For over a decade, Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) has been providing a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ older adults to gather. Every month we host Mystic Tea, a place to meet, eat and socialize.
MVES provides coffee, tea and a hearty meal, but more importantly, a venue for good company and conversation. While Mystic Tea is usually an informal meet-up, we also offer speakers or special guests occasionally throughout the year.
We are excited that Mystic Tea is growing! We have new members as well as new visitors stopping by to get to know the group. Please join us!
Mystic Tea is held on the third Tuesday of the month from 4-6 p.m. at MVES’ headquarters at 300 Commercial Street in Malden. Mystic Tea is open to LGBTQ adults from anywhere in Massachusetts (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning).
If you have an LGBTQ+ older adult in your life, please spread the word about Mystic Tea. Studies show LGBTQ+ older adults are more than twice as likely to live alone, and often face social isolation and vulnerability. Having support from the community can make all the difference.
May 16 is National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day
Today’s older LGBTQ+ adults were denied their civil rights and faced rejection, scorn and even violence — simply for who they were and who they loved. 
May 16 is National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day. It’s a great time to recognize the generations that paved the way. Older LGBTQ+ adults have been called “Generation Silent,” but over time, they are transforming into “Generation Loud & Proud!” If you belong to the younger community, ask the LGBTQ+ older adults in your life to share their stories with you.
Many older adults share an “LGBTQ+ Selfie” on social media on May 16. These are usually a solo selfie or a photo with your significant other. It can be a newer photo or a beloved older picture. It’s a small gesture, but it helps us feel connected!
MVES is collecting photos of the LGBTQ+ older adult community to share on social media and display at our Mystic Tea on May 16. If you’d like to share your “LGBTQ+Selfie” with MVES, either on social media or at Mystic Tea or both, here are two ways:
- Email your photo to info@mves.org with the subject line “Mystic Tea”
- Drop off or mail a photo to Mystic Valley Elder Services, Attn: Mystic Tea, 300 Commercial St., Malden, 02148
The deadline to submit is May 14. Please include your name and contact info and whether you want to share your photo at Mystic Tea or on social media or both. *Personal info won’t be shared publicly, only photos.