The "reKINdle” initiative

Our “reKINdle” initiative highlights and explores the reality that 2LGBTQ+ older adults choose to not identify as 2LGBTQ+ as they enter retirement homes and long-term care facilities due to fear of reprisal and discrimination. Community Justice Initiatives (CJI) and SPECTRUM's Aging With Pride Committee (located in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) are working collaboratively with two older adult housing providers to create Gender Sexuality Alliances (similar to school Gay Straight Alliances) within the older adult residences. The project is also providing support to these institutions to create 2LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices within their organizations. 

The vision of this project is that there is housing for older adults that is welcoming and anti-oppressive, and that changes are made on a resident and systems-wide level. Impacts that we hope for our project include that 2LGBTQ+ older adults begin to feel safe disclosing who they are and that non-2LGBTQ+ older adults will be their allies. Other impacts will be that older adult housing providers will be welcoming and inclusive.