“When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.” — Barack Obama
It was June 27, 1969. Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar, was crowded and lively. Nobody will forget the violent NYPD raid that wreaked chaos and horror and sparked 6 days of protests. It is a milestone moment in our history.
Today, over two decades later, we spend the month of June, designated Pride Month, honoring and celebrating activism within the LGBTQ+ community while promoting inclusion, education, and understanding for all.
Hope, said the late activist Harvey Milk, will never be silent.
Pride month is the perfect time to check out LBGTQ+ books pertaining to the senior experience. Whether you are looking for LGBTQ+ retirement and aging tips, or just some great queer fiction, here are a few choices to add to your summer reading list.
4 Steps to Financial Security for Lesbian and Gay Couples by Harold Lustig
This is the first financial guide exclusively tailored toward helping lesbian and gay couples protect their assets.Drawing on his twenty years of experience as a financial advisor to the LGBTQ community, Lustig offers easy to follow steps to financial security.
Gay Men’s Working Lives, Retirement and Old Age by Peter Robinson
Robinson examines the working lives, retirement plans and aging experiences of three generations of gay men. It is the compilation of data from interviews with 82 men from around the world. Comparing and contrasting the men’s stories, Robinson highlights key differences and recurring themes that cross generations.
The Lives of LGBT Older Adults by Nancy A. Orel and Christine A. Fruhauf
LGBT older adults have unique physical and mental health issues that have often been ignored in gerontological studies. This book explores the needs and challenges of this population as well as their incredible strength and resilience.
Queer Aging: The Gayby Boomers and a New Frontier for Gerontology by Jesus Ramirez-Valles
Older gay men who faced AIDS and survived social stigma and discrimination, are now facing the challenges of aging. Ramirez-Valles focuses on their unique approach to the aging process, including their perspectives on friendship, caregiving, romance, sex, illness and the loss of a loved one.
Late Bloomers: Awakening to Lesbianism After Forty by Robin McCoy
This book will make you laugh and make you cry. It follows the journey of 38 smart, funny women over 40 as they share their lesbian awakening.
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
This epic novel portrays a forbidden romance between two confederate soldiers in the waning days of the civil war. Gripping and moving, this is a story about finding love and humanity in the most harrowing of circumstances.
Never Too Late For Heroes by A. L. Brooks
This fun romp has it all. Superheroes, villains, lesbian cops and feisty retirees. Though agent Geena Fox is counting the days to her retirement, she did not count on the new young rookie cop who will turn her life upside down.
Fishwives by Sally Bellerose
Fishwives chronicles the lives of two women, eighty-nine-year-old Regina and ninety -year-old Jackie. They met in 1955 and their enduring love survived historic political and cultural change.
Becoming Eve by Abby Chava Stein
Becoming Eve is the autobiographical story of an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who was certain from a young age that she is a girl. Though she knows her journey will lead her away from her family and her way of life, it is the only road to a life of fulfillment.
Overture’s premier senior living apartments communities are focused on inclusion and acceptance. Book a tour at the property of your choice today. A welcoming community is at Happy Hour waiting to compare reading lists with you.
“Love is never wrong.” — Melissa Etheridge