By Butch Thompson | February 1, 2023
From Blue Ridge Pride- The proposed North Carolina “Parents’ Bill of Rights” only serves to further marginalize our LGBTQ+ youth. The introduction of SB49 yesterday would require forcibly outing...
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By Butch Thompson | February 1, 2023
During this series of chats from the LGBTQ community, we’ve heard from local leaders and influencers who have left us feeling inspired. Today we interviewed KP Whaley. KP has...
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By Butch Thompson | February 1, 2023
An increasing focus is appearing regarding our aging LGBTQ+ elders and the need for more information. This survey is a bit different in that it is geared towards the...
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By Butch Thompson | January 24, 2023
Our Thrive! series kicks off in February with a discussion about Nutrition. Join Generation Plus and Emily Carleo, the Director of Congregate Nutrition at the Council on Aging, for...
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By Butch Thompson | January 11, 2023
You are invited to participate in a research study about the impact of pets on older adults’ social networks and well-being. To be eligible to participate in this study,...
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By Butch Thompson | January 5, 2023
An educational lunch and learn program for our Generation Plus LGBTQ+ senior community. This series showcases members of our community presenting information to better enjoy our lives as LGBTQ+...
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By Butch Thompson | January 5, 2023
A monthly meeting for our LGBTQ+ elders to socialize, educate and advocate. Great communication begins with connection.
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By Butch Thompson | December 30, 2022
Right now, I feel like a co-parent. Our child has grown older, wiser and is ready for their continued journey. I am nervous, anxious, and excited. My child is...
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By Butch Thompson | December 23, 2022
Our wonderful volunteer Zack Schmitt spoke about the importance of Generation Plus and LGBTQ+ Elder care in our region. Zack has passion for this topic as his lesbian mothers...
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By Butch Thompson | December 22, 2022
Mars Hill, NC December 15, 2022 – Christmas came early this year for the Appalachian Ranger District on the Pisgah National Forest. The district is lucky to have...
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By Butch Thompson | December 12, 2022
This past Sunday Generation Plus held a Holiday Gathering for LGBTQ+ community at Mountain Care. With warm cider and hot cocoa we entertained guest and we had a sock...
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By Butch Thompson | November 2, 2022
You are invited to participate in a research study about the impact of pets on older adults’ social networks and well-being. To be eligible to participate in this study,...
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By Butch Thompson | October 13, 2022
Press release from Social Security Administration Social Security Announces 8.7 Percent Benefit Increase for 2023 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will...
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By Butch Thompson | September 21, 2022
Make sure your vote counts! Monday, October 3, 10 am
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By Butch Thompson | September 19, 2022
The kick off to Blue Ridge Pride Festival week always starts with our senior prom. This year the Generation Plus committee choose the theme 'The Love Boat' and there...
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By Butch Thompson | August 19, 2022
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 2022 is coming from our regional forest. Blue Ridge Pride was asked to help create ornaments for the tree promoting diversity and inclusion. Last...
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By Butch Thompson | July 31, 2022
Join Generations on August 18th from 11:30-1:30 at Land of Sky Regional Council for a Lunch and Learn Experience. During this time, we will introduce our team, provide volunteer...
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By Butch Thompson | July 25, 2022
Monkeypox is transmitted person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact, having contact with an infectious rash, through body fluids or through respiratory secretions. Such contact often occurs during prolonged,...
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By Butch Thompson | July 25, 2022
Many 50+ adults struggle to access the affordable, quality health coverage and care they need. AARP and community collaborators in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee invite you to join us...
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By Butch Thompson | July 25, 2022
Third gender is a concept in which individuals are categorized, either by themselves or by society, as neither man nor woman. It is also a social category present in societies that recognize...
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By Butch Thompson | July 20, 2022
Community Assessment for an Aging in Place Program – a new project being led by the Jewish Family Services of WNC Jewish Family Services of WNC is excited to...
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By Butch Thompson | July 18, 2022
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in WNC. Be sure to stay aware of your own risk levels. If you are in need of a rapid at home Covid...
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By Butch Thompson | July 16, 2022
The 24th International AIDS Conference- July 29 - August 2 For the first time, the world’s largest conference on HIV and AIDS will be hosted in person in Montreal,...
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By Butch Thompson | July 15, 2022
Join editors Mary Ann Jacobs, Cherry Maynor Beasley, and Ulrike Wiethaus for a virtual conversation on their recently released book "Upon Her Shoulders: Southeastern Native Women Share Their Stories...
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By Butch Thompson | July 12, 2022
Generation Plus, a program of Blue Ridge Pride, believes in sharing information with our regional community. Below are some updates on topics that affect our LGBTQ+ 55+ population. Livable...
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By Butch Thompson | July 7, 2022
Monkeypox, is circulating throughout countries across the globe and has been identified in North Carolina, including WNC. It is essential that residents know the signs and symptoms of monkeypox...
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By Butch Thompson | June 24, 2022
Are you interested in staying in your home & community as you age? Community Assessment for an Aging in Place Program – a new project being led by the...
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By Butch Thompson | June 24, 2022
Announcing the June Gayby-Sitters Club meetup- Pride party edition! 🌈🎉 Y'all means all in this group.☺️ This is a free monthly meetup social group for Asheville queer, trans, gender non-confirming, and questioning...
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By Butch Thompson | June 14, 2022
Every year during Pride month, we're inundated with rainbow-colored logos and flags displayed by corporations large and small. But what's behind the rainbows?
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By Butch Thompson | June 14, 2022
Many of us know an elder and some of us are elders in the LGBTQ+ community. With aging comes some struggles. June 15th is a day to bring awareness,...
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By Butch Thompson | May 27, 2022
Some people say older or elder. Some say senior. Active aging is the best term to describe the men in this article.
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By Butch Thompson | May 13, 2022
On June 11, 2022 local LGBTQ organizations are joining together with the Asheville City Soccer Club for ‘‘. The event starts at Green Man Brewery (Dirty Jack’s) from 1PM-4PM...
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By Butch Thompson | April 4, 2022
...we’ll showcase digital media produced from the 92 oral histories...
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By Butch Thompson | March 25, 2022
"Seeking artwork that expresses authentic, diverse view points from the LGBTQIA+..."
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By Butch Thompson | March 22, 2022
That's right, spring has sprung and with that comes new activity in our programs, projects and events. Thanks to all our local business support for helping us make 2022...
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By Butch Thompson | February 23, 2022
It's time to shake off the winter and dance. Shake your groove thing, shimmy, move to the beat. Each Saturday Karen Chapman invites you to join her in a...
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By Butch Thompson | January 10, 2022
Recognizing the struggles all have endured for 2 years now and realizing the isolation for many we hope to bring some ideas, suggestions and support to the community. If...
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By Butch Thompson | December 17, 2021
Have you seen the latest edition of our newsletter? Here is a link for you to enjoy the latest information from our programs, events, calls to action and more....
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By Butch Thompson | December 10, 2021
If you missed it, our monthly Rainbow Inspiration brought another fresh, diverse and interesting story for our community. On December 1, World AIDS Day, we met Eric Holt. Eric...
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By Butch Thompson | November 26, 2021
Visibility is important as we grow our community, together. On Saturday, November 20 Blue Ridge Pride walked, drove, and floated in the annual Asheville Holiday Parade. There were cheers...
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By Butch Thompson | October 8, 2021
This week Rainbow Inspiration spoke with Tim Lane about the LGBTQ+ community and long term care. Tim, a local nursing home administrator shared his experience with the LGBTQ+ community...
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By Butch Thompson | April 27, 2021
APRIL 27 All the Lonely People: Easing loneliness and isolation for those we serve and the people we love April 27th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM bit.ly/aarplonely0427 In this fascinating...
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By Butch Thompson | December 17, 2020
We are proud to announce our involvement with Buncombe County's initiative Age-friendly Buncombe. Having a seat at the table helps to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is represented in planning...
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