Coffee, Conversation, and Community: Drop-In Discussion Groups for LGBT Seniors

There are four social, drop-in discussion groups available in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa. These are special places for LGBT older adults. What constitutes an ‘older adult’ you ask? We leave that up to you, but attendance is typically people whose age is 50+.

All groups are free of charge and all occur on a monthly basis. You are welcome to visit any group that appeals to you, regardless of where you live. Since these are drop-in groups, you may come once or every time. You don’t need to be a member or join anything. These are NOT therapy groups.

MARIN COUNTY: Spectrum’s Senior Discussion group meets in Novato

When: First Tuesday of each month, 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Where: Maragaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road, Novato, Room 3
Brown Bag Lunch (optional) 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM – Coffee and Cookies Provided
Facilitated Discussion 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Facilitated by Nancy Flaxman, MSW

Description: The group gathers informally for a brown bag lunch (optional) and then continues with a different topic for discussion each month. Whether you are in the closet or out, partnered or single, shy or outgoing, we hope you will join us for this opportunity to get to know each other and build community.

We thank Margaret Todd Senior Center and Episcopal Senior Communities for sponsoring our meeting place and valuing the participation of LGBT seniors.

DIRECTIONS: De Long Exit of 101; Take De Long west (De Long will eventually become Diablo) all the way to the end. That is Hill Rd. Turn left on Hill. After the school, you will see Margaret Todd on your left.

NAPA COUNTY: Napa When: First Tuesday of each month, 10:15 am – 12:00 PM Where: Queen of the Valley Community Center, 3448 Villa Lane, Napa 10:15 AM to 10:30 AM: Arrival, coffee and pastries provided

Facilitated Discussion 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Facilitated by Ian Stanley, Director, LGBTQ Connections Napa

Description: Join us for a very casual, fun, and relaxed group discussion with different topics each month. There is often a film featured, followed by relevant discussion. Plenty of street & lot parking, wheelchair access, and located on major transportation routes. Whether in the closet or not, we’re discreet and confidential. For more information, call 707-583-2330 (24 hour confidential voice message line, checked regularly).

This group is made possible with funding from Napa County Health and Human Services and hosted in partnership with LGBTQ Connection Napa and Spectrum LGBT Center.

SONOMA COUNTY: Santa Rosa When: Fourth Tuesday of the month, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Glaser Center at UUCM, 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa Social time 1:00 – 1:30 PM; facilitated discussion 1:30 – 3:00 PM

Facilitator: Rotates on a volunteer basis
The group is not affiliated with any religious denomination.

Description: Join us for lively discussions, mutual support, sharing information, and all the while celebrating who we are. Everyone is welcome; there is no charge. Whether you’re in the closet or out, you are welcome!

SONOMA COUNTY: City of Sonoma

When: Third Friday of the month, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

Where: Vintage House Senior Center, 264 1st Street East, Sonoma

Social time 10:00 – 10:30 AM; facilitated discussion 10:30 – 12:00 Noon

Coordinators: Gary “Buz” Hermes (707) 227-6935 and Janice Farrell (415) 608-5792

Description: All ages and abilities welcome! Come join us and feel free to bring a friend or neighbor. After the group, some of us go to lunch at a local restaurant; join us!