Over the Rainbow: Good Things Happen Over Coffee
It is said that good things happen over coffee.
Every Thursday morning, the freight elevator screeches, and the stairs are conquered as a group of older adults make their way to the second floor of 545 Broadway. From the kitchen, coffee in hand, they gather around a long table. People pile in and the chairs are pulled from the sides to fit everyone at our pine slab of Dare cookies and cinnamon loaf. We take a moment to share our name and pronouns, and some of us take the long-worn masks of cis-heteronormativity off, just for a moment. To breathe, to be seen.
Once the introductions have finished, the conversation begins to bubble. Whether it be Herb’s fiery political commentary, or Sally’s sweet, sentimental prose – this table is soon boiling over with ideas and memories as the conversation jumps from one side of the table to the other. The room is profoundly alive with laughter and warmth.
It is said that good things happen over coffee, and Elizabeth McMechan, Rainbow's Older Adult Program Coordinator, knows that is true because. "In a moment, the conversation goes from bursting with political jargon, contagious laughter, to sobering quiet while one member shares a moment of grief," says Elizabeth. "It's because this room feels safe for people to be who they really are and express these deep emotions."
In those tender moments when they share powerful feelings, eyes soften and maybe a hand will extend to slowly rub the shoulder next to them. There are incredibly personal stories that flow in this space: a partner who died behind closed hospital doors during the AIDS crisis; a memory of the first pride parade, half the attendees' cloaked identities covered by paper bags; police raids on Miss Purdy’s; discovering queerness in a third floor Eaton’s bathroom stall.
Suddenly this table has transformed into an altar for those who cannot join us in corporeality. In an instant, the group has shown the depth and promise of community: to preserve the memory of those we love, and to heal the wounds of those who have survived.
The bodies that gather at this table (both in spirit and in reality) are the revolutionaries of the 2SLGBTQ+ community—having waged hard-fought battles from the lawn of the legislature, the pulpit of a cathedral, and the halls of our hospitals.
Ken Segal, long time participant of Over The Rainbow, enjoys the sense of community of the group and also the fresh perspective of Rainbow's Older Adult Program Coordinator, Elizabeth McMechan.
Ken Segal (he/him), a long time participant, says he enjoys coming for the fresh perspective of Elizabeth McMechan (she/they), Rainbow's Older Adult Program Coordinator, who welcomes folks to the safe space week after week.
"Elizabeth offers a fresh perspective, a new way of looking at things," he says. "She's bringing today's issues to the older audience." Ken, who's been coming to the group since the beginning of Covid, when virtual programming was the only option, says, "I love the group. It gives me a sense of purpose. It gives me so much joy to come, listen, and learn. It keeps my mind active — it's community."
Over the Rainbow is more than a group of older adults who gather once or twice a week to sip Kirkland Signature coffee—this group is testament to the queer community’s resiliency and survival.
Elizabeth says, "It is said that good things happen over coffee, and I agree, but that sentiment is falling short of what I witness happening over coffee. Belonging happens over coffee. Healing happens over coffee. Community happens over coffee."
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