Heartwarming campaign is bringing hope to elderly LGBT+ people left alone and isolated by coronavirus
Coronavirus poses an increased risk to LGBT+ people, and older LGBT+ people are particularly vulnerable (Pexels)
LGBT+ organisations are rallying behind older members of their community to ensure they’re not left to battle the coronavirus crisis alone.
Coronavirus poses an increased risk to LGBT+ people, and older LGBT+ people are particularly vulnerable as they are more likely to suffer from poorer health than their heterosexual peers.
And with many having lost partners and friends to AIDS in the 80s and 90s, 60 per cent of LGBT+ elders now “lack companionship”, according to a 2016 study by by The Williams Institute.
Unwilling to let their forebears suffer in silence, the people behind Opening Doors London and the queer dance party Little Gay Brother have teamed up to launch a charity t-shirt campaign to “keep our older LGBTQ+ community safe, well and loved during this pandemic”.
The tees come in two colours and are emblazoned with an important reminder for us all: ‘Love Is Not Cancelled’.
“As the events industry has had to shut its doors, not only has the UK lost some of its most important community hubs for LGBT+ people, but opportunities to raise funds and drive awareness of the more vulnerable members of the community have also come to a halt,” Little Gay Brother said in a statement.
(Everpress)
“This t-shirt is a rallying call to ALL; created by Little Gay Brother and supported by those who work in nightlife, music, the arts, events, their fans and more; to look beyond the closures and start to help those most vulnerable within our community, as they are in crisis too.”
It continues: “The queer scene is more than just DJs, music, drag queens and parties; it’s made up of so many incredible LGBTQIA + people who come and support each event.
“And importantly, our scene would be nothing without those pioneering trailblazers who paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today. The older LGBTQ+ generation now needs our help.”
The t-shirts cost £22.50 and are available to pre-order now.
Opening Doors London say their group has an urgent need for donations as the need for their services escalates. To find out more, click here.
