Richmond Pride Month ends on a high with Rainbow Retirement Day

Pride Month drew to a thoughtful close with the borough’s first Rainbow Retirement Day at the Landmark Arts Centre.

Rainbow Retirement Day was a joyful and informative event for the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on those in later life. Age UK Richmond and the Landmark Arts Centre came together to host a day of connection, conversation and celebration for people of all ages.

Speakers reflected on real concerns facing LGBTQ+ people as they age, from loneliness to care homes, from the need for visibility to the role of allies. Powerful moments included a man who recently came out as gay, aged 72. “The message of support from my son was the most touching thing I have ever read,” he said.

The event also gave Landmark Arts Centre Director, Harper Ray, the opportunity to speak about his and William Dryden’s recent national recognition. The pair were awarded the British LGBT Award for Inclusive Campaigning, recognising their work supporting LGBTQ+ families and advocating for inclusive legal reform.

“It was a joyful, generous gathering,” said Ray. “As we get older, it’s easy to feel less visible. That’s why events like this matter. They affirm the whole person and remind us that pride, identity and community belong to us throughout our entire lives.”

Rainbow Retirement Day is one of many community-led events hosted at the Landmark throughout the year.

The Landmark is open from 10am daily and admission is free.