Gary and Dylan's Rainbow Connection

Gary’s Journey Back to Connection

Gary’s path to Rainbow Connection began with a recommendation from a friend who introduced him to a seniors' group for gay men in Melbourne. Returning to the city after years away, Gary found himself navigating retirement and seeking new ways to stay engaged. “I had started seeing a psychologist who encouraged me to get out more and socialise,” Gary shared. “I already had a large circle of friends, but living around the corner from the program, I thought, why not?”

Meeting Dylan through Rainbow Connection added an unexpected layer of joy to his life.

Gary’s experience with the program has also reconnected him with the HIV support community. Despite living with HIV for many years, he had not been actively involved in related groups until recently. “When I moved to Coffs Harbour, HIV wasn’t a big part of my life,” Gary explained. “But since coming back to Melbourne, I’ve joined a support group where I’ve taken on a bit of a mentorship role. It’s been fulfilling to share my experiences with younger people who are newly diagnosed.”

Reflecting on his past, Gary spoke about his partner Mervin, who passed away from AIDS in 1994. “We didn’t tell anyone he was HIV positive because back then it was a death sentence,” Gary recalled. “Even my parents didn’t know. We told them he had leukemia to protect them from the fear and stigma.” Despite the challenges, Gary remains positive about his life’s journey. “Being gay has never been an issue for me,” he said. “I’ve always felt fortunate to have the life I’ve had.”

Dylan’s Motivation to Volunteer

For Dylan, volunteering with Rainbow Connection was deeply personal. “My first love was living with HIV, and that experience shaped my commitment to supporting marginalised communities,” he explained. Dylan’s passion for social justice also informed his academic pursuits. “For my doctoral project, I interviewed people from marginalised communities, including those living with HIV,” he said. “That work reinforced my desire to give back.”

Despite his demanding career, Dylan made it a priority to volunteer. “I might not have traditional skills like building or crafting, but I can connect with people,” Dylan said. “I’ve learned so much from Gary. He’s wiser and more experienced than me, and our conversations are always enlightening.”

The Importance of Specialised Support

Rainbow Connection is part of the broader Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme, tailored specifically for LGBTIQ+ individuals and people living with HIV. Both Gary and Dylan see the value in this specialisation.

“It’s crucial for people to feel a sense of belonging and understanding in aged care settings,” Dylan said. “Being surrounded by like-minded individuals can make all the difference.”

Gary shared his thoughts on the need for such programs. “As we age, staying connected is vital,” he said. “Rainbow Connection provides that opportunity in a meaningful way. For me, it’s not just about socialising—it’s about giving back. I’ve been able to mentor younger people in the HIV support group and help them navigate their experiences.”

The two also reflected on the broader impact of discrimination and isolation. “I think of nursing homes like school environments,” Dylan said. “They’re contained spaces, and it’s easy for groups to form and exclude others. Programs like Rainbow Connection help create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTIQ+ people.”

A Call to Action

When asked what he’d say to someone considering Rainbow Connection, Gary didn’t hesitate. “Why not?” he said. “Get out, meet new people, and embrace new experiences. It’s one of the best things you can do as you get older.”

Gary and Dylan’s story is a testament to the impact of programs like Rainbow Connection. They remind us that building bridges across generations can be so enriching.

For more information about Rainbow Connection and how you can get involved contact rainbowconnection@thorneharbour.org or fill out a referral form on our Rainbow Connection webpage.