Navigating Wellness & Nurturing Resilience in Uncharted Seas
The LGBTQ+ Horizons Aging Summit is a one-day event filled with engaging conversations and presentations focused on important aspects of well-being for those in the LGBTQ+ community.
This annual event views life and well-being from the perspective of the quality of our experiences and the things that give us satisfaction and fulfillment. A lineup of passionate, knowledgeable presenters cover physical and mental health, spiritual and social connections, resilience and developing a positive sense of self.
2025 LGBTQ+ Horizons of Aging Summit
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St., Dayton, Ohio
Keynote Speakers:
Jason (Jace) D. Flatt, PhD, MPH (Pronouns: He/Him/They/Them) is an Associate Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Health. Jace is a dedicated researcher who is passionate about improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual as well as additional identities) individuals.
Dr. Imani Woody, President & CEO, Mary’s House for Older Adults, has been an advocate of women, people of color and LGBTQ people for more than 25 years. She has served on the board of directors of the Mautner Project for Lesbians, Women in the Life Association, Whitman Walker Lesbian Services and is the former Chair of SAGE Metro DC. Dr. Woody was appointed Commissioner by former DC Mayor Vincent Gray and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs. She was recently appointed Commissioner by Mayor Bowser to serve on the Global Age-Friendly Task Force.
At the event, participants will have the option of choosing among nine workshop sessions:
Agenda
9:45 – 10:00 Welcome
10:00 – 11:00 Opening Keynote Session
Standing Up for LGBTQIA+ Voices in Aging Research**
Jason (Jace) D. Flatt, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Health
Over 3 million adults aged 60+ in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or another LGBTQIA+ identity. Despite this, there are numerous health and research needs that would most benefit the LGBTQIA+ aging community and those who support them. In this talk, we will examine the unique risks and challenges LGBTQIA+ older adults face related to aging and health, addressing current gaps and challenges within today’s sociopolitical climate. Drawing on lessons learned from our national research studies with LGBTQIA+ older adults, we will discuss key insights and future directions. We will also highlight the importance of collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data and why the historical and current climate requires us to stand up for LGBTQIA+ aging communities and advocate for critical research.
11:00 – 11:15 Break
11:15 – 12:15 Breakouts
1A: Supporting Older Adult Survivors of Religious Trauma**
Cassie Kooser, MS, LPCC – Rise Enlightened Wellness
This presentation explores the unique challenges faced by older adult survivors of religious trauma and offers practical strategies for fostering healing and resilience. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of religious trauma, its long-term psychological and social impacts, and its distinct manifestations in older populations. The session will equip attendees with therapeutic tools and approaches, such as trauma-informed care and narrative therapy, while emphasizing the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces. Additionally, the presentation will highlight ways to address grief, unresolved conflict, and identity reconstruction, empowering survivors to rebuild trust, find meaning, and cultivate resilience in their later years.
1B: Bridging Generations: Art, Faith, and Resilience in Queer Communities
Derek Terry, Acting Executive Director, Open and Affirming Coalition
Explore how creative expression and faith can build resilience and foster intergenerational connection within the LGBTQ+ community. Led by a Black queer artist and Christian pastor, this interactive session honors the contributions of LGBTQ+ elders while empowering younger generations to navigate challenges through storytelling, art, and dialogue. Participants will leave with practical tools to nurture wellness, celebrate diversity, and strengthen community bonds.
1C: Sharpening Your Skills of Resilience and Your Feelings of Hope
Imani Woody, PhD
Founder and CEO, Mary’s House for Older Adults
We learn resilience. When we are resilient, we view ourselves as survivors. When we are hopeful, we know change will come and “joy comes in the morning”. Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, maintaining emotional balance and a sense of control. Hope is the belief in positive outcomes despite challenges, fueled by resilience and the tenacity to persevere. People with resilience and hope know that even when things are difficult, they can keep going until they make it through. This workshop will lead discussions and share tools that will allow participants to sharpen their skills of resilience and nurture their feelings of hope.
12:15 – 1:15 Lunch (Box lunch included with registration)
1:15 – 2:15 Breakouts
2A: PRIDE: A National Study with LGBTQIA+ Individuals Affected by Parkinson’s Disease and their Care Partners**
Jason (Jace) D. Flatt, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Health
It is estimated that nearly 40,000 LGBTQIA+ adults in the U.S. are currently living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, little is known about the health, care needs, and experiences of LGBTQIA+ adults living with PD and their care partners. This presentation will highlight a study on the health and care needs of LGBTQIA+ adults living with PD, experiences of their care partners, and ways health care providers can provide inclusive care for this community. We will describe our community partnerships, research approaches, and lessons learned from conducting one of the first studies with LGBTQIA+ communities affected by PD. First, we will provide an overview of the physical and psychosocial health, health care needs, and caregiving experiences of LGBTQIA+ adults with PD and their care partners. Next, we will discuss lessons learned from LGBTQIA+ care partners of persons living with PD in terms of the challenges, resources, and care experiences they have had to navigate. Finally, we will highlight our research with healthcare providers who provided care for LGBTQIA+ living with PD and their caregivers, and opportunities for improving care for diverse populations impacted by PD. We will also highlight future research needs and efforts to improve healthcare services for diverse communities affected by PD and their care partners that are greatly needed.
2B: Navigating Your Caregiver Journey
Mary Hairston, Caregiver Services Coordinator, Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2
Sue Murawsky, Relationship Manager, Trualta
Caregiving can be hard work. Just ask the nearly 2 million Ohioans who provide some level of care for a loved one who is older or who has a disability. The Area Agency on Aging offers free resources to help individuals navigate their caregiving journey, including the online DaytonAreaCaregivers.com platform powered by Trualta. Through this session, learn the resources offered by the Area Agency on Aging, what difficulties and stresses of caregiving are, the importance of self-care, and how to best use the resources to get the most out of them!
2C: Finding Spiritual Healing
Pastor Michelle Wilkey, Harmony Creek Church and
Pastor Joe Kay, Nexus UCC
This workshop offers the opportunity for us to talk about the different ways that people find healing including meditation, yoga, and journaling. We will discuss how spiritual healing might look very different for each person.
2:15 – 2:30 Break
2:30 – 3:30 Breakouts
3A: Communicating So Your Doctor Will Hear YOU: Navigating YOUR Healthcare on YOUR Terms**
Jeremy Das Lemon, Administrator, Trinity Community at Fairborn
Kim Thorp, Director of Nursing, Trinity Community at Beavercreek
Navigating the healthcare system as an aging LGBTQ+ individual can often feel like a constant struggle to be heard, seen, and respected. This interactive workshop will explore the common challenges attendees face when navigating the healthcare system. The session continues with an open discussion on practical strategies for finding affirming providers, preparing for doctor visits and confidently communicating your needs. You will also learn to address bias or dismissive behaviors with full agency and self empowerment. Additionally, the session will highlight the importance of chosen family in building resilience and advocating for personal well-being. Participants will discuss the principles of self-love and affirming self-care practices and will leave equipped with the tools to navigate the healthcare system with confidence, ensuring their voices are not only heard but also affirmed.
3B: Aging with Pride: Real-Life Stories from LGBTQ+ Elders
Panel Moderator: Richelle Frabotta, MSEd, CSE, CSES
LGBTQ+ Health Initiatives Project Manager, Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County
This panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ elders sharing their lived experiences of aging within -and without- the queer community. Panelists will discuss their personal journeys, the historical and cultural shifts they’ve witnessed, and the unique challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The session will foster intergenerational dialogue, deepen understanding of LGBTQ+ history, and highlight the resilience of queer elders. Participants will be able to gain insight into the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ elders, fostering appreciation, empathy, and awareness of the challenges and triumphs associated with aging as a queer person.
3C: Honoring the Path: A Healing Circle for LGBT Elders & Allies
Rev Dr Zaria Davis, Associate for Membership and Engagement, CHHSM
The proposed circle aims to create a safe, affirming space for LGBT elders and allies to reflect, honor, and celebrate the resilience and contributions of LGBT elders in the movement for equality and acceptance. This healing circle will provide participants with an opportunity for connection, storytelling, and healing across generations.
3:30 – 3:45 Break
3:45 – 4:45 Closing Keynote Session
Nurturing Resilience and Hope**
Imani Woody, PhD
Founder and CEO, Mary’s House for Older Adults
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. -Anne Lamott
We are beginning a new decade with an all-time high of uncertainties in our state, our country and the world! Top US fears include not having enough money, fear of economic collapse, and becoming involved in a world war. For many of us, the potential erasure of our freedoms as women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+SGL and the 98% are real. However, we are still here, still standing! We can survive (and thrive) these times by nurturing our resilience and hope.
4:45 – 5:00 Closing Remarks
** Opening & Closing Keynotes as well as 1A, 2A, & 3A sessions offer continuing education credit.
One participant in the last Horizons of Aging Summit said,
As an aging gay man, the whole day was very affirming and encouraging. I had been saying as a matter of routine that “Aging is bad!” Now I’m reconsidering this stance and feel a bit of hope. Thank you!
Continuing Education Units
Through attending the LGBTQ+ Horizons of Aging Summit, attendees can obtain up to 5.0 clock hours for social workers, #RSX089101. The Ohio Board of Nursing accepts events approved for counselors and social workers for continuing nursing education.
Opening & Closing Keynotes as well as 1A, 2A, & 3A breakout sessions offer continuing education credit.
All registrants who require CEUs are required to sign in at registration and sign out at each session. Late arrival or leaving early results in time modification of CEU certificates. Continuing education offered through the Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2.
Transportation and Parking
BUS: The Library is served by RTA routes 1, 2 and 4. Bus Transit Directions.
Underground Garage
There is a limited amount of free parking underneath the Library building so we recommend arriving early to secure a spot.
Enter the parking garage from N. St. Clair St, which is one-way
southbound. The parking garage is free. It has elevators and ADA
accessible spaces available.
There are several surface parking lots available in the area as well as metered parking. You will most likely need to move your vehicle sometime during the day if you park at a meter.
2025 Honor Our LGBTQIA+ Elders Day Awards
As a part of your registration at the Horizons of Aging Summit, you are invited to share in the 2025 Honor Our LGBTQIA+ Elders Day celebration as the Dayton Metro Library bestows awards on several Greater Dayton Area LGBTQIA+ Elders for their contribution and activism to the community. The DML reception on Thursday evening, May 15, at the Library’s Main Branch will follow the conclusion of the day-long LGBTQ+ Horizons of Aging Summit hosted by a committee led by United Church Homes (UCH). The 2025 Summit theme is Navigating Wellness and Nurturing Resilience in Uncharted Seas.
No one involved in the planning of this activity has a relevant relationship with an ineligible company.
About the Author: UCH Team
View all articles by:
