Launching the Nation’s First LGBTQ+ Memory Cafe
Launching the Nation’s First LGBTQ+ Memory Cafe
by Linsey Knerl
We’re proud to share that April 12th marked the launch of the nation’s first memory cafe dedicated to LGBTQ+ older adults. A joint collaboration between Renewal Memory Partners, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), and SAGE, the LGBTQ+ Memory Cafe is a 4-part series of social gatherings for LGBTQ+ individuals with dementia and their care partners.
Each cafe is two hours and includes open socialization, icebreaking activities, and structured creative activities. The first Café was facilitated by Dance and Movement therapist Jackie Gatto, who shares more about how the cafés work.
“This memory café is specific for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia in the LGBT+ community,” explains Jackie. “In our sessions together, we connect through open discussion, movement-based activity, and creative art projects. Group members are welcomed into a safe space where they can express themselves freely in creative ways. Many group members shared their joys, their passions, memories, and their history.”
Care partners are also welcome and encouraged to attend the cafe. Care partners may include spouses and partners, and also “families of choice”, a term commonly used within the LGBTQ+ community to describe people chosen as family who are not biologically related.
While every dementia story is different, and no two LGBTQ+ adults are alike, the café offers the chance to find others who may want a new way to connect. Broadly speaking, memory cafes are designed to bring people out of social isolation, which studies have shown is detrimental to human health. While the need for social connection is strong for those with dementia, it's especially vital for people in the LGBTQ+ community who remain uniquely vulnerable as an aging cohort.
“Launching the nation’s first LGBTQ Memory Café is an important step in creating access for LGBTQ+ elders,” shares Darcy Connors, Executive Director of SAGEServes. “LGBTQ+ elders are twice as likely to live alone, making them more vulnerable to social isolation. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social isolation increases a person’s risk of dementia by 50%. The reality is that LGBTQ+ access to care and caregiving lags behind those who do not identify as LGBTQ+. Programs like the LGBTQ Memory Café are vital tools in supporting caregivers, those with dementia, and those that support them.”
Cafe attendees Dereck and Jonathan share what drew them to the event, the first outing for them since the COVID-19 pandemic.“The icebreaker exercise helps us to learn about each other through percolated thinking and memories,” shared Derick, Jonathan’s husband, and caregiver. “It was a wonderful opportunity to interact and interface with new folks, people we haven't met before but have similar backgrounds.”
We’re very grateful that the cafe is off to a strong start, and we’re looking forward to more fun, friendships, and moments of joy in the sessions ahead!
Registration is still open for future cafes, whether you want to attend one or all of the remaining sessions. Prior attendance is not a requirement. The cafe is always FREE and new faces are always welcome!
Future dates: May 10th, June 14th, and July 12th
Location: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, FL 7, New York, NY 10001
Time: 2:00 - 4:00pm
Learn more and register here.
FAQ
What is a memory café?
A memory café is a social gathering designed for people with dementia and their care partners. As grassroots endeavors, no two cafes are alike, and each cafe is designed to meet the unique needs of the community it serves.
Who is it for?
Anyone with early to mid-stage memory loss and members of their care team can benefit from attending a memory café. This could include the person with dementia and their spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend, or professional care provider. The cafes work best when those attending can still participate in group discussions and activities since the events are highly interactive and can offer opportunities to engage in activities that promote mental and social well-being.
How can I find a memory café in my community?
The Memory Cafe Directory is an online resource that may help you find a virtual or in-person cafe near you. You may also find resources at your local library or senior center.
I'm interested in starting a memory café. Are there resources that can help me get started?
Fortunately, it doesn’t take a lot of money or space to start a memory café. Leadership and coordination can be key to a cafe's success. This memory café toolkit gives you a guideline for getting started and downloadable forms and examples to help you create the right experience for your community.