Seattle’s first LGBTQIA senior center is providing community and connection to many older Americans who feel isolated.
The GenPride Center — the first of its kind in the Emerald City — opened in October of 2023 on Broadway in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
The center currently provides services to around 100 older Americans, including resources around health and wellness, technology, arts and education and support groups for Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
But more importantly, it provides a sense of connection and belonging to many who may feel alone.
“Social isolation. Not feeling like belonging. Not having ways to connect. We know that’s an issue for older Americans. Well, that’s an issue that’s magnified often for our LGBTQIA population,” said Linda Marchesani, a board of director for GenPride , an organization that owns the building. “This is a place to cultivate friendship. Cultivate belonging. Cultivate a sense of purpose as LGBTQ older Americans.”
Marchesani said a number of LGBTQIA Americans did/do not come out of the closet due to the fear of not being accepted by others, especially in the past.