Starting Points

International Network for Critical Gerontology – “Based at McMaster University in Canada, this virtual network links international scholars,” creating an online home for meaningful, critical scholarship – in a field often dominated by normative, top-down solutions and medical frameworks. Highly recommended for those starting to explore the existing boundaries of the field, or contribute blog posts to their online forum. Includes an essay – Queer Gerontology – by Jesus Ramirez-Valles.

Activist Groups 

Old Lesbians Organizing for Change (OLOC) – This group has such a long and established history, as well as a huge and widespread network, that it deserves further research and study. OLOC blossomed out of a conference at CAL State in 1989 – “The West Coast Celebration II and Conference of Old Lesbians took place August 4-6, 1989 at the Seven Hills Conference Center on the campus of San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA. It was during this conference that OLOC was born.” (From the OLOC Herstory, 1989-2007).

OLOC published The Facilitator’s Handbook – Confronting Ageism: Consciousness Raising for Lesbians 60 and Over, and the online archives of their newsletter, The Reporter, go back to 2006.  OLOC’s List of Resources includes information for caregivers, housing, etc.

Griot Circle – Founded in 1995, it is “an intergenerational and culturally diverse community-based social service organization responsive to the realities of older lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, two-spirit and transgender people (LGBTST) of all colors.” Located in Brooklyn, NY, they offer a variety of supportive services, including a Friendly Visiting program, mental health and housing.

Zami Nobla – A national Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging, founded in 2011 by Mary Ann Adams. The focus of Zami Nobla is “black lesbians over 40.” 

Related Activist Groups 

Butch Voices conference – Includes spotlights on older queer women/gender non-conforming individuals, with several keynotes by well-known community members, such as Jay Toole. 

Center for Positive Aging – Includes a section on LGBTQ Aging

Diverse Elders Coalition – Includes a spotlight on their blog about LGTBQ-related issues 

FORGE – Resources on transgender aging, based in Miluwakuee, WI. 

Revolting Lesbians – A NYC-based direct action group, targeting corporate power and police violence, with a multi-generational membership.