The first PRIDE march took place on June 28, 1970, marking the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Amid an ongoing struggle to protect the civil rights of LGBTQIA communities, PRIDE became a testament to the resilience of advocates and allies who fought fiercely for recognition, a celebration of love as a revolutionary act, and a reminder of the work still ahead. Fifty-five years later, the spirit of PRIDE remains as strong as ever. While younger generations carry forward the fight for justice, veterans of the first PRIDE, Stonewall, and the early LGBTQIA rights movement continue to advocate with the same passion as the pioneers who inspired them more than five decades ago.
Among these advocates is ZAMI NOBLA, the National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging. Operating within a feminist social justice framework, ZAMI NOBLA actively fights against racialized ageism, racism, misogynoir, classism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia. As the only organization in the U.S. expressly led by and for Black lesbian elders, ZAMI NOBLA is at the forefront of advancing healthy aging and building power for LGBTQIA older adults.
This PRIDE, we caught up with Janyce Jackson Jones, North Carolina State Chapter President of ZAMI NOBLA, to discuss the unique perspectives, challenges, and experiences of LGBTQ+ older adults. A founding member of the NC Chapter, Janyce leads with a lifetime of service and advocacy beneath her wings.
Read our conversation below:
What does PRIDE look like for LGBTQIA elders?
I think it looks like a celebration of all the gains we have made, the doors we opened just by showing up and being ourselves. It looks like watching younger LGBTQIA folks enjoy the laws and freedom we fought for, and today in 2025 caring about what might change for us because of the current political climate. It looks like showing up at parades and festivals to enjoy being among a larger group of LGBTQIA people where we get to receive and share some love.
How are you celebrating PRIDE this year?
I am celebrating PRIDE this year as I try to do every year. I am showing up and being visible as an older black lesbian in all areas of my life. I fly the PRIDE flag in my front yard, and wear pride-colored accessories; all in wanting to be more open and louder than I usually am about who I am. I will also walk in a local parade with other members of ZAMI NOBLA NC State Chapter, carrying the ZAMI NOBLA Banner, so people can see that older black lesbians exist and are relevant.
Why is it so important to amplify the lived experiences of queer elders?
Our lived experiences is our history, it is our testimonies, it is the stories of our lives that talk about what it was like to live as LGBTQIA people before marriage equality, and before Stonewall, and how we fought for equality. It is important especially for younger generations to know about our lives, the gains we have made that they now enjoy, and the sacrifices we made. I also hope hearing our stories will help them know how important their advocacy work is in maintaining equality today. Our stories still need to be told after we are gone, so they must be amplified, repeated and repeated, so they live on beyond us.
As a Black, lesbian woman, how has your identity shaped your approach to advocacy?
Connecting all of who I am: black, older, lesbian, mother, grandmother, spouse, friend is connected and shapes how I approach advocacy. The issues are all linked, and they all need my attention in advocating for justice.
What issues are most pertinent to Older Adult LGBTQIA communities today?
I think affordable healthcare, affordable housing, and isolation stand out as key issues for me. Many of us have no family around that can look out for us or help care for us. The lack of affordable healthcare keeps us vulnerable to not being able to medically respond to health issues. The issue of isolation is compounded by the addition of our health and housing insecurity. Where we must live, and how we are able to get around and participate in community plays a big part in our overall health and security.
What are some ways to show up for queer elders in our community?
First of all, acknowledge us when we show up, talk to us, listen to our stories, get to know us better, and that will help you find ways to show up and support us. Volunteer at organizations that serve queer elders, share a meal, (take us to dinner, or cook a meal, share a new recipe), check in with us (phone call or text. Also advocate for us, stand up and fight for rights and policies that affect us and are important to our survival.
Are there any resources, that you recommend people check out this Pride Month?
There are several resources and organizations that serve older LGBTQIA people, and I encourage people looking to use the many search engines available, to find the specific resource that serves the population you’re interested in.
As a member, I can personally recommend ZAMI NOBLA (National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging). ZAMI NOBLA is a national organization, with state chapters currently in North Carolina and Georgia. ZAMI NOBLA is a membership-based organization committed to building a base of power for Black lesbians over the age of 40 living anywhere in the country. We center service, advocacy and community action research. We provide programs in person and virtually that support our members with information. Our State Chapters provide in person opportunities to gather to help combat isolation and support each other.
Learn more about ZAMI NOBLA’s efforts to advance healthy aging for Black Lesbian older adults by visiting ZAMINOBLA.org and following them on Facebook and Instagram.
