Each year, brave and insightful documentaries are among the favourite films of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival. Gen Silent asks six elders if they would hide their identities in order to survive in the care system. Follow Lawrence and Alexandre as they search for a gay-friendly nursing home; Sheri and Lois as they recall their life-long commitment to fighting for queer rights; and Sheri as she proudly comes out as a transwoman in her late 50s.

From capturing human rights issues to sharing heartfelt memories, Gen Silent shows us how critical it is to acknowledge and care for our elders.

Director Stu Maddux joined panelists (listed below) for a discussion about elder care and creating a community of dignity  and visibility for our queer elders. 

Dean Malone, CEO of Plum Living Home Health Care
Sandra Mudd, Quirk-e author and activist
Jean Wright, of South Vancouver Neighbourhood house
Moderator, Jennifer Breakspear, Executive Director of Qmunity.

For updates regarding Gen Silent or to purchase a DVD copy of the film click here.

For information regarding local initiatives in support of elder queer and transgender individuals, please check out the following organizations:

Plum Living Home Health Care provides home care services specifically intended for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, (and of course our Friends, and Families). 

Contact:  care@plumlivinghealth.com | 604.789.8725

Qmunity, Generations project reflects an exciting and innovative approach to age specific service delivery, education, and community development including a variety of community activities.

Contact: generations@qmunity.ca | 604.684.8449

Quirk-e comprises a group of GLBTQ-indentified old(er)-adults and a pair of host-artist facilitators engaged in memoir and creative writing, and multi-media artwork.

Contact: contact.quirke@gmail.com

South Vancouver Neighbourhood House offers programs, services and volunteer opportunities for Seniors within our South Vancouver community, and always welcome new members.

Contact: svnh@southvan.org | 604.324.6212

West End Seniors Network offers a variety of programs at Barclay Manor to its members. Programs are designed to promote learning and aid socialization among members at an affordable cost.

Contact: info@wesn.ca | 604.669.5051

Vancouver Prime Timers is an active social and recreation group for gay and bi men, 35 and up who meet regularly to share common interests such as pot luck dinners, dining out, pub nights, playing bridge, theatre, walks and more.

Contact: info@vancouverprimetimers.com

To encourage our MP’s to ensure that elder care for queer and transgender individuals is available, write a letter to your MP:

Vancouver Centre, Hedy Fry
Vancouver East, Libby Davies
Vancouver Kingsway, Don Davies
Vancouver Quadra, Joyce Murray
Vancouver South, Wai Young

For a complete list of MP’s see here.