Older Lesbians Organized for Change (OLOC) 2014 – March 2, May 4, October 4 & December 6 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A national organization of older lesbians 60 and over, OLOC has local groups around the country and functions under the leadership of a national Steering Committee. OLOC works toward providing a safe, supportive network for old lesbians while actively working to effect changes that will improve our lives. We challenge ageism wherever we find it, plan opportunities for old lesbians to gather, support and contribute to the Old Lesbian Oral Herstory Project (http://www.oloc.org/herstory.php), and publish a quarterly newsletter.
ABOUT OLOC
Why We Call Ourselves Old
OLOC is not afraid of the word, “Old.” In fact, we use it whenever and wherever we can. Why? To lessen the fear of aging and to challenge the demeaning euphemisms, scorn, invisibility, and expendability normally associated with “Old.”
Conversely, we welcome the benefits of age and value our wide Lesbian experience and our deep women’s knowledge. As a result, we reject language that does not take us seriously or describe us respectfully. As Lesbians who have survived more than 60 years of youth-centered patriarchy, we identify as neither “senior” nor “elderly” and call ourselves “Old” with pride We reject the stereotypes in order to empower and change ourselves, each other, and the rest of the world.
Who We Are
OLOC is a national organization with national leadership centered in the OLOC Steering Committee.
There are also local chapters across the country. OLOC is committed to empowering Old Lesbians in our common struggle to:
- confront ageism within our own and the larger community
- explore who we are and name our oppression
- challenge racism, classism, ableism, sexism, heterosexism, homophobia and religious intolerance
- analyze our experience of ageism by sharing our individual stories
To support our common goals, OLOC also works to:
- develop and distribute educational material.
- facilitate formation of new groups and stimulate existing groups to confront ageism.
- make our presence a visible force in the women’s movement and LGBTQ communities and organizations that serve old people.
- take stands on issues that affect all people but especially Old Lesbians.
Content Source: http://www.oloc.org/about/brochure/oloc.pdf
Contact: Pam Jackson – pamjaqua@gmail.com
Website: http://www.oloc.org/index.php
