At Notaro Care Homes, we believe in celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and the vibrant spirit of our community. This Pride Month, Aspen Court’s Team pulled out all the stops to create an unforgettable celebration that brought joy, laughter, and unity to residents and staff.
A Fabulous Pride Event
In June, our Aspen Court Care Home hosted a spectacular Pride event that was the highlight of the month. The fabulous Drag Queen Valerie Von Hussle graced us with her presence, delivering sensational performances of classic hits from Cilla Black, Cher, and Bonnie Tyler. The energy was electric as Valerie’s powerful voice and captivating stage presence lit up their garden.
One of the standout moments of the event was when Valerie invited Aspen Court’s manager, Kim, and Activities Coordinator, Richard, to join her on stage for a dance routine to the Spice Girls. The residents cheered them on, waving their rainbow flags and wearing their colourful hats with pride. It was a moment of pure joy and camaraderie, showcasing the true spirit of Pride.
A Community United
The celebration was a collaborative effort, bringing together residents and staff from Cedar Lodge, who joined Aspen Court in the garden, and The Limes residents, who watched the show from their own garden. The sense of community and togetherness was palpable as everyone came together to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance.
Residents proudly waved not only the rainbow flag but also flags representing the diverse spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community, including Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, and Pansexual flags. It was a beautiful display to recognise and honour the identities of all individuals.
Commemorating Stonewall
As part of Pride Month, they also commemorated the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. To honour this significant event in LGBTQ+ history, Aspen Court hsoted an information morning where they screened a documentary about the Stonewall Inn uprising in 1969. This pivotal moment in history marked the birth of Pride events and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for equal rights.
Ongoing Pride Activities
Aspen Court’s Pride celebrations didn’t end with this event. Throughout the month, they have been engaging in various activities to keep the spirit of Pride alive:
Pride Poster
Residents and staff worked together to create a vibrant Pride poster. This collaborative art project not only added a splash of colour to the home but also serves as a reminder of the creativity and unity within their community.
Musical Bingo
They also hosted a special Pride version of Musical Bingo featuring songs from LGBTQ+ artists like Freddie Mercury, Elton John, and George Michael, as well as artists who have been strong allies and supporters of LGBTQ+ rights, such as Madonna, Judy Garland, Dusty Springfield, and Dolly Parton. This fun and engaging activity had everyone tapping their feet and singing along to the music that has defined generations.
Celebrating Pride
We are very proud of Aspen Court’s incredible variety of activities to mark Pride Month. The activities team have been fundamental in making this happen and bringing this awareness and inclusion into the activities programme – something we want to carry forward into our other homes.
We invite you to join us in honouring this important time of the year, recognising the progress made, and committing to the ongoing journey toward equality and acceptance for all.
Let’s continue to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion every day.
Upcoming Events
Aspen Court’s next event is their Summer Fete on Saturday, 17th August at 2pm. It promises to be a fun-filled day with activities, entertainment, and a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together once again. More info.
Feel free to share your Pride stories and celebrations with us. Together, we can make a difference and spread the message of love and acceptance far and wide. 🌈