Day 2: AB Serves SAGE!

     Today was the beginning of a wonderful week of service in NYC with more beautiful weather! Specifically, our group began by working with SAGE (Service and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) and elderly members of the LGBTQ community. After a relatively short subway ride to and walk from scenic 32nd st., we arrived at SAGE's office where we received an overview of the organization and their outreach within the community. Of course SAGE is not limited to NYC, but even has branches as far away as Milwaukee with plans for expansion underway. As an organization they provide activities like Tuesday Karaoke nights, an accessible free-to-use "cyber center", health care, free meals, and a number of other services. In any case, a variety of services are offered in many different locations to provide for elders, many of whom, prior to organizations like SAGE, had extremely limited options in terms of support for any number of reasons: a lack of supportive family, workplace discrimination, etc.

     Following our orientation, we were led to the LGBT Center in Greenwich Village, a lovely building full of charming individuals and a lot of evocative art. After a tour of this building (including a closer view of one-of-a-kind art), as a group we spent around 2 1/2 hours speaking with some NYC locals in the center, a group of LGBTQ elders. Personally, this was my favorite part of the day, and our group had positive experiences all around. Despite some initial awkwardness, quickly both parties warmed up to each other and soon had lively conversation all around. The person I spoke with seemed genuinely overjoyed to be discussing his own experiences as a 78 year old gay man. Certainly it was no insignificant conversation,  as he discussed the recent loss of one of his closest friends, his relationship with his family or lack thereof, his time spent in the army, and a number of other things. Hearing about the experiences of an elderly gay man made me realize and appreciate the extent to which our society has advanced in terms of general acceptance. He repeatedly thanked me for speaking with him, allowing him to express himself and go about grieving. I can only hope that I was able to make some sort of impact despite the short time frame, but feeling – even if only for a moment– that I was able to help someone else with something so personal was an amazing experience. If any one sentiment of his stuck with me the most, it was that despite all the hardships associated with coming out, living a life in which one is true to their self is liberating and worth the struggle. 

    After our farewells and hugs goodbye, the team returned to SAGE to assist in administration of one of their dinners. The staff and the diners were friendly and very appreciative of our time spent there. While it was not quite as intimate or long-lasting as my experience at the LGBT Center, our volunteering there and conversation was still enjoyable nonetheless. I can only hope that our further service will be as great and conducive to bonding as today's!

Jonathan Clark