ASK THE EXPERTS ABOUT
General LGBT Aging Issues


Q Finding acceptance among LGBT elders
  Mar 13, 2008

I would like to feel more part of the elder LGBT community, but walking into the Center or the office of SAGE can be intimidating for me. Can you suggest a way for me to ease in to one of these groups?


A Response from Mr. Stewart

I, too, lack confidence walking into a room of strangers. My work requires me to do this and often I'm knotted up inside and feel like an idiot when I'm alone and everyone else seems to know each other.

But lots of people feel this way and they cover it up very well.

One way to lessen this anxiety is to first meet one person on the staff of SAGE or another organization. Arrange an appointment with this staff member to discuss the organization and to express your anxiety about being the stranger. Ask for help getting acquainted. People in social and helping organizations enjoy being asked to help! Allow that person to introduce you to a few key persons where you can be drawn into conversations. Think about what people most enjoy talking about: themselves! Then initiate conversation by asking the other person about their interests, work and life.

Soon you'll be chairing a committee.

Enjoy your life!

Peace and Good, Ken


 

 



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