Inaugural Silver Pride event celebrates senior LGBTQ+ community

By Ian Swaby
| 8:00 p.m. June 10, 2023

Chris Covelli, Don Daly and his husband Eddy Zappacosta, and Davi Elder

Sarasota
Neighbors

Although it was the first time Silver Pride was held at Senior Friendship Centers, the event on Saturday drew around 500 attendees eager to socialize, dance and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community ages 50 and up.

“There’s hardly anything in the gay community for seniors. We are going to support it 100%!” said Mary Cumisay, who attended with her neighbor Pauline Tondreau.

The event included food and drink vendors such as Kombi Keg Mobile Bar; representatives of services including Aviva Senior Living, LGBT+ Seacoast Bank Associate Resource Group, Inspired Living, and Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s; along with live entertainment by performers including ShimmyBOOM Tribal Bellydance Troupe and drag performer Dame Lindsay Carlton-Cline.

“It’s been a great event, a great partnership. We’re super happy to just spread love," said Jenny Macias, Senior Programs Manager with Senior Friendship Centers, calling the event an opportunity to reach the LGBTQ+ community within the senior community.

"Project Pride is very excited about being able to host the first Silver Pride," said Jason Champion, president of Project Pride SRQ. He said an important aspect of the event was its inclusion of older generations, which also fought to advance LGBTQ+ rights.

“I wanted to support Senior Pride because they are supporting us, honoring us,” said attendee Glo Hoeft.

Stephanie Folckemer of Kombi Keg Mobile Bar pours drinks for Kathy Hinote and Roscoe Ruyle.

Alex Martinez and his partner of 45 years Justin Pagan.

Jason Champion, president of Project Pride, makes an announcement.

Belly dancers Elizabeth Hall, Stephanie Rischard, and Seth Grayson, of ShimmyBOOM Tribal Bellydance Troupe, perform at the event.

Dr. Brian Nell of Cypress Pillar Healing Arts, and Bob Hinsley, dance along with ShimmyBOOM Tribal Bellydance Troupe.

Melanie Barcley and her friend Glo Hoeft prepare to depart on the trolley.

Senior Friendship Centers volunteer Dava Guerin applauds a performance.

Jay Pennell and George Ward of Venice Pride listen to an announcement by Jason Champion, president of Project Pride.

Tom Pokoewski and Simon Clark sit together at the event.

Senior Friendship Center volunteers Vera Clark and Catherine Hodgson, and member Mary Lou Bryson

Joel Cali of Inspired Living talks with Audrey Souza and Carla Resvanis as they accept some drinks.

Pauline Tondreau and Mary Cumisay listen to an announcement, as Mary Cumisay shouts along with the group.

Senior Friendship Center volunteers Elizabeth Cobus and Jacob Vandenberg

Drag performer Dame Lindsay Carlton-Cline sings at the event.

AARP employee Tye Hausheer dances with Trudy Garrett.

Peyton Hoey and her mother Stacey Zerilli

Declan Sheehy, chief development officer at Senior Friendship Centers, talks with Elle Richards of Golden Girls Solutions.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.