Senior Sector Spotlight: Edmonton Pride Seniors Group

“Aging With Pride” - A Seniors Sector Spotlight on Edmonton Pride Seniors Group 

Written by: Breanne Harrison 

In his words, Eric Storey was a “real radical” in his twenties. During the 70s, when the diagnostic manual published by the American Psychological Association listed homosexuality as a mental disorder, he stood outside of buildings to protest for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. Over time, Storey’s personal preferred method of activism shifted. “I realized that if I really wanted to make a change, I needed to engage people in respectful conversation. I just didn’t have the opportunity.” He tells us about these life experiences during a sunny afternoon in our office. 

In 2007, Storey began his “retirement project,” a Bachelor of Social Work degree. “I did my practicum at Sage Seniors Association,” he says. “Before I started, I told them I was a gay man, and that I was interested in inclusive outcomes for seniors.” Sage shared these values; Storey could begin conducting the conversations he had yearned for. 

In 2014, city councillors Michael Phair and Sherry McKibben initiated a group to explore inclusive housing for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors. Its members realized that senior housing providers were not the most inclusive, and advocacy for housing inclusivity became a keystone for the group. By 2022, EPSG had incorporated as a non-profit society.  

“The complexion of Alberta’s seniors has changed dramatically in the last 15 years,” Storey says. “Some people in the senior serving sector thought that the senior’s population [still] looked like it did 30 years ago: white, Christian, and straight. Sometimes, society simply doesn’t notice the changes happening around us.” 

Years ago, coming out of the closet had major risks. According to Storey, one who came out was guaranteed to lose everything, including their family, housing, and career. Hiding in the dark was the safest choice. The sun retreats behind a cloud as he explains. “If a person grew up in an era when coming out was unsafe, then they have a shield in front of them today,” he holds his hand in front of his face to illustrate his meaning. “If the person tells the truth, others might reject them. If that’s a possibility, and the person makes friends with that barrier still up, then how deep are these friendships? It can lead to issues like social isolation.” 

2SLGBTQ+ seniors are at significant risk of social isolation because of the tribulations of the past. Some may struggle to know which parts of themselves are genuine, and which parts of themselves they have created for protection. Even if an older individual has come out, they may retreat into the closet if they deem it necessary. “They isolate themselves by doing that,” Storey says. “Times are changing, but everybody carries baggage. Some people just carry it better than others. That is why we emphasize education.” 

Whether it is a lecture hall with people standing shoulder to shoulder, or a small board room with two others around a table, Storey tries to educate as many people as possible. He has spent many nights glued to the computer, compiling copious amounts of research to create an inclusivity toolkit which was sponsored by Age Friendly Edmonton in collaboration with the Edmonton Social Planning Council. 

“If somebody asks me to speak, I will say yes, whether it’s 2, 20, or 200 people.” A bird chirps outside the window, as if to say that it agrees. “We don’t want to point fingers,” he says. “We just talk about the experiences we’ve had, and why the toolkit and other education is important to help prevent more experiences like ours.” He tells us of EPSG’s ongoing activity Aging with Pride, an informational group where queer seniors can get together and establish social contacts. “We aim to discuss both queer-specific issues as well as general issues that many seniors face.” It is another mode of delivery for education on inclusivity that also combats social isolation. Seniors can become acquainted with being social and being themselves. 

Inclusivity is more than just hanging a pride flag on a wall. Educating ourselves on proper inclusion will go a long way to ensuring that 2SLGBTQ+ seniors have safe spaces. Whether the sun shines or not, it is always the right time for inclusion. 

To find out more information about the Edmonton Pride Seniors Group and their initiatives, visit one of the following websites, or feel free to send an email. 

Website: www.epsg.ca 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Edmontonprideseniors  

Email: agingwithprideyeg@gmail.com  

Creating inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors!