Rainbow Elders Calgary is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization working to make significant differences
in the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ seniors.

We have been around since early 2018; perhaps you've seen us in the Calgary Pride Parade (three times!).
In fact, in 2022, we were the parade leaders!

Perhaps you've seen us on the cover of newspapers.

To advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors and connect with gay youth.


To make a difference in the lives of queer youth and elders in a society where everyone is safe to be who they are

Be Proud! Never Give Up! Make a Difference! Celebrate!

We work to connect 2SLGBTQ+ seniors to address such issues as social isolation and provide meaningfully support by organizing social events and recreational opportunities

On the first Wednesday of each month we have an afternoon of friendship and conversation called Coffee, Cookies and Chat. These get togethers are opportunities to meet new friends, check up on each other and plan and organize various events.

These meetups are held Calgary's Kerby Centre, Room 208, 1133 7 Ave, NW. — located conveniently next to a CTrain station — from 1-3 p.m.

We invite you to attended one of our safe social events such as attending a dance or maybe a picnic in the park. We've been to films and concerts together, as well as enjoyed pizza and pop afternoons. All events are free or subsidized, so no one misses out.

We strive to provide opportunities for folk to be themselves, make friends, and realize that they are not alone in the world. 

To keep everyone in the loop we send out announcements and a newsletter. If you'd like to join our mailing list, please email us with "subscribe" as the subject.

As seniors, we believe that we have a responsibility to
connect with and be role models for our vulnerable 2SLGBTQ+ youth. We have participated several times at Camp Firefly, a leadership retreat for 2SLGBTQ+ youth organized by the Centre for Sexuality.

A Mount Royal University Survey suggests seniors across the city are worried about being an open member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community if they must move to long-term care or assisted-living facility. This isolation is partly due to unaddressed gaps in social connections and recreational provision for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors in Calgary assisted and long-term care facilities.

We played an important role in the survey. The results reinforced that our organization is truly essential to ensuring folk can be themselves. Click here to read the report.

The video below offers an insightful look into the lives of some of our members.