The Future of Inclusive Aging
Serving Up Solutions: Launching AgeFWD During Older Adults Month
Every May, communities across the country recognize Older Adults Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the contributions of older adults while highlighting ways we can better support their health, independence, and well-being.
This year’s theme — “Serving Up Solutions” — focuses on the creativity, innovation, and collaborations that help older adults thrive.
This theme arrives at exactly the right moment — and the launch of AgeFWD in May is intentional.
Because AgeFWD is more than a program. It is the beginning of a new collaboration designed to help our community think differently about how we support older adults — including those whose needs and experiences have too often gone unrecognized.
A Solution at the Intersection of Aging and LGBTQ+ Inclusion
As our population ages, more LGBTQ+ adults are entering their later years with unique experiences and needs that have not always been recognized within traditional aging services.
Many older LGBTQ+ adults came of age during a time when being open about their identity could cost them employment, housing, family relationships, or personal safety. In fact, it still can. As a result, some approach healthcare, housing, and aging services with understandable caution.
At the same time, many professionals who serve older adults genuinely want to be welcoming and inclusive — but may not always know how to best support LGBTQ+ individuals.
This is where AgeFWD comes in.
AgeFWD, a new program of The Pride Chamber of Orlando, represents a creative and innovative collaboration designed to help bridge this gap — connecting organizations, professionals, and community partners who want to serve aging adults in ways that are affirming, informed, and inclusive of LGBTQ+ identities.
In other words, AgeFWD is exactly what this year’s Older Adults Month theme calls for: a solution created through collaboration.
Moving Forward Together
AgeFWD brings together professionals across diverse industries who share a common goal:
Supporting the dignity, independence, and well-being of LGBTQ+ older adults.
By building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and increasing visibility for inclusive services, AgeFWD helps ensure that LGBTQ+ older adults are not overlooked as conversations about aging continue to evolve.
But more than that, AgeFWD represents something bigger: a growing network of professionals and organizations who believe that aging services should reflect the full diversity of the communities they serve.
This is just the beginning — and the journey forward will be shaped by the people and organizations who choose to be part of it.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
In recognition of Older Adults Month and the spirit of “Serving Up Solutions,” we are excited to officially launch AgeFWD with a Ribbon Cutting Celebration on May 6.
This event marks the beginning of an exciting new collaboration and an opportunity to bring together community members, professionals, advocates, and allies who believe that aging services — and all professions who serve older adults — should be welcoming and affirming for everyone.
We invite you to be part of the moment when AgeFWD begins its journey.
Join Us
Pride Chamber Monthly Business Connect
and AgeFWD Ribbon Cutting Celebration
May 6, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Come celebrate the launch of a program built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to serving older adults with dignity and respect.
Because when communities work together, we can truly serve up solutions that move all of us forward — and AgeFWD is just getting started.
Come help us celebrate a program built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to serving older adults with dignity and respect.
Because when communities work together, we can truly serve up solutions that move all of us forward.
A program snap-shot
What you need to know about us
Program Mission: AgeFWD fosters collaboration among Pride Chamber members to raise awareness, address unique challenges, and provide comprehensive, affirming support for professionals who serve Central Florida’s older LGBTQ+ population.
Program Overview: At the intersection of aging services and LGBTQ+ community needs, a service gap exists. Many professionals who support older adults want to provide affirming care but lack the connections, training, and collaborative partnerships needed to fully serve LGBTQ+ clients. AgeFWD will address that gap by connecting professionals, organizations, and businesses across Central Florida with affirming referral partners, cultural competency education, and collaborative solutions that support LGBTQ+ older adults in flourishing with dignity.
Who this program is for: All professionals who serve older adults who want to support and provide affirming service to their LGBTQ+ clients.
Click image to view a copy of the original proposal document
For questions or information, please contact Tee Rogers, Board Member of The Pride Chamber and Director of the AgeFWD program, at AgeFWD@thepridechamber.org or 407-608-9242.
