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Hello LGBT+ Community!
Our Rainbow Connection for the LGBTQ+ Community We are thrilled to report that our Rainbow Connection groups for the LGBTQ+ community is thriving! We've reached more individuals within our LGBT community than ever before. Notably, participation in our Senior Lesbians in Community group (SLIC) has grown tremendously.
Senior Lesbians in Community (SLIC) Feedback from Attendees:
“SLIC provides great support, community, and friendship during these trying times.” “As a newcomer to California, I was seeking connections with other older Lesbians. I now feel at home in my new community.” "As seniors, it is hard to make and find LGBT friends. Really like daytime activities for us who don’t drive at night." "I have participated in several SLIC gatherings and events, both in increasing a sense of community, as well as learning, documentary on gay parental rights, Death Café, and more." "Helped to feel more connected with the community, having similar experiences and issues. Also listening to people helped to know other coping skills and referral information about better health." "Vital senior and community engagement opportunities! Benefits each one of us an community at large!" "I love attending SLIC meetings" "It made me feel safer to be myself in this world! I feel much more connected to my community and myself afterwards." "Improved me from isolation. Gave me feeling of belonging and there are people who care." "This program has been a godsend for me and for many other aging lesbians. It is not only tremendous social support, but we are setting up ways to network to help each other with health concerns as we age."
Enhancing Engagement Among Senior Gay and Bisexual Men
We have successfully boosted attendance at our monthly mixer, hosted at a local LGBT-owned coffee house, specifically for our senior gay and bisexual men. Starting with just four participants in early 2025, we saw attendance soar to 35 participants by September 2025! This event takes place year-round, although we do observe a decline in participation during the winter months. Furthermore, a committed group of 15 men consistently joins our monthly Heart Circle gathering. Feedback from Attendees:
“It helps me feel part of a broader community, not just the gay community. I was particularly impressed by the level of community involvement.” “Being part of this group has encouraged me to overcome my tendency to isolate. It has truly given me the opportunity to meet and connect with other men around my age.” “I’m thankful for the LGBTQ programs you provide, especially the Wednesday Walks, shared lunches, and Heart Circles. These initiatives have profoundly impacted my life. Participating has lifted my spirits, allowed me to engage with new people, and reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation. I feel happier, more connected to my community, and have experienced improvements both emotionally and physically because of these activities. These programs are vital for the support, connection, and wellbeing of LGBTQ seniors like me, and I truly hope they continue to receive the funding needed to grow and succeed.” “These activities help me embrace and celebrate my authentic self as a gay man. I love being around guys I can relate to.”
Holding Spaces Guest Speaker: Shanon Levine, MPH
Did you know that Planned Parenthood provides gender-affirming hormone therapy, STI testing and treatment, PrEP and PEP, birth control, and cancer screenings? Yes, they do! WE have arranged for their Senior Program Manager come share with us that and more about their offerings for our LGBT+ community. I am especially proud to present this informative talk titled: All Genders, All Bodies, All Care: Planned Parenthood for LGBTQ+ Individuals. (view below for details)
Next Month: We are also excited to welcome Remi Newman on March 4th. As the HIV and STI Clinical Health Educator at Kaiser Permanente, she will discuss her latest book, “Hands On: Stories of Sexuality Work, Intimacy, and Healing,” offering valuable insights and stimulating conversation. We eagerly anticipate your presence at these events as we continue to cultivate a robust, supportive community together.
Rainbow Connection Golden Guy Potluck, Sunday, Feb 15th | 2-5PM We are hosting a potluck for Gay and Bi men (both cis and trans) at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center. We are bringing together our own Men's Rainbow Connection, the Golden Guys, and the Billys for this yearly potluck (view below for details)
Upcoming Events (view below for details)Senior Lesbians in Community (SLIC) at Wischemann Hall, 1st & 3rd Mon | 1:30pm LGBT+ Community Lunch: Feb 2nd & Mar 2nd | 12pm Heart Circle for Guys: Feb 2nd & Mar 2nd | 1:30pm Holding Space for All: Feb 4th & Mar 4th 2-3:20 Gay & Bi guys Mixer at BREW: Feb 27th Mar 27th | 4pm Gay & Bi guys Potluck at the Senior Center | Sun, Feb 15th | 2-5pm
With warmth & gratitude,
Scotty King (LGBT Liaison) |
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| Our LGBT+ Mission: To foster pride, connectedness, belonging, diversity and inclusion for all LGBT+ adults by providing educational, social, and recreational opportunities in the continuing pursuit of a fulfilling and healthy life. We co-create this through active volunteerism at our wide variety of in-person activities. |
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| Ways to Support Us At the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our seniors through a variety of programs, services, and community events, including our LGBT+ activities. Some examples include our Harvest Cafe, free rides program, dozens of life-long learning programs, fitness and fall prevention programs; and so much more. In addition, we are a hub of resources for many Sonoma County families!
Your generosity enables us to continue providing a welcoming and supportive environment where seniors can stay active, connected, and engaged. By donating to the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, you are helping us create a vibrant community where our seniors thrive. Your support makes a difference—thank you for being a vital part of our mission.
All donations are fully tax-deductible: Tax ID: 23-7043925
If you want to direct your donation to our LGBT+ program, just put "LGBT" in the comment section when you make your gift online, in the memo on your check or if you call in your donation. Thank you for your consideration. This community keeps us going! |
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| In this Feb Issue ~ Take the Survey ~ Gay Men’s Potluck ~ Holding Spaces |
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| Reach Out/Register Register: 707-829-2440 Members: Register HERE Voicemail: 707-827-8426 |
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| LGBT+ EVENTSSponsored by the
Sebastopol Area Senior Center |
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Holding Spaces: All Genders, All Bodies, All Care: Planned Parenthood for LGBTQ+ Individuals |
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 Our guest speaker this month is Shanon Levine, MPH and Senior Program Manager of Community Health ~ Planned Parenthood Northern California.
 Planned Parenthood delivers care with pride — welcoming LGBTQ+ folks of every gender and identity with respect, warmth, and zero judgment. Services include gender-affirming hormone therapy, STI testing and treatment, PrEP and PEP, birth control, cancer screenings, and trusted referrals, all in a space designed to help you feel safe, seen, and supported.
Join us for a fun, informative look at Planned Parenthood Northern California’s services, plus a behind-the-scenes peek at the patient experience. We’ll break down how to access care, what your visit looks like, and how to step in confidently exactly as you are.
Holding Spaces is a welcoming connection group for LGBTQ+ people, grandparents, allies, and families of all ages. It’s a place to explore identity, find support, and build community—whether you’re questioning, coming out, learning or simply seeking belonging. All identities and generations are embraced, from queer elders to LGBTQ+ youth and their families. |
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| Date & Time: Feb 4 | 2pm-3:30pm
Location: Wischemann Hall/Sebastopol By Donation/No one turned away |
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| | Call us at 707-829-2440 or members with a key tag code may register online. |
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Rainbow Connection Golden Guy Potluck You are invited to this Gay & Bi (both cis and trans) Men's Rainbow Connection & Golden Guy Potluck! Come celebrate community, connection, and good food. This joyful gathering brings together the Golden Guys, Billys, and gay and bi men from across our wider community. We’ll be enjoying a lively afternoon at the beautiful, spacious Sebastopol Senior Center—filled with delicious dishes, easy conversation, and plenty of laughter. Whether you’re coming to reconnect with old friends or to meet someone new, you’ll be warmly welcomed. While it’s mostly seniors, men of all ages are invited to join the fun.
We’d love a few helping hands for setup and cleanup—please email Scotty if you’re able to volunteer. Don’t forget to bring a ready-to-serve dish, as the kitchen won’t be available. We can’t wait to share this special afternoon with you! |
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This event is free, but please register in advance |
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Date & Time: Sunday, Feb 15 | 2pm - 5pm
Location: Sebastopol Area Senior Center Cost: FREE to All |
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| Gay & Bi Guys Mixer at BREWDate & Time: Last Friday of each month | 4pm - 5:30pm | Feb 27 & Mar 27
Location: Brew – Santa Rosa | 555 Healdsburg Ave Brew has a delightful selection of coffee, beer, wine, or food choices. Brew is LGBT owned and is considered an LGBT hang out! View their website for food items HERE. |
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| LGBT+ Community Table at the Harvest CafeDate & Time: 1st Monday of mo | 12pm | Feb 2 & Mar 2
Location: Sebastopol Area Senior Center | Harvest Cafe | 167 N.High St
Cost: $10 Members | $12 Non-Members Join us to connect with your neighbors & make new friends. Find the weekly menu HERE. |
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| Senior Lesbians in Community (SLIC) Date & Time: 1st & 3rd Monday of each month at 1:30pm
Location: Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St, Sebastopol
In addition to these social group meetings, there are many other events to attend! Don't Miss These Great Upcoming Activities! |
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| SLIC 3rd Anniversary Celebration and
Variety Show Picnic at Doran Beach to Celebrate
February Birthdays |
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“Speaking of Death”, Talking About What Really Matters in Living and Dying Lesbian Visibility Presentation
with Nancy M. Kelly & Pam Adinof |
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| Gay & Bi Men’s Heart Circle GroupDate & Time: 1st Monday of mo | 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Feb 2 & Mar 2
Location: Sebastopol Area Senior Center | 167 N. High St Sebastopol
Cost: FREE Members | $5 Non-Members
Come meet your Gay, Bi, Trans male friends and neighbors! Our Heart Circle is a group of men who share, one at a time, how they are feeling. Each person speaks from the heart. |
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| OUT IN THE COMMUNITYTHESE LGBT+ ACTIVITIES ARE NOT affiliated with the Sebastopol Area Senior Center |
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Date & Time: Every Wed at 9:30am Location: Howarth Park in Santa Rosa 630 Summerfield Rd/Upper Lot |
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| Spring Lake Walk for Gay & Bi Guys
Come join us! Meet at Howarth Park (upper parking lot, free parking) on the left side near the picnic tables (near Lake Ralphine), near the trail head. We have about 20 men attending, fun walk, go fast or slow, short walk or long, OK to bring your dog. Enjoy a fun social time sitting at picnic tables next to Lake Ralphine after walk. Email me if you have questions. |
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| Sign up for these Newsletters |
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| Niteowl News for Lesbians A wonderful email news letter just for lesbians. Email Sherri to get on her list, it's terrific. niteowl7@jps.net Anyone who wants to subscribe just needs to send me an email to requesting to be put on the list.  |
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| Golden Guys
Sign up for this fun Sonoma County potluck group. An informal gathering of gay men for an afternoon potluck usually on the second Sunday of each month. To receive emails for the time and location of these monthly events, contact David at david.laudon@sbcglobal.net
The Billys
A community of open-hearted gay, bi, queer and trans men throughout the North Bay who gather for in-person Gatherings a few times a year in rural Northern California. Go HERE to sign up for their emails. (707) 545-1044
California Men’s Gatherings
California Men’s Gatherings (CMG) fosters a safe, supportive, welcoming community where men challenge themselves to develop their emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual and physical lives—with as much fun as possible along the way. GUYS who want to get their announcements of events and gatherings, or to watch gay themed movies together online and discuss them, get on this email list. Go HERE to sign up.
Binky’s List
What is Binky’s List? Besides the official listing of the California Men’s Gatherings (CMG) news and events, they also publish notices directly from members and readers. Have you wished you could tell gay men about the stuff you think they’d be interested in? Well you’ve come to the right place, because this newsletter goes out to EVERY email address in the CMG database. Binky's List is fun, informative even helpful! Go HERE to sign up.
PFLAG: We're Here to Help
PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. PFLAG provides peer-to-peer support through in-person and virtual meetings, online outreach, and a variety of additional resources and programs. Don’t miss out! Sign up today and let’s get to work: Santa Rosa Chapter | (707) 723-2844 | pflagsonomacounty@gmail.com |
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| | Are you in need of legal help? These organizations provide free services
Elder Law Clinic at Empire Law School
The Elder Law Clinic provides free legal services for senior citizens and needy persons in the Sonoma County community. Phone messages to make an appointment may be left at 707-284-7666, and someone will contact you.
Elder Law Clinic | 725 College Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 | Visit website HERE
Legal Aid of Sonoma County
LASC’s Elder Law Program serves adults age 60 and over. Their elder program provides crisis legal services for seniors at our offices in Santa Rosa and off-site for qualifying seniors who live in remote areas throughout the County. Contact our ELDER HOTLINE to see if you qualify and to schedule an appointment: 707-340-5610 |
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| Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Dial 988 Press 1 Veterans Press 2 for Spanish
Crisis Text Line Text TALK to 741741 for English Text AYUDA to 741741 for Spanish Text with a trained Counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free 24/7
Trans Lifeline Support for transgender people, by transgender people 1-877-565-8860 |
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| The Trevor Project TrevorLifeline: Available 24/7 at 1-866-6488-7386 TrevorText: Text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200 TrevorChat: via thetrevorproject.org
SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline Peer-support and local resources for older adults 1-877-360-LGBT (5428)
The LGBT National Hotline Peer-support and local resources for all ages 1-888-843-4564 |
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