
• Potlucks 29%
• Drag events 26%
• Speed friending 18%
• Other: 1) I am interested in events but don't think Pride should be responsible for all queer events 2) Pool, bowling, cards/games

What would make it more appealing for you to take part in Pride activities?

• Elder focused events 26%
• Low/no cost events 21%
• Accessible sites 12%
• Knowing friends would be in attendance 11%
• More celebratory events 6%
• More educational events 6%
• Transportation support 5%
• All of the above 8%
• Other: 1) accessible does NOT only mean physically accessible, a scent-free policy would be appreciated by those with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities. 2) Police marching in uniform in the parade 3) Making it so there is a place to sit & watch the parade without getting there hours early. I ended up standing on a bench so I could see 4) Appropriate language -- many of us don't like the word QUEER and with good reason. 5) Events need to be during the day or very early evening. 6) PRIDE has evolved from 1988. You're doing just fine!

Can you recommend ways Halifax Pride can address issues facing elder 2SLGBTQ+ community members?

• Advocacy with government and organizations. Community forums with local experts and organizations.
• Please strive to get Elders involved in Hfx. Pride.
• The police should be welcome to participate.
• Support affordable housing. Press for reduced costs for medications.
• Don't call anyone over the age of 40 the "Q" word !!!
• Change the attitudes of some of your members about older gay people; be less rigid in your political views--they are complex issues and simple answers are seldom helpful.
• Housing issues
• An easy to get to, accessible, in the shade viewing spot for the parade.
• Inclusion and increased participation. Reach out to elders!
• 1-2 elders on organizing Committee
• Your acronym is offensive. Why are we the only people putting 2S first? People don't understand or relate to it.
• Have more in leadership roles
• I don't think that is the right question. Make Pride accessible to start. How about a safe float with seated elders to start the parade? Something like a tourist bus with open sides & seatbelts could work.
• think of them as people real live human beings with feelings..and brains and voices..(just like you and your friends) we have much to say...still "with it" and it is amazing what we might be able to do...and say and address...just ask us... there is much talent out there...we might not be able to move as much and as quickly..or even see...or hear.....but the old brain is doing very well…..
• Outreach to where elders live
• Maintain regular communication with Elderberries and work with them to organize elder- focused events and address elder concerns
• Intentional housing options for the community. Social isolation
• transportation
• Include us in the parade!
• Open call for ideas/concerns/ways and means to do so
• Health issues
• My income has declined in retirement - as expected - so I have less disposable income to take in social events that have a price tag. Living outside of HRM, that price tag includes transportation to events, and possibly accommodations should I want to stay overnight to attend multiple events. I don't know how HP could address that, but that is one of the hurdles to participating in Pride events that don't take place near my community.
• How to include rural LGBT
• Outreach to rural 2SLGBTQs?
• Be more real.....some of us are "normal " people who are not into flaunting themselves
• Car pool group.....once someone makes a commitment to give another individual a ride to an event they are more likely to show up themselves. Likewise for someone asking for a lift, that commitment may encourage the individual to get themselves together to go out, because someone has been kind enough to give them lift.
• LGBT retirement homes.
• City/provincial representative to address issues
• More events geared towards the elderly.
• Have low cost events.
• recognizing them and support,,,
• costs; transportation to events
• Listen intently and with respect, the concerns facing elders such as housing requirements; and, if necessary, assist with developing strategies to tackle those issues.
• Elder discussion groups
• Mobility issues
• Ongoing funding support to create an infrastructure for the elder community.

What are the main challenges you face as an elder 2SLGBTQ+ community member?

• Loneliness, ageism
• it appears once you have reached (many people have different ideas on the age it happens (and some over 30 feel like elders) there seems to be so much less to do for elders...(yes...even the ones over 30..)
• Housing and financial assistance.
• Socialization
• Difficult to socialize and make new friends.
• Not knowing what people want to be call !!!Gay,bi ,etc.and I find the "Q" word very ,very offencive
• Prejudice from within the community.
• Housing
• Exclusion and isolation
• Invisible and not considered/appreciated similar to general population of seniors in some cases
• Invisibility
• Lack of "balanced" representation by other community members who only see their points of view. Lack of respect.
• Accessibility
• Isolation
• to be able to proudly deal with the things that are not working and be able to use the parts that still ARE working! And still be able to "STAND TALL" (REALLY...OR IN OUR MINDS)
• Transportation and social support/interactions
• Finding meaningful interactions with the new generation
• No facing any at the moment but I am a young elder - age 58. I imagine that older elders face housing and health barriers
• The worries of getting older and options for housing and community. No children, older parents - who will be the support system?
• access for me and my walker
• overcoming social fears, money
• There is no community! We need a non-bar non-online physical community center.
• I am out of the loop and busy as a underemployed but active senior in my community outside Halifax
• No place or way to meet others to socialize
• There seems to be no place to go to meet others than some loud noisy dance place.
• Connecting with other queer folk, while living in small town Nova Scotia.
• Rural living
• I have no issues and always take care of my own problems anyway.
• Transportation
• I don't appreciate the Showmanship that sometimes goes along with pride events
• Flare ups of pain and fatigue make it difficult to commit to anything long term or on an ongoing basis.
• Invisibility.
• Loneliness
• Housing, money
• Parking and the younger generation crowds at events.
• I live too far away from Halifax to be able to travel there frequantly.
• housing
• Meeting others in safe environments.
• Accessiblity to events, no parking. There’s not much of anything interesting for elders.
• Mobility, fragrance allergies
• Mobility
• I feels as if lesbians are being pushed out. I used to attend a "Lesbian" breakfast sponsored by an LGBTQ group,, but we've just been told it will now be a "Women's" breakfast because the term "lesbian" makes some in the community feel excluded.
• As an old dyke, I'm feeling there are fewer and fewer places where we can get together and take pride in our hard won lesbian identities, lest we offend.
• I enjoy hanging out with people in the 2SLGBTQ+, but it would be nice if women who identify as lesbians were respected as such and I don't really care what their birth gender is.

Are you aware of reasons why more elders are not volunteering to serve on the board?

• Not sure that Pride has reached out wanting elders on the board or that we would be welcome as over the past several years the board has been fairly white, young and male in its make up and focus. Although that has changed somewhat in the last couple of years.
• I have sat on many Boards in my journey through life. We should make way for new ideas and energy.
• feeling like their voices are not really being heard....the world as a whole then to make fun of "teens" and "Elders"...like what they have to say is not worth listening to.....how can we change these stereotypes?
• Pride has been radicalized and does not represent the community at all.
• Lower energy level, means prioritizing your involvement and how much.
• Because whatever an older person has to say,the younger people are going to do what they want.
• have spent decades on committees
• I was with a group of older gay men at the Pride AGM a couple of years ago; we were referred to "as old straight white men" by young activists, and it was made very clear that even All of us had been involved in varying degrees with Pride events, fund raisers for gay-related causes, and political involvement over the past couple of decades. That AGM experience more or less finished each of us with an future involvement in Pride events. When it is impossible to have reasonable discussions on topics where people may have varying views we've decided to withdraw. One aspect of wisdom is having an ability to gage whether at a given time it is possible to move forward with something and when it is not. Perhaps in the future, but at the moment....
• Most of us were involved very early on. I think some of us remember the original pride and do not see a connection with the present pride events. This was not a party originally and I think that has been for the most part forgotten. That’s is both good and bad.
• Often tired of meetings from years of them while working. Time of day. Not feeling listened to.
• I find that surprising and disappointing. I don’t know why that would be the case.
• Been there, done that. We served our community for many years and many were activists. Time for others to step forward. But good idea to create a role for elders to serve. Some may be interested.
• They may not feel wanted or needed, or feel it’s only for younger folks.
• Maybe they feel their input is not welcomed ...Pride celebrations feels like a young person's thing
• BECAUSE..as much as I absolutely adore many of the PRIDE board members..who are sweet and kind...the look on their faces sometimes as they see elders in the crowd....not good...(of course there really are SH ugar disturbers out here...and all) but many/most of us have much to offer...just ask and respect (I know...we all have been known even us old farts, to look without thinking, at elders and think..yikes...just let them sit for a while..we will bring them a tea...or "what do they have to offer...in their shape"??? Just ask! and resepct the answer...RESPECT...IS THE KEY WORD...THEY SAME AS YOU WOULD WANT in return!!!
• Too much drama; internal in-fighting and disagreements.
• Old politics, and burn out.
• I don’t know. But the pride events seem very focussed on the social interests of younger folks- maybe that is part of it. The elders salary n that was held at Pride 2018 was great but would be even better if it was in a larger, nicer space. I also know that Many of my friends who are in my age bracket do not agree withthe direction Pride has taken with regards to Police participation in the parade- back in our day we work with the police to build bridges, which worked then and we feel that not having the police there is retrogressive.
• Events have often been geared toward a younger adience. The population of baby boomers who are now in their 50-60's want to party but don't party like they used to. Some new options......coffee house, Sunday brunch event with a comedian? talking about issues facing the community as we age? Seniors need to be engaged more.
• I would think because they served when they were younger, and had enough then. Not wanting the responsibility now.
• The Pride, to me, is youth focused and nobody likes to be a token. It might be enough to mark sure elder voices are being heard
• The parade has become a post/pre hang-over event for the party online crowd, more afternoon events not tied to beer tents and not advertised exclusively on facebook, we don't do facebook! Email is sufficient for communication.
• No. For me just connected via email with elderberries is a start but often working weekends or outside central areas makes it hard.
• It,seems their turn. Remember there is no gay lifemail after fifty.
• It seem to focus on younger group
• Even though I enjoy attending Halifax Pride events, I live outside of HRM, and would rather put my energy to volunteering to support local events when possible. Kudos to whoever steps up to volunteer, regardless of age. I'm also tired from years of activism, so am taking a step back for a while.
• Time commitment required
• Probably because so many do not have the energy or inclination.
• I work mostly with Elderberries, and would like to see cooperation between Elds and Pride, such as you seem to be working toward this year. Elds has trouble getting members for our own Board!
• Yes because we don't want the drama. We've been there done that don't see the need to flaunt Who We Are
• Frustration with it trying to be all things to all people; a subsequent lack of focus; a lack of appreciation for some of the essentials, like corporate sponsorship, which took years to achieve and are crucial to the financial well being of Pride
• There could be many reasons; however, I believe that the number one reason is the perception that our opinions and experiences are not valued.
• Probably because it’s more youngth orientated
• Busy with life? To much work.
• We have a bit less energy, and mobility issues as we age so it's harder to get out to meetings. That's maybe more of an excuse than a reason. I'm sure this kind of outreach will get us going.

What other ways can we can make volunteering with Halifax Pride more attractive to elders?

• That is a good start for sure. Keep up the progress and good work.
• The Elders Salon was a roaring success!
• look at it this way...YOU TOO, will get older...how do you want to be treated...what do you want?? and do YOU still want to feel respected and an important part of society...The advantage many organizers have is their age...so while you are still at "that...sell heard" age...LETS SEE WHAT WE CAN DO TO HAVE ELDERS...(EVEN THOSE JUST OVER 30) FEEL THEY STILL HAVE THINGS TO CONTRIBUTE...AND THEY STILL HAVE...ABOVE ALL....RESPECT!!!
• Please get out there to advertise these committees so Elder could know about such to get their involvement.
• Cookies!
• Dances with 80s music with places to chat and be heard.
• Make it appear as if older people are actually welcome rather than tolerated.
• I have no idea. It would be nice to see if There is any interest in a memorial section of the parade
• Vary Pride activities, provide accessible comfortable venues, have more events earlier in the day.
• Great initiative. Good idea to do this.
• Allow groups to participate, even if you don't agree with their politics.
• I'd like to see us mix it up a bit...try to work with each other...learn the elders are not all "over" and youth are not "brainless" I think we could learn much from each other and have fun and maybe come up with ideas no one has yet thought of..
• Provide transportation.
• A retro theme or history theme
• Not sure. The committees are a good idea. It will be interesting to see if there is uptake on that.
• This is a great start. Community programming with some consistency
• perhaps asking questions of members on line to get their input.
• Obviously these new committees are not working as we have not heard about them till now!
• Maybe a buddy campaign for newcomers, list of volunteer options during the week, meet & greet events prior to get new participants, look at accessibility events or needs for moving around, taking part or watching parade and other outside events, air b&b affordable options for out of town folks.
• I don't know how this might work, but it could be useful for Halifax Pride to link up with small, less structured groups, existing outside of the Metro area, to share resources to help them organize Pride events throughout Nova Scotia.
• Many seniors like myself already do community volunteering year round and the seniors that want to get involved with Pride probably already do.
• Transportation support? Also, are you really careful about meeting only in accessible spaces? But I strongly support the idea of various committees.
• * Events that are more age specific
• Free parking... easier access to venues. Meetings earlier in day. The elderly hate to drive after dark.
• I attended the pride parade a couple of years ago & was disappointed to see so many commercial floats. It’s good to see the recognition of LGTB by corporations & of course the funds they contribute I’m sure goes a long way. However, it seemed like the commercial side overwhelmed the fact that this was a celebration of gay pride by the LGBT community and should not be full of floats loaded with straight people gawking at the rest of us. Recognition of the LGTB community by corporate & political groups is wonderful but there just seemed to be a bit more of them than us. make more events that are women focused
• i myself am attracted to Pride not because I am a senior but because I want to enjoy all programs which are pointed to all ages,,if you are a big senior and do not feel accepted join in its a awesome time especially if you are with friends I know when i started to go to pride I was so shy and preffered not to go BUT soon changed MY mind enjoy the festivities, the peoples the music \life ido thank you Pride
• Ensuring that these committees are better promoted and explained by reaching out to the various elder groups.
• Some elders just want to live in the background but still enjoy the community on Pride week
• Seems like you're really giving it a good go. This is a great survey (except for the uni-answer parts) and it seems to be reaching a wide audience.

Other Comments

• What is the definition of an "elder" because without that clearly defined, no amount of communications and advertising will be effective. Then, ensure that all elder organizations/groups are targetted and communicated with such as OWLS (Older Wiser Lesbians)
• Pride could organize a few events; however, the elder groups need to work more closely together to organize events...we can all learn from each other, support each other in matters of mutual concern (housing, etc.) and be better represented on the Pride Committee.