Unique gathering for LGBT grandparents in November

Inspired by the Senior Pride Coalition, a group of LGBT elders and elder organizations who marched in the Boston Pride last June, Stonewall Communities Lifelong Learning Institute at Wheelock College will be organizing what seems to be New England's first gathering of LGBT grandparents.

"As far as we know, it's the first New England, if not national, gathering of LGBT grandparents," said Alice Fisher, a founder and board member of the Stonewall Communities Lifelong Learning Institute.

The event will take place Nov. 15 at the Brookline Campus of Wheelock College from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., which leaves plenty of time afterwards for more socializing.

"We're ending it as early as we are at 3:30 so that if people want to spend some more time together they'll be plenty of day left to do it in," said Fisher.

The event will feature Dr. Nancy Orel of Bowling Green University, who has interviewed and written academic articles about LGBT grandparents. Her speech will be on the topic of "LGBT Grandparenting and Other Significant Intergenerational Relationships."

Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons, the nation's first lesbian African-American mayor and a grandmother herself, will also be speaking.

In addition to speaking events, smaller discussion groups and sharing sessions will take place for participants to discuss such topics as long distance and local grandparenting, coping with the stress of grandparenting, different grandparenting styles, the special dynamics of co-grandparenting/step-grandparenting, the roles of great aunts and uncles, coming out to grandchildren, dealing with other grandparents and facilitating positive relationships with grandchildren. Participants may bring their own concerns and stories, and are encouraged to share the joys and challenges they've faced as an LGBT senior with grandchildren.

Grandparents are encouraged to bring photos of themselves with their grandchildren to place on a photo wall, which will play a part in the gathering.

The fee for the gathering is $20, and is free for those who are older than 75. Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the fee, which includes lunch, coffee, snacks and a resource and information table.

Fisher said she has already received a number of calls about the event. "It's very exciting, and as people hear about it they get terribly excited about it," she said. "Were right on the money about what were doing. It's time