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Red River Rainbow Seniors

DRAFT PAGE

Pride Collective & Community Center

EIN: 46-0517923 | Fargo, North Dakota, United States

The Red River Rainbow Seniors is a social and advocacy and support organization based in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. The organization, established in 2017, caters to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals over the age of fifty. The Red River Rainbow Seniors offers social events, book clubs, and support groups for LGBTQ+ seniors in the region. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts to address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ elders. This includes educating long-term care facilities about LGBTQ+ issues and working to ensure inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ seniors.

Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories from the Northern Plains
"Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories from the Northern Plains" is an oral history project initiated in November 2017 by the Red River Rainbow Seniors. The project focuses on capturing the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people and allies who lived in North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, and bordering areas. This region, known as the Northern Plains, has a distinct social and cultural landscape. The project aims to preserve the often-unheard narratives of the LGBTQ+ community within this context.

Through in-depth interviews, "Breaking Barriers" documents the personal journeys of LGBTQ+ elders and allies. These firsthand accounts shed light on the challenges faced by this community, including experiences of discrimination, isolation, and the need to create chosen families. The project also celebrates triumphs, highlighting resilience, activism, and the formation of LGBTQ+ spaces within the Northern Plains.

The collected interviews serve as a valuable archive for future generations. Researchers and community members can gain insight into the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the region. Additionally, the project promotes empathy and understanding by sharing the personal stories of LGBTQ+ elders. "Breaking Barriers" is an ongoing effort, and the Red River Rainbow Seniors continue to seek out participants to contribute their unique stories.