Generation Plus

Born between 1946 and 1964, LGBTQ+55+ Baby Boomers played a critical role in advancing the United States gay rights movement. Within one generation, they succeeded in changing social attitudes from seeing homosexuality as a psychiatric condition to winning same-sex marriage rights. Standing on their shoulders we believe that our community is strongest when we stand together.

GenPlus builds on a legacy created by the WNC LGBTQ Elders and Land of Sky. We work to advance their vision and continue to raise awareness and advocacy. Joining us in partnership are many area organizations including Land of Sky, Council on Aging, AARP WNC and more. We seek to reduce isolation, build social networks, educate and advocate for this community. Join us as we celebrate Aging with Pride. Welcome to life’s third act, the years beyond 55!

We work to include the 4 Pillars of Blue Ridge Pride.

•Advocacy– Working to advocate on behalf of our aging LGBTQ+

community through a variety of initiatives.

•Celebration– includes community events such as our monthly

‘Connections’ social group, annual picnics, holiday gathering,

and more.

•Education– Information sharing, building connections and

educating the public on issues regarding the LGBTQ+ aging

community.

•Serve– By providing our initiatives, events, and information we

serve an under-represented community to Advocate, Celebrate, Educate and Serve for their needs and rights as equal citizens.

  • Connections

    Connections is a monthly meeting for our LGBTQ+ elders to socialize, educate and advocate. The vision for Connections is to provide a thriving group that welcomes and elevates us all. Our goals include bringing awareness and information to a growing LGBTQ+ elder community settling in the region. Our organization affirms the right of everyone to live as their authentic self.

  • Thrive!

    Thrive! is an educational lunch and learn program for our Generation Plus LGBTQ+ senior community. We believe in nurturing the mind, body and spirit in an all-inclusive environment. Each month features a new topic such as nutrition, exercise, and more. This series showcases members of our community presenting information to better enjoy our lives as LGBTQ+ elders.

  • A World without Ageism

    In partnership with Buncombe County Aging Services, AARP and others, we envision a world without Ageism. We host opportunities to learn about ageism and elder abuse in May (Older Americans Awareness Month) and June (Elder Abuse Awareness Month).

Upcoming Events

Thrive Lunch & Learn

Every 4th Wednesday of the month, 12-2 PM, we offer a free lunch and learning session for our LGBTQ+ elders!

On July 24th from 12-2 PM, LGBTQ+ elders (55+) are invited to join us for a free lunch and Gender & Age Affirming Voice Training workshop. Local speech-language pathologist Eli Van Hook (they/he) will be sharing about their practice in affirming voice training & the importance of this practice to Trans and Gender non-conforming community members.

24 Hyannis Drive Asheville, NC 28806

RSVP required:

July Connections @ Lake Lure

July 27th, 10am-4 PM

Join us for a boat tour of Lake Lure with Blue Ridge Elder Adventures (BREA). After our boat tour, we will be having lunch at Burnt Shirt Bistro (pay for your own meal) and then viewing the flowering bridge nearby.

Meet at the Ingles in Fairview where we will be riding together:

225 Charlotte Hwy, Asheville, NC 28803

REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT (please email lbritt@blueridgepride.org to be added to the wait list.)

August Connections @ Folk Art Center

August 9th, 10am @ Folk Art Center

Join us for a morning at the Folk Art Center along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will venture through craft exhibitions, witness artisan demonstrations, and visit the folk art market. Afterwards, we will be having lunch together at East Village Grille.

RSVP below:

Rainbow Inspirations

A virtual series of spotlights on our LGBTQ+ community leaders and influencers. We are grateful to our partner, AARP, for helping to bring this series to our community! Rainbow Inspiration is produced in cooperation with AARP Mountain Region.

Meet Tina White

Meet David Macvaugh

Meet Susan Wilson

Meet Lori Horvitz

Meet Steve Stonecypher

Meet Diana King