Joining Forces for PrideFest Celebration

Sherrill Wayland deeply appreciates what AARP does for her organization and the people it serves.

She founded SAGE Metro St. Louis (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) seven years ago to advocate for and spread awareness about the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the area.

Wayland said partnering with AARP is critical. The two groups have worked together for about four years and will join forces again June 27 and 28 at PrideFest at Soldiers Memorial Park in downtown St. Louis, an annual celebration of the LGBT community.

“AARP is one of the leading advocacy agents for older adults,” said Wayland, who last year was named to the AARP Missouri Executive Council. “Oftentimes, LGBT older adults haven’t always felt a part of groups like AARP. By participating at PrideFest, it lets older LGBT adults know that AARP is supportive and is working on their behalf.”

The organizations will have a cooling tent on both days where visitors can learn about both groups, including AARP’s “I Heart Caregivers” program ( act.aarp.org/iheartcaregivers), which encourages people to share their caregiving stories. AARP will have an open-air wine garden, acoustic entertainment and access to view the PrideFest parade June 28.—Jason L. Young