I don’t feel my age or my sexuality (gay man) define me, there are aspects of me. However I did recognise that as I retired at 65 yrs, 18 months ago, that life would change. The great thing is I have not missed work and I was aware I needed to take a positive approach to my future life and take the advice of my mother ‘ the need to make friends all your life’.
I have taken the opportunity of making use of the fantastic resource of the Birmingham LGBT in a walking group, literature group, coffee morning etc and met some interesting new people. I have not restricted myself to the LGBTQIA+ community as go to a couple of Tai Chi classes. One been going for the past six years and the other I discovered at my local Health and Wellbeing Centre in Shard End just from a passing comment from a friend I meet at local S hard End community events and this one is free!
As I grow older and I expect to make new connections and also reconnect to those friends my link has dropped to just a Christmas card to actual go and visit (started already). Although I said my sexuality does not define me I never want to feel I can’t be honest about mine in appropriate situations. So when I applied as a school governor I was open on this issue. Going back to my mother I was brought up to have respect for myself and others, treating everyone as an individual.
Saturday 18th February, 3pm – 6pm
Birmingham LGBT Centre, 38-40 Holloway Circus, Birmingham B1 1EQ
FREE for gay men of all ages
The spirit of friendship and support – this is what is shared by Rainbow Spirit. We aim to do this by exploring our sexuality, deriving strength and support from each other in the face of continuing homophobia. The group meets monthly, and offers a variety of activities based broadly on creativity, self-empowerment and mutual support. Our aim is to be inclusive of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, and each meeting offers time to socialise, welcome new members and enable friendships to develop.
We are part of the Edward Carpenter Community, a national organisation which promotes the same aims.
For more details, contact Jon on 07974 477206, e-mail jonghomer@hotmail.com. We are also on the Meetup website as Birmingham Rainbow Spirit.
Monday 6th February, from 11am
Birmingham LGBT Centre, 38-40 Holloway Circus, Birmingham B1 1EQ
FREE for LGBT + allies of all ages
We are a friendly, welcoming group who read and discuss books of interest to the LGBT community. Free tea and coffee provided; lunch together afterwards is optional. Our chosen book for February is: “Fathomless Riches” by Rev. Richard Coles.
You are welcome to just turn up, or contact bardsandbooks@gmail.com for more details.
Saturday 21st January, from 3pm
Birmingham LGBT Centre, 38-40 Holloway Circus, Birmingham B1 1EQ
Rainbow Spirit is a creative activities group for gay men, away from the scene. The group meets monthly, to discuss different themes, and provide the opportunity share personal feelings in response to artwork, poetry and music: these sharings are sometimes called Heart Circles.
In January, meetings change to the third Saturday of the month.
To join: call David on 07853 33 7976 or e-mail Jon on jonghomer@hotmail.com
Rainbow Spirit is an Ageing Better Network
Wednesday 11th January, 6pm – 8pm
Birmingham LGBT Centre, 38-40 Holloway Circus, Birmingham B1 1EQ
Ageing Well Together brings together people from the LGBT community who are involved in Ageing Better Networks already, or who are interested in setting up Networks and planning activities, which can be supported by Ageing Better and the Ageing Better Fund.
To join: contact Maria on 0121 643 0821 or mariahughes@blgbt.org
Ageing Well Together is an Ageing Better Network