Rainbow Stories in the Moment® is a dance, fitness and storytelling program for LGBTQIA+ elders and allies. The program grew out of a desire to extend the benefit of dance on brain health, physical agility and wellbeing to communities of older adults who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Older adults who identify as LGBTQIA+ are almost 30% more likely to develop dementia, so Rainbow Stories in the Moment® was developed as an arts and health initiative and social practice project to partner with LGBTQIA+ elders to not only build community and amplify belonging but also engage in activities that are known to modify risk for dementia and support brain health.
“I find that this exercise is so wonderful. I feel more flexible. It is good for the brain. You exercise the mind, everything but the hair. We exercise every part of the body, the mind and everything. It is so special that I cancel anything so I can get here.”
– Participant in Rainbow Stories
Using Dance To Tell Our Stories
“We’ve shown up. We’ve been here. We’ve mattered.”
– Daíthí Clayton
