55+ Group
Welcome everyone who is LGBTQIA+ and 55 or older!
What is this group about?
This is a queer group currently on a temporary hiatus for anyone who wants to get in touch with other people in similar situations, while still feeling safe and secure. This group has been made both to help stop involuntary isolation and to provide a space for anyone who wants to meet new people and have a nice time.
Who will I meet when I get there?
At the very least, you will meat the group leader – Maria. She is a 38 year old nurses assistant who has experience working in the geriatric field. She is passionate about giving back to those who has paved the way for the younger generations, and she loves to listen to peoples life-stories. She always tries to make sure everyone feels safe, seen and welcome!
What does the group do?
We gather for fika at the RFSL Uppsala office on the top floor of Ljusbärargatan 2, as well as go on occasional outings. All outings that have an entrance fee are payed by the guests themselves, so we try to mix it up between things that cost money and things that don’t, like a perfectly good picnic, for instance.
What about inclusivity?
We want everybody to be able to join us for different types of experiences, and so when we meet at the office we have a wide variety of possible activities. We offer fika, board games, painting nails, borrowing books from our queer library, watching movies together, and more – all for free to ensure anyone can come.
Does it cost if I just want to try it out?
You can come and visit the 55+ group and try it out two times for free, but if you plan on coming back more times after that we’d ask you to become a member of RFSL Uppsala to support the community – it costs only 10 kr if you’re experiencing financial hardship, but it helps us a lot!
Does the group work as a therapy/support group?
No, this group is not equivalent to having group therapy, nor do we have any trained psychologists or therapists on location. What we do offer is socialisation, a friendly ear that can listen to you and a safe space for all queer people to be themselves.
What are the positive effects?
Throughout the years we have seen positive results on peoples mental health when they come to our group gatherings. We believe it’s due to the fact that they get out of their own little bubble, and that get out of their house and meet other people and even get to laugh and forget about the rest of the world for a while. Socialisation and a sense of belonging to a group can be more effective than some may think!
Is this a dating group?
No – to ensure everyone feels safe, the 55+ group is not the time or place to look for a new partner(s), be it physical or emotional. But you can meet new friends and get acquainted with new people and what you do outside of the groups gatherings is completely up to you. We are happy when we see that people from the groups continues to meet outside of RFSL gatherings as well!
When is this group gonna start up again?
The group is planned on opening up again in the late winter of 2025/early spring of 2026. In the meantime you can join the 55+ group on Facebook linked below called “HBTQI 55+ RFSL Uppsala”. I hope to see you in the winter/spring again!
Queer regards/ Maria
Contact:
Facebook: Facebook group here