William Way LGBT Community Center
Title: Aging with Pride: Supporting LGBTQ+ Elders at William Way
Student Interns:
Riley Scheier
University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH
University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH
University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Kyle Macklin
Elder Initiative Social Engagement Coordinator, William Way LGBT Community Center
Ed Miller
Elder Initiative Program Manager, William Way LGBT Community Center
Community Site:
Since its founding in 1976, the William Way LGBT Community Center has been dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community in Philadelphia. William Way’s Elder Initiative is focused on promoting connection, advocacy, and access to vital resources for LGBTQIA+ older adults. Through support groups, free grocery days, educational sessions, and community-building events, the initiative works to combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging among a historically marginalized population.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern supported the daily operations of regularly scheduled programming at both the William Way LGBT Community Center and the John C. Anderson LGBTQ-friendly apartment complex. The intern assisted with weekly check-ins and informational meetings and helped to facilitate monthly events such as grocery distribution days and birthday celebrations. In addition to existing programming, the intern also contributed to the planning and preparation for the launch of the William Way Community Cupboard. This included designing a comprehensive inventory tracking spreadsheet and helping to organize and streamline the inventory management process.
Reflections
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent my summer with the Elder Initiative at William Way. This experience has been both eye-opening and deeply meaningful, and I’m walking away with a wealth of new knowledge, as well as immense pride in knowing that I was able to make a positive impact. Through my interactions with my community preceptors, I learned about the complex and often overlooked challenges that LGBTQ+ elders face every day — from loneliness and social isolation to stigmatization and limited access to affirming resources. Engaging directly with community members provided me with invaluable insight, and they consistently inspired me with their stories and resilience. This experience has not only expanded my understanding of the unique needs of LGBTQ+ populations in Philadelphia but has also deepened my commitment to health equity and social justice. I leave this internship with a more open mind and a renewed drive to continue advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.”
Riley Scheier