GENERATION PLUS

Current Programs

Generation Plus works to leverage the power of the LGBTQ+55+ community through education, advocacy, service, and celebration. 

Born between 1946 and 1964, LGBTQ+55+ Baby Boomers played a critical role in advancing the United States gay rights movement. Within one generation, they succeeded in changing social attitudes from seeing homosexuality as a psychiatric condition to winning same-sex marriage rights. Standing on their shoulders we believe that our community is strongest when we stand together. 

The LGBTQ+ Boomers are different from others.  LGBTQ+55+ Boomers influence the face of aging, not just because theirs is an activist generation, but also because of their increasing visibility and acceptance within the rest of society. 

Generation Plus (GenPlus) builds on a legacy created by the WNC LGBTQ Elders and Land of Sky. We work to advance their vision and continue to raise awareness and advocacy for LGBTQ+55+ in the WNC area. Joining us in partnership are many area organizations including Land of Sky, Council on Aging, AARP WNC and more. 

GenPlus works to bring new ideas to support the growing and diverse older adult population. We seek to reduce isolation, build social networks, educate and advocate for this community. Join us as we celebrate Aging with Pride. Welcome to life’s third act, the years beyond 55! 

Hear their Story. Learn Their Journey. Be Inspired. A series of spotlights on our LGBTQ community leaders and influencers. Join us as we celebrate the strength of our LGBTQ+ elder community.

Sponsored by AARP NC Mountain Region and Blue Ridge Pride, Generation Plus.

Generation Plus hosts a fun and supportive hour of community every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Pride Time gives individuals the opportunity to share stories and information, to crack a joke and find some laughter or simply allow a person to see another LGBTQ+ elder. Your voices matter.

Join us as we converse, laugh, and share with members of the LGBTQ+55+ community from around the region. Register in advance for this meeting.

For more information visit BlueRidgePride.org and join us on Facebook.

 Register

Soon, we will start meeting again!  We are planning a couple of in-person event series.
  • Lunch and Learn:   These lunches will cover a variety of topics.  Includes lunch. More information coming soon.
  • Social Time: These events will be relaxed, and focused on social interaction and light entertainment.

 

Gen Plus News
“they felt represented and seen for the first time…” Holiday Parade visibility

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 and smiles everywhere. We had a great time sharing cheer with everyone there. You never know who you may reach through visibility in the community, but this email reminded us how

Upcoming Events

Jan
26
COFFEE & equli-TEA TIME
Feb
2
Rainbow Inspiration
Feb
9
Prime Time
Feb
23
COFFEE & equli-TEA TIME
Mar
2
Rainbow Inspiration
“they felt represented and seen for the first time…” Holiday Parade visibility

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 and smiles everywhere. We had a great time sharing cheer with everyone there. You never know who you may reach through visibility in the community, but this email reminded us how

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Mental Health Providers

Eric Davis  MS, LCPA, NCC, Counselor

Willow Wellness and Recovery, PC 9 All Souls Crescent  Suite B, Asheville, North Carolina 28803  Phone: (828) 490-4137 | Website I am a firm believer in empowerment and self-determination. In the past, I have worked well with folks experiencing a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, substance-use, sleep disturbances, relationship issues, and issues unique to the LGBT community.

Scott Thomas,  Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCAS

Silver Lining Therapy 70 Woodfin Place  STE 21, Asheville, North Carolina 28801  Phone: (828) 705-3084 | Website I believe humor can be a powerful tool for healing and seek to incorporate this into our time together. Unique to my practice is an approach that truly puts you at the center of the counseling experience, and I draw from a wide variety of techniques to help you see and experience real change in your life. To see if therapy might be a good fit, I offer free phone consultations.

James Harrison, PhD Psychologist

12 Westridge Dr , Asheville, North Carolina 28803  Phone: (828) 348-6300 | Website I enjoy helping people achieve physical and emotional intimacy whether they are young or old, straight or gay, in healthy, responsible, and mutually affirming ways. I also enjoy helping people improve their earning and manage their assets. And I like working with older people. I offer free phone consultations.

Judy Maris, Counselor, LPC, LCPC, MA, MS

Maris Psychotherapy 41 Clayton St, Suite 301, Asheville, North Carolina 28801  Phone: (828) 537-4489 | Website We can explore troublesome patterns that tend to repeat themselves in your life or look at new issues that have just come up. The important thing is for us to work together to get to the bottom of your difficulties and resolve them. I will assist you in becoming more aware of what you are feeling and thinking in the present moment. The untapped wisdom within you is a powerful healing force. Let me help you gain access to your full inner resources. I offer free phone consultations.

Elizabeth Heaney, Counselor, MA, LPC 

166 E Chestnut Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801  Phone: (520) 447-3319 | Website I work with individual adults with concerns like: family history issues, relationship concerns, life satisfaction issues (related to jobs, living situations or relationships), anxiety and depression. I’ve had a particular focus on working with couples, addressing every aspect of relationship challenges – relationship dissatisfaction/boredom, affairs, sexual/intimacy issues, etc. And I was a civilian counselor on military bases for several years, so I have a clear understanding of the unique pressures and challenges facing service members and families. I offer free phone consultations.

Siljoy Maurer

Holistic Perspectives P.O. Box 333, Enka, NC 2872  Phone: (828) 333-0103  | siljoy@me.com or  www.HolisticPerspectives.com For many years now I have been mentoring men and women from all walks of life. It continues to be my greatest joy to accompany someone from “just being ok” into thriving! As a Mentor & Healer I partner with my clients in creating authenticity, wellness and deep contentment, in whatever area of their lives they are seeking change. The combination of giving very practical, livable tools for direct “next steps” while “holding the big picture” and then manifesting that big picture often feels like this: a new client brings me their life or life situation in a jigsaw puzzle box, they lost the lid and forgot what the picture on it looked like. I am good at knowing that picture and then guiding my clients/mentees to put all the puzzle pieces together.