The LGBTQ+ Intergenerational
Dialogue Project
The LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project
What We Do
This project connects two populations – LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ elders – who rarely have the chance to interact. A partnership between The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Center on Addison at Center on Halsted, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, we bring together racially, socioeconomically, and gender diverse cohorts of LGBTQ+ college students and older adults (60+) for year-long series of bi-weekly themed dialogues, creative work, and shared dinners.
We believe that the fostering of long-term, meaningful intergenerational interactions can significantly strengthen the LGBTQ+ community. Our diversity provides an opportunity to put theories of intersectionality into purposeful action addressing the lived realities of LGBTQ+ people
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We connect LGBTQ+ Seniors and Youth for sustained dialogues
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, participants in the Intergenerational LGBTQ+ Dialogue Project met in person at the Center on Addison at Center on Halsted every other week to share stories, perspectives on topics we find important to LGBTQ+ culture and history, and hopes for the future. Each meeting concluded with a shared “family dinner.” We continue to meet over Zoom, work on group and individual projects inspired by our meetings, and are transitioning back in to in-person get-togethers.
I have enjoyed most everyone’s willingness to express themselves and share their feelings and experiences. I especially appreciate the intensity and depth of the dialogues we’ve had...Wouldn’t it be great if other groups tried to replicate our experience?
Lucy Elam, participant
Our Recent Projects
