Unveiling of Karen “KayLove” Pedrosa’s mural at the Center honors a space created for LGBTQ+ elders and their allies in the Bronx
[New York, New York] SAGE, the world’s largest organization for LGBTQ+ elders, was proud to host a community celebration on September 27 to unveil a mural by queer Puerto Rican artist Karen “KayLove” Pedrosa and showcase SAGE Center Bronx at Crotona Pride House to the larger community. SAGE Center Bronx at Crotona Pride House is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a vibrant and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ elders and allies. It is a shining example of the work of SAGEServes, a division of SAGE that offers high-quality, inclusive programs and services for LGBTQ+ elders in New York and replicated programs throughout the United States.SAGE Center Bronx has been providing LGBTQ+ elders with services and supports for years. Yesterday’s event brought the community together with pride to celebrate the Center, which has been designed specifically by and for LGBTQ+ elders. To honor these elders, Pedrosa designed a mural for the community. The unique tropical work of art takes inspiration from Caribbean and Latin American culture, American Hip Hop and New York Salsa, and elevates the cultural diversity and its large LGBTQ+ community in the Bronx.
SAGE Center Bronx at Crotona Pride House mural by Karen “KayLove” Pedrosa
Fifteen benches are also located in the outdoor space, customized with unique plaques that contain inspiring quotes submitted by the community members.
The event featured a brief speaking program that included NYC Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, NYS Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs Ron Zacchi, NYS Deputy Commissioner of Aging and Long-Term Care Adam Herbst, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, HELPUSA CEO & President Tom Hameline and SAGEServes Executive Director Darcy Connors.
“Today is about more than just unveiling this amazing work of art,” said Darcy Connors, Executive Director of SAGEServes.” It’s about honoring the unique stories and histories of the LGBTQ+ elders who are a part of this community and recognizing the vital space that is SAGE Center Bronx at Crotona Pride House.” Continued Connors, “today’s celebration is a firm recognition and commemoration of the progress we have already made in creating more welcoming spaces and community resources for LGBTQ+ elders. I’m proud of the work we have already accomplished and see this as the start of an exciting new chapter for our Bronx community.”
HELP USA, co-developer of Crotona Pride House, the home of SAGE Center Bronx, is a valued partner with SAGE in creating LGBTQ+-affirming spaces. Tom Hameline, HELP USA CEO & President said, “Building better lives for older people, and in particular those who struggle to find safe, affordable housing like members of the LGBTQ+ community, is at the core of what HELP USA does each and every day. Having the SAGE Center at Crotona Pride House as a community hub centered in this building perfectly reflects the vibrancy of LGBTQ+ elders and our Bronx neighborhood, and we are proud to partner with SAGE to make this happen.”
SAGE Center Bronx at Crotona Pride House merges its distinct style with the services that SAGEServes offers, including meals, classes, case management, informational resources, veterans’ services, social events, and much more. Learn more at www.sageserves.org.
For more information about SAGE and its mission, visit www.sageusa.org.
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ABOUT SAGE:
SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging. Learn more at sageusa.org.
ABOUT SAGESERVES:
SAGEServes is a division of SAGE, the world’s largest organization dedicated to advocacy, services and innovations for LGBTQ+ elders. SAGEServes provides high quality, inclusive programs and services for LGBTQ+ elders. Spurred by the Stonewall uprising 40 years ago, SAGE was created by loving, caring activists in order to serve our pioneers. These are the roots from which we continue to grow. SAGEServes creates ever-growing opportunities to serve our community’s older people and support their unique needs. Learn more at sageserves.org.
