Intergenerational Connections: Building Bridges in the LGBTQIA2+ Community

Bridging Generations, Strengthening Community

Every generation within the LGBTQIA2+ community carries its own history of courage, creativity, and resilience. From those who marched and organized decades ago to those shaping a more inclusive world today, our collective story is one of progress built through connection.

At Carolina Aging Alliance, we believe that connection between generations isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. When LGBTQIA2+ youth and elders come together to share experiences, wisdom, and laughter, both generations grow stronger.

Why Intergenerational Connections Matter

Across the LGBTQIA2+ community, social isolation remains a common thread—especially among older adults and youth. Many LGBTQ elders have faced a lifetime of discrimination and loss, while young people often struggle to find role models who share their lived experience.

Bringing these groups together creates powerful outcomes:

• Preserving LGBTQ history: Elders’ stories ensure our movement’s roots and hard-won progress are remembered.

• Empowering youth: Hearing about resilience, love, and authenticity gives younger LGBTQIA2+ people confidence and belonging.

• Reducing loneliness: Shared meals and conversations help both generations feel seen, valued, and connected.

• Building community continuity: Each generation reminds the other that they are part of something larger and lasting.

These intergenerational relationships help bridge the past and the future of LGBTQIA2+ life—reminding us that our strength lies in our connections.

Carolina Aging Alliance’s Intergenerational Events

Over the past 18 months, Carolina Aging Alliance has hosted six intergenerational gatherings, each designed to bring LGBTQIA2+ people of all ages together for a shared meal, meaningful conversation, and storytelling.

These events have become a cornerstone of our community-building work. Around the table, people swap memories of early Pride events, discuss coming out in different eras, and find common ground in shared values of authenticity and resilience.

The feedback has been deeply moving. Younger participants describe a sense of gratitude and perspective; older attendees say they feel renewed energy and belonging. For many, it’s not just an event—it’s a reminder that they are part of an enduring family.

Looking Ahead: Intergenerational Connect

Building on the success of these gatherings, Carolina Aging Alliance hopes to expand its intergenerational work through a new initiative: Intergenerational Connect.

This planned buddy program would match one older adult with one younger person for ongoing friendship and mutual support. The goal is to create intentional, lasting relationships that extend beyond a single event—through regular check-ins, shared activities, and mentorship.

While the program has not yet launched, funding has been secured to support its development. The next step is identifying a program leader or volunteer coordinator who can help bring this vision to life.

If you or someone you know is passionate about intergenerational connection and has experience in program coordination, Carolina Aging Alliance would love to connect with you.

Creativity Across Generations: Our Annual Art Show

Art has always been a bridge between generations, telling stories that words sometimes cannot. Our annual art show and exhibition, in colaboration with the Creative Aging Network, is another way we foster intergenerational community.

Open to all LGBTQ+ artists, regardless of age or experience, this event showcases the diversity of our community through painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Each year, the exhibition brings together emerging and established artists, creating space for inspiration, collaboration, and pride.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’d like to support or participate in intergenerational LGBTQ programs, here are a few ways to make a difference:

• Attend an upcoming intergenerational event—share a meal, a story, and a few laughs.

• Volunteer or help lead the Intergenerational Connect program when it launches.

• Show your art at our annual exhibition or encourage others to share their work.

• Donate to help us sustain and expand programs that strengthen LGBTQ community support across generations.

Together, We Carry the Story Forward

When LGBTQIA2+ youth and elders connect, something extraordinary happens: stories are shared, perspectives shift, and hearts open. Together, they remind us that our community’s story is not one of separation, but of shared strength.

At Carolina Aging Alliance, we are committed to keeping those connections alive—through conversation, creativity, and compassion. Because when we build bridges between generations, we ensure that our collective light never fades.