Pride Month 2023: AARP Texas advocates for inclusion and diversity

Every June, communities worldwide acknowledge and honor the struggles, resilience, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community through Pride Month. At its core, Pride Month is a time of reflection, a celebration of diversity, and a reinvigoration of our collective efforts toward equality. It is an opportunity to continue pushing forward for full acceptance, legal rights, and social justice for all LGBTQ+ individuals.

As a champion of social change and an advocate for all individuals aged 50 and over, AARP Texas staunchly supports Pride Month. The issues and rights of older LGBTQ+ adults are central to our advocacy work, reflecting our dedication to promoting the well-being and inclusivity of all. Aging should not lead to marginalization, and our support for the LGBTQ+ community is a significant part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that all older adults are valued and respected without discrimination against their gender identity or sexual orientation.

This Pride Month, we invite you to join AARP Texas as we celebrate with a series of events. Regardless of whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally, our line-up of both in-person and virtual events offers something for everyone. From enlightening talks and conferences, artistic showcases, and engaging virtual gatherings to vibrant community festivities, our Pride Month celebration aims to foster unity, spread awareness, and embrace diversity.

Browse through our listing of Pride Month events, and make sure to register ahead. Our events, thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of interests, underscore the rich tapestry that makes up our LGBTQ+ community. Whether you participate in person or online, your presence contributes to a louder, prouder message of love, acceptance, and resilience.

AARP Texas is eager to celebrate Pride Month with you. Let's use this time to honor the past, take pride in how far we've come, and look forward to a future where everyone can age with dignity and respect. Let's make Pride Month 2023 one to remember! Remember to check back as we will continue to add Pride Month events!

June 3, 8:30 a.m. - LGBTQ+ Caregiver Conference, Austin
AGE of Central Texas hosts the 2nd annual LGBTQ+ Caregiver Conference.
Register at https://ageofcentraltx.org/index.php/lgbtq-caregiver-conference/

June 6, 4 p.m. – Meeting the Needs of LGBTQ Caregivers: A Dementia Care Toolkit for Families and Professionals, Virtual
This free workshop for caregivers will address the issues and needs of the LGBTQ population coping with dementia.
Register at https://bit.ly/3qkBoIj

June 7, 10 a.m. - Author Spotlight: Welcoming LGBT Residents, Virtual
This free discussion about caring for LGBTQ+ older adults in senior living settings features elder justice advocate Tim R. Johnston.
Register at: https://bit.ly/3N9xpr0

June 8, 5 p.m. - Art: J.C. Leyendecker and American Masculinity, Virtual
Discover the work and legacy of a preeminent early 20th-century queer illustrator and commercial artist.
Register at https://bit.ly/3WScBr5

June 12, 19, 26 at Noon – Pride Month Discovery Mondays, Virtual
Join AARP Texas for our Pride Month Discovery Mondays, every Monday from June 12 to June 26 and discover the stories behind Pride Month and learn about trailblazers who raised awareness about gender identity and expression.
Register at: https://forms.gle/4hD49Lb569snZieHA

June 15, 11 a.m. - Caring for and Supporting LGBTQ Seniors, Virtual
Gain insight on the unique needs of older LGBTQ adults and how caregivers can address them.
Register at https://bit.ly/42jgKp1

June 17, 5 p.m. – Pride Amor Eterno Concert and Festival, Dallas
Celebrate Pride Month with AARP Texas, the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, and the Latino Cultural Center for a curated mariachi music experience by Juan Gabriel Mariachi, the picturesque ballet folklorico, live DJ music and delicious food.
Registration required: https://events.aarp.org/Amor_Eterno

June 17, 4 p.m. – Community Pride Celebration, Houston
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month and the Montrose Center’s 45th anniversary with food, entertainment, LGBTQ+ organizations, and AARP Houston's indoor lounge for adults 55+.
Register at: https://events.aarp.org/TX-617-PRIDE

June 20, 4:30 p.m. - A Monthly LGBTQ+ Writing Party, Virtual
Join this social gathering, known as “LGBT Quesdays,” to mingle and share with LGBTQ+ people and allies of all ages and backgrounds.
Register at https://bit.ly/43xFk7j

June 20, 5:30 p.m. - One Day University: The Stonewall Riots Explained, Virtual
Explore what happened during the Stonewall riots and what came after.
Register at: https://bit.ly/3oJ5xjY

June 22, 12:30 p.m. – Pride Week AARP Presentation to Rainbow Seniors, San Antonio
Check back - More information coming!

June 24  – Pride Bigger than Texas Festival, San Antonio
Check back - More information coming!

August 12 – Austin Pride Parade and Festival
AARP volunteers will participate in a Legends of Pride float with organizations supportive of  older Austinites.
Check back - More information coming!

Learn more about local events and AARP advocacy efforts at states.aarp.org/texas