May 17 is not just a date on the LGBTQI+ rights calendar. It is a reminder of the struggles that have been and continue to be fought. For older LGBTQI+ people, this day holds special significance, as it brings to the fore the challenges they face every day: from the lack of equal opportunities in healthcare and socialization, to the invisible oppression they experience due to their age and sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Proud Seniors Greece Association reminds us that freedom of existence has no age limits. In their announcement for the International Day Against LGBTQI+phobia, they emphasize: ” This is a day of great importance, something we see every day when we see our brothers and sisters being insulted, abused, and murdered, without the self-evident right to freedom of existence .”

The history of LGBTQI+ rights is full of moments of courage and resistance. From the removal of homosexuality from the World Health Organization’s list of mental illnesses in 1990, to today’s battles for the recognition of trans rights, the struggles continue. Proud Seniors Greece stands as a living testament to the resilience and strength of community, reminding us that age does not diminish a person’s worth or voice.

In a world that often overlooks the needs of older LGBTQI+ people, the action and presence of Proud Seniors Greece is vital. They encourage the creation of a world where every person, regardless of age, can live freely and with acceptance. The International Day Against LGBTQI+phobia is an opportunity to recognize the challenges they face and to commit to a more just and inclusive world for all.