As queer people, many of us have spent our lives searching for acceptance, visibility, and belonging. We have learned to create chosen families, reinvent ourselves, and navigate a world that hasn't always celebrated who we are. Yet aging presents another challenge: living in a culture that often worships youth and overlooks the wisdom, resilience, and beauty that come with growing older.
One of the things that makes Gritz & Glitter special is that we span generations. Terry, one half of Gritz & Glitter, is in his 40s and represents Generation X. Rev. Skip recently celebrated a milestone birthday and represents the Baby Boomer generation. Together, we bring different perspectives to the conversation while sharing a common belief: every stage of life has value, purpose, and opportunities for growth.
Whether you're Gen Z, a Millennial, Gen X, a Baby Boomer, or part of the Silent Generation, aging is not something to fear. It is a privilege.
As we reflect on our own journeys, we have identified ten principles that support thriving — not merely surviving — as we grow older. These principles are inspired by Rev. Skip's upcoming book, Transform in 10: 10 Steps for Thriving at 50 and Beyond.
1. Shift Your Thinking
Everything begins with a thought. Too many people believe they are too old to change, grow, or begin again. The moment we change our thinking, we change our future. Age does not define possibility.
2. Catch Your Vision
What do you want the next chapter of your life to look like? Too often, people spend time remembering who they were instead of imagining who they can become. Dream again. The future still belongs to you.
3. Set Your Goals
A vision without goals remains a wish. Whether it's improving your health, building financial stability, finding love, traveling, or pursuing a passion, clear goals create momentum and direction.
4. Get Into Action
The universe responds to movement. Take the class, write the book, join the gym, volunteer for the cause, or start the business. Small actions repeated consistently create extraordinary results.
5. Let Go
One of the greatest gifts of aging is learning what no longer serves us. Let go of old stories, shame, regret, resentment, and limiting beliefs. Many LGBTQ+ people carry wounds from rejection, invisibility, or exclusion. Healing requires release.
6. Find Inspiration
Stay curious. Read books, attend workshops, travel, learn from younger generations, and seek out new experiences. Inspiration keeps the soul alive and reminds us that growth has no expiration date.
7. Ignite Your Passion
Passion is life-force energy. Too many people retire from work and accidentally retire from living. Stay connected to what excites you, whether that's art, activism, spirituality, fitness, gardening, community service, or creative expression.
8. Build Your Support Team
No one thrives alone. As queer people, we understand the power of chosen family. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth, celebrate your victories, and support you through life's challenges.
9. Focus
In a world filled with distractions and comparisons, focus on what truly matters. Direct your energy toward your values, purpose, relationships, and joy. What we focus on expands.
10. Practice Gratitude and Give Back
Gratitude shifts our attention from what's missing to what's present. Equally important is giving back. LGBTQ+ elders paved the way for many of the freedoms we enjoy today. As we age, we are invited to become elders ourselves — mentors, wisdom keepers, advocates, and examples for future generations.
A culture obsessed with youth may never fully understand the beauty of aging. But those of us who have lived through decades of growth, challenge, love, loss, resilience, and reinvention know a deeper truth:
We are not declining. We are becoming.
As LGBTQ people, many of us spent our younger years fighting to be seen, heard, and accepted. Aging offers a new invitation — not simply to seek visibility, but to embody wisdom. We become the elders we once needed. We become living examples that a joyful, meaningful, and purpose-filled life is possible at every age.
The invitation is not to chase youth but to embrace wholeness. There is another dream to pursue, another adventure waiting, another friendship to nurture, another act of service to offer, and another expression of love to share. The world may celebrate youth, but our community has always celebrated authenticity, courage, and resilience. Those qualities do not diminish with age — they deepen.
So wherever you find yourself on life's journey, remember this: your story is still being written. Your purpose is still unfolding. Your light is still needed. The best chapter of your life may not be behind you. It may be the one you are living right now.
Terry Dyer, an award-winning author and activist, raises HIV/AIDS awareness, develops community programs and grants, fosters LGBTQ+ engagement, and engages in athletics. He wrote “Letters to a GAY BLACK BOY,” sparking discussions on racism, homophobia, mental health, family, and love.
Rev. Skip Jennings, an author, podcaster, transformational coach, and yoga/meditation teacher. He is a New Thought Minister and his notable work, “The Little Book for Transformation,” inspires change and living an authentic spiritual life.
