Visibility Matters
Museum of Contemporary Art begins the 2023 LGBTQI+ Intergenerational Programs
Aging with Pride
By Sarah Bahnson , LGBTQI+ Community Liaison
On-going events: Registration is required for attendance - soazseniorpride.org GBTQI+ Mens Loss Group ; weekly on Tuesday; 1:30–3pm; in-person Gayme Day; second Wednesday; 1–3pm; in-person LGBTQI+ culture. During times in which gender and sexual minorities are highly policed, drag spaces have provided safety in many ways. They continue to be safe genders, and ages 13 and older, the School of Drag is all about the creative art of drag performance. Recorded examples of drag performance date back to 16th and 17th-century theater, in which women were not permitted to perform on stage and feminine roles were performed by men. . . in drag! The exaggerated, satirical, and cheeky performances that drag is known for today originated during the Harlem Renaissance. Private clubs for gays and lesbians would feature female and male impersonators competing against each other in drag balls . Drag balls came into national attention with the documentary film “Paris is Burning” and again recently in Ryan Murphy’s “Pose,” revealing the myriad of stories behind the high fashion, voguing, and creative self-expression for which drag is known. Drag spaces hold a special place in
Book Club ; third Wednesday; 2–3:30pm; on Zoom Gathering in Himmel Park ; third Saturday; 10–11:30am; in-person Walk and Roll - Enjoy an outdoor activity with friendly people; third Tuesday; time will vary; in-person There are more events each month. Stay tuned in on the website. places for LGBTQI+ people of all ages, including older adults, to be with their own community. Drag performance has provided a platform for folks looking to explore themselves outside of social norms, whether its gender, alternate personas, fashion, or other forms of self-expression. And drag and drag performers have become enculturated into LGBTQI+ civil rights: drag performers frequently present at LGBTQI+ memorial events, are MC’s for LGBTQI+ fundraising, and every year they march during Pride. Drag performance has an extraordinary history, filled with courage, boldness, and imagination. Anyone interested can register for the School of Drag and Stay Gold to enjoy the health and social benefits of participating. Both programs are free and open to LGBTQI+ people and allies. To learn more visit moca-tucson.org, contact Harrison Orr at harrison@moca-tucson.org, or call (520) 624-5019.
So. AZ Senior Pride celebrating, supporting and uniting LGBTQI+ older adults (520) 312-8923; info@soazseniorpride. org; soazseniorpride.org All in-person, indoor events require masks. Have you ever felt like breaking free of social norms? Ever wanted to explore a new part of yourself? Have you ever wanted to demonstrate your fabulousness in glitter and glitz? You are in luck! The “School of Drag,” is an intergenerational gender performance program. Welcoming LGBTQ people and allies, open to all PCOA is pleased to highlight the Spring 2023 season of intergenerational programming at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Intergenerational programs like School of Drag and Stay Gold have proven impactful on the health and wellness of older adults. Studies show that older adults who participate in intergenerational programs experience improved cognitive ability, strength, balance, and report decreases in experiences of social isolation. MOCA offers several free programs that encourage participation from all ages and foster a sense of belonging and creativity.
Page 28 | March 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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