LGBTQIA+ Seniors Are Invited Back to Paris Pride after Years of Absence Thanks to misterb&B and BETC

Since 1969, Gay Pride has been the annual communion and the most inclusive event that brings the entire LGBTQ+ community together to celebrate their differences. Each year, it brings together millions of people worldwide in a multitude of joyful and festive parades and marches. But the conditions in which they occur tend to make these events inaccessible to senior citizens: walking for many kilometres, in packed crowds, in extreme heat, with very high noise levels, etc.

To make this year's Pride more inclusive than ever, misterb&b - the largest LGTBQ short-term accommodation platform– has created the Silver Pride initiative in partnership with the non-profit organisation Les Audacieuses et les Audacieux that supports LGTBQ seniors in danger of isolation. 

This year, in a global initiative that started in Paris, they have reserved all their flats along the parade route to bring together LGTBQ+ seniors so they can participate comfortably from the balcony or window. These apartments welcomed them in the best possible conditions with AC, elevators, food, drinks, seats, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd but still close to the overall joyful atmosphere.

“Our elders are the generation that fought for our rights. If the march exists, it is thanks to them. Knowing that they are excluded is just impossible for us.” said Michel Simon, member of the non-profit organisation Les Audacieuses et Les Audacieux.

To make the participating seniors visible from every balcony and window and to further amplify the power of the Silver Pride, the iconic Pride Flag has been redesigned by adding a new silver stripe symbolising the senior generation and paying tribute to their fight and legacy. 

Thus, In Paris Pride, Aline and 80 other seniors were able to shine from the windows and balconies of the eight apartments provided to them. Throughout the day, the new flag quickly spread through the entire Pride crowd, proudly displayed by the younger generation as a sign of support.

"After so many years, it's truly moving to participate in Pride, all together, I thought I would never be able to do it ever again" said Aline Tracol, 75 years old.

“As part of the LGTBQ community I wanted to do something that really makes a difference. Everyone ignores the hardships that LGTBQ+ people face as they get older. Most individuals don’t have children and loneliness and depression are common. That’s why Silver Pride is such an important initiative. It brings them back to Pride and makes them feel supported and embraced by their community” said David Martin Angelus, creative director at BETC.

LGBTQ+ seniors suffer from severe social isolation. 65% live alone, 90% are without children and other family caregivers, and their suicide rate is between two and seven times higher than among the straight population. 

After Paris, misterb&b is expanding the Silver Pride initiative on a global scale. Apartments will be made available and seniors will be invited to participate in this year’s Europride in Valetta, Malta on September 7th 2023 and in Atlanta Pride, USA on October 15th 2023). Seniors can now register and join these events here.