JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity

June is Pride Month, a time to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, an event that sparked a global movement for the rights and recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Join OCES in remembering this important time in history and in celebrating Pride Month.

As the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas, OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive organization that removes barriers, creates equity for all, and empowers individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.

OCES supports everyone without exception and is proud to support several regional Pride events this month:

OCES offers a monthly LGBTQIA+ Senior Lunch held the first Thursday of each month at 12 p.m. at the Bridgewater Council on Aging community dining meal site. In addition to a delicious, nutritious meal, people can socialize and enjoy SINGO, a fun Bingo-like game with a musical spin. All LGBTQIA+ older adults are welcome.

Lunch and entertainment are complimentary, but reservations are required and can be made by calling the Bridgewater Senior Center at 508-697-0929. The LGBTQIA+ Senior Lunch is part of OCES’ comprehensive Nutrition Program, which includes Community Dining and home delivered (Meals on Wheels) meals. For more information about OCES’ nutrition services, visit https://ocesma.org/programs-services/nutrition

The Center in Duxbury (formerly known as Duxbury Senior Center) and OCES invite the community to a Pride Disco Celebration on June 18, 2026 at 3 p.m. at The Center, 10 Mayflower Street, Duxbury. The Pride Disco Celebration will include music, dancing and light refreshments. For more information, visit https://www.town.duxbury.ma.us/center-fka-senior-center.

OCES is proud to participate in the Plymouth Pride Festival, which will be held Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nelson Memorial Park in Plymouth. This wonderful event will feature music, performers, food trucks, a pet contest, craft and retail vendors, and community resources. Be sure to stop by the OCES resource table during the event to learn more about the Plymouth Pride Festival, visit https://www.plymouthprideinc.com/pride2026

OCES is dedicated to creating better futures for everyone we serve and for the  communities around us. If you are looking for LGBTQIA+ resources, here are a few helpful links:

The Massachusetts Mental Health Resource page for LGBTQ+: https://www.mass.gov/lgbtq-mental-health-resources

NAMI Massachusetts: https://namimass.org/resources-for-the-lgbtq-community/

Greater Boston PFLAG: https://www.gbpflag.org

SAGE, a national advocacy and services organization for LGBTQ+ Seniors: https://www.sageusa.org

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