LGBTQ+ community members ages 50 and up to be celebrated during free Pride Month event
During Pride Month, local LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Project Pride SRQ and Senior Friendship Centers will collaborate to present Silver Pride 2026, celebrating LGBTQ+ community members ages 50 and older, the organizations have announced.
This free event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Senior Friendship Centers, which stands at 1888 Brother Geenen Way in Sarasota, a news release says.
“Valet and self-parking will be available on-site,” the release continues. Community members are encouraged to learn more about it and to register at ppsrq.org/silverpride2026.
“The organizations are dedicating the day to Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future, as icons from the LGBTQ+ community are recognized, the release continues. The afternoon will feature “live music, food available for purchase from Mellow Mushroom, tabling by local vendors and community partners — with information about resources available for senior-related services as well as LGBTQ+ support and advocacy — and plentiful excitement and fun for all who attend,” the release adds. Raffles for prizes and giveaways will take place, as well, over the course of the afternoon, the release notes.
“Local TV personality Joey Panek will serve as the event host/emcee,” it says. Among the entertainers will be the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Azara Ballet, Diversity Voices, Dingbat Theatre Project, Tap Kats, Dame Lindsay Carlton-Cline and DJ Janine, the release notes.
Further, the event will feature a panel presentation titled Aging Out Loud: LGBTQ+ Life, Legacy, and Belonging Across Generations. (The details regarding the panelists and moderator were being finalized as the release was issued.)
“For many older adults in the LGBTQ+ community, being seen and feeling safe are particularly important, as there was significant discrimination, as well as stigma attached to being gay, when they were younger and not permitted to be their authentic selves,” said Project Pride SRQ interim Executive Director Justyn Hunter-Ceruti in the release. “We are thrilled to be able to provide a safe and joyful environment for older adults to celebrate Pride Month among old friends – and new ones!” he pointed out in the release.
“Senior Friendship Centers is dedicated to supporting the health, dignity, and connection of all older adults in our community,” added Declan Sheehy, chief advancement officer for Senior Friendship Centers, in the release. “Events like Silver Pride reflect our solid commitment to ensuring every older adult — regardless of background or identity — has access to a safe, welcoming environment where they can thrive, build relationships, and feel a true sense of belonging,” Sheehy noted in the release.
The event sponsors are Aviva Senior Living, Millennium Physician Group and WUSF/NPR, the release says.
For more about Project Pride SRQ, visit ppsrq.org. For more about Senior Friendship Centers, visit friendshipcenters.org.