Your generosity helps create spaces where LGBTQ+ older adults can simply be themselves.

Every gift to Friends & Co helps create welcoming spaces, so older adults they can find friendship, community, and shared happiness.

Your generosity creates moments like these

For many LGBTQ+ older adults, Pride isn’t just about celebration.

It’s about finally finding a place where they don’t have to explain themselves, hide who they are, or wonder whether they’ll be accepted.

Every conversation.

Every laugh.

Every new friendship.

Every story shared across the lunch table.

It happens because someone like you chose to give.

This year’s Older & Bolder Pride Luncheon brought together LGBTQ+ older adults, allies, volunteers, and community partners for a lunch that was filled with conversation, laughter, delicious food, and celebration. The singing entertainment was so great by OutLoud! (an ensemble from the Gay Men’s Chorus), and the giveaway gift baskets were so special by “Gifts for Seniors.”

Together, we honored the lives, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ older adults while creating space where people can be out.

You create more than a meal

You create a place where someone walks in feeling alone…

…and leaves knowing someone’s name.

You create a place where strangers become friends.

You create a place where decades of life experience are welcomed, celebrated, and shared.

You create a place where LGBTQ+ older adults don’t have to shrink themselves to belong.

During a recent conversation…

We asked two LGBTQ+ older adults one simple question:

“What would you tell your younger self?”

The radio booth grew quiet.

One guest became emotional.

No one rushed to fill the silence.

Everyone knew there was something happening, an older adult was sharing his life and we were witnessing something important in that moment.

That moment wasn’t created by a microphone.

It was created by community.

It happened because Friends & Co exists.

And Friends & Co exists because people like you believe every older adult deserves friendship, dignity, and belonging.

This Is What You Made Possible

Help Create the Next Story.

Every day, Friends & Co creates spaces where older adults find friendship and belonging—including LGBTQ+ older adults through programs like Let’s Do Lunch Café.

No one should have to grow older feeling invisible or alone.

Your gift creates places where older adults build friendships, share their stories, and know they belong.

Make your gift today.

Because somewhere in Minnesota…

Someone is waiting for a place where they can simply be themselves.

Sharing the Story Beyond the Room

One of our goals this year was to help more people understand the importance of celebrating and supporting LGBTQ+ older adults—not only those who attended, but the broader community as well.

We’re thrilled that the event received significant media attention, including:

While these stories captured just a glimpse of the celebration, they helped shine a spotlight on the experiences of LGBTQ+ older adults and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and connected.

Thank you sponsors

This year’s “Older & Bolder” celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors, volunteers and community partners. Their investment helped create a welcoming and affirming experience for every person who walked through the doors.

Looking Ahead

Events like the Older & Bolder Pride Luncheon remind us that community isn’t built in a single afternoon, it grows every time people choose to show up for one another.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, and helped spread the word. Your support helps Friends & Co continue our mission of reducing social isolation and fostering meaningful connection for older adults across Minnesota.

We look forward to celebrating together again next year.