Nonprofits collaborate on successful ‘Silver Pride 2026’ for LGBTQ+ individuals ages 50 and better

This past weekend, Project Pride SRQ and Senior Friendship Centers collaborated to present Silver Pride 2026. This free Pride Month event, celebrating LGBTQ+ community members ages 50 and better, featured live entertainment, food from Mellow Mushroom, tabling by local vendors and community partners – with information about resources available for senior-related services as well as LGBTQ+ support and advocacy - and plentiful excitement and fun. There were numerous raffle prizes and giveaways over the course of the afternoon.

Estimates are that more than 700 community members attended the event at host organization Senior Friendship Centers over the course of the afternoon. This was Project Pride SRQ’s largest-attended event of the year to-date.

The partnering organizations dedicated the day to “Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future,” as icons from the LGBTQ+ community were celebrated. Approximately 30 couples who have been together for five, 10, 15 – as many as 60 years – were recognized for paving the way, with love and authenticity, for future generations.

“Older LGBTQ+ adults helped make today’s visibility possible. This event has allowed us to celebrate their legacy while also reminding the broader community that inclusion must extend across every age and stage of life,” said Project Pride SRQ interim executive director Justyn Hunter-Ceruti. “Our collaboration with Senior Friendship Centers is meaningful because it connects LGBTQ+ inclusion with the broader work of aging, wellness, dignity, and community connection. Our partnership helps ensure LGBTQ+ older adults are included not as an afterthought, but as an important part of the community we are all building together.”

Live entertainers included Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Azara Ballet, Diversity Voices Choir, Dingbat Theatre Project, Tap Kats, Dame Lindsay Carlton-Cline, and DJ Janine. There was also a panel presentation, titled “Aging Out Loud: LGBTQ+ Life, Legacy, and Belonging Across Generations,” moderated by local television personality Joey Panek. It featured the following panelists: Christie Castro, CEO of HomeWell Care Services of Manasota; Chris Covelli, chef and owner of Sage Restaurant; Christine Jennings, board member of Senior Friendship Centers and Sunshine From Darkness; and MJ Jianelli, director of strategy at Orenda Health and Wellness.

“Senior Friendship Centers believes connection is essential at every age," said Declan Sheehy, chief advancement officer for Senior Friendship Centers. "Through our partnership with Project Pride SRQ, we have been thrilled to create a welcoming space where LGBTQ+ seniors and allies can gather, celebrate love, access resources, and be reminded that they are valued.”

Major sponsors were: HomeWell Care Services, Celebration Stage Sponsor; Bank of America, Annual Season Supporter; and Aviva Senior Living, Bath Fitters, Dan Denton, Humane Society of Sarasota County, Millennium Physician Group, and Sarasota County Democratic Senior Caucus, Ally Sponsors.

For more about Project Pride SRQ, visit ppsrq.org. For more about Senior Friendship Centers, visit friendshipcenters.org.

About Project Pride SRQ
Project Pride SRQ is a Sarasota-Manatee based nonprofit organization that strengthens and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through visibility, connection, and collaboration. Founded in 2019, the organization brings together local nonprofits, businesses, artists, educators, and civic leaders to help build a more inclusive region. Through signature events, youth scholarships, community gatherings, and collaborative programming, Project Pride SRQ creates meaningful opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and allies to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. For more information, visit ppsrq.org.

About Senior Friendship Centers
The mission of Senior Friendship Centers is to build vibrant communities by advancing wellness, connection, and enrichment throughout the journey of aging. Since 1973 this organization has served people 50 and older in Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto, and Lee counties with programs and services including activity centers, lifelong learning, dining centers and meals delivered to the homebound, caregiver support, adult day services, supportive aging services, and volunteer opportunities. For more information about Senior Friendship Centers, call 941-955-2122 or visit friendshipcenters.org.