Raga D’silva looks back on the inaugural Older Queer Voices Festival and how it brought the community together through storytelling, history and hope
IMAGE BY LINKEDIN
On 3 June, over 200 people gathered at the Tesco Heart Building in Welwyn Garden City for the inaugural Older Queer Voices Festival. It was a celebration of LGBTQIA+ storytelling, intergenerational connection and community.
I founded the Older Queer Voices platform with Nicola Fenton to amplify the lived experiences of older LGBTQIA+ people. The festival marked the organisation’s first anniversary and brought together a diverse mix of people from across generations. Older queer people, younger community members, allies, activists, workplace leaders and supporters shared a space that felt both celebratory and deeply meaningful.
The evening opened with a welcome from Dan Porter, Chair of Tesco’s LGBT+ Network, who spoke about Tesco’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive workplace. His message highlighted the important role organisations can play in ensuring people feel seen, valued and supported throughout every stage of their lives.
What followed was an evening that blended history, activism, laughter and reflection.
A keynote address from Lisa Power reminded attendees of the resilience and determination that have shaped LGBTQIA+ progress over the decades.
One of the highlights of the evening was a live recording of the Older Queer Voices podcast, Bridging Generations, featuring Rosie Jones, Sue Sanders, Jason Patel and Dan Porter, exploring how different generations of LGBTQIA+ people can learn from one another while navigating the challenges and opportunities facing the community today.
Rosie Jones spoke candidly about growing up disabled and gay without seeing herself reflected in the world around her. She shared how, for many years, her disability became the label that overshadowed every other aspect of her identity, including her sexuality. Her honesty, humour and warmth had the audience laughing one moment and reflecting deeply the next.
Jason Patel spoke about finding hope in the future because of the foundations laid by older generations. His reflections served as a powerful reminder that progress is built on the courage, persistence and sacrifices of those who came before us.
Dan Porter highlighted the unique role workplaces can play in bridging generational divides. For many people, work is where inclusion or exclusion is first experienced. When organisations create cultures that encourage connection and understanding, they can become powerful spaces for intergenerational learning and belonging.
Sue Sanders brought historical context to the conversation, reminding the audience of the struggles that many older LGBTQIA+ people endured to secure rights and visibility. Her reflections underscored the importance of continuing that work and ensuring that history is neither forgotten nor taken for granted.
The festival also celebrated 10 Older Queer Voices Icons, recognising individuals whose contributions have helped shape and strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community. Those honoured were Linda Riley, Ted Brown, Caroline Paige, Julian Hows, Lisa Power, Catherine Dixon, Femi Otitoju, Savitri Hensman, Liz Carr and Emeritus Professor Sue Sanders.
A special performance by Dr Clare Summerskill added another layer of storytelling to the evening, while drinks, food and informal conversations created opportunities for attendees to connect across generations and experiences.
What made the festival particularly powerful was its atmosphere. It was not simply an event about older LGBTQIA+ people. It was an event where generations met, listened and learned from one another. Throughout the evening, there was a sense that stories were being passed on, histories were being honoured, and new connections were being formed.
As conversations about ageing, loneliness, visibility and belonging continue to grow in importance, the Older Queer Voices Festival demonstrated why intergenerational spaces matter. They remind us that our community’s future is strengthened when we honour its past and ensure that every generation has a seat at the table.
In just one year, Older Queer Voices has grown from a podcast into a movement creating conversations across communities and workplaces. If the energy and response to this first festival are anything to go by, its message is resonating: our stories matter, our history matters, and every generation has a role to play in shaping what comes next.
The Older Queer Voices Festival was made possible due to support from Tesco, Booker, Best Food & Logistics, N20 and our Community Partners – LGBT Great, LGBT Foundation, LGBT Consortium, Stonewall, Queerwell, MyGWork, Pride in London, GFW Clothing, Proud HR, Tonic Housing, Interinvest, LGBT+ History Month.
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