I've also come to appreciate the importance of intergenerational connections within the LGBTQ+ community. As an older lesbian, I've had the privilege of learning from those who came before me, while also mentoring and supporting younger generations. This sense of continuity and shared experience is a powerful reminder that our stories matter, and that we're not alone.

In my younger years, being a lesbian was a source of anxiety, fear, and secrecy. I grew up in a time when being LGBTQ+ was largely stigmatized, and I struggled to reconcile my feelings with the expectations of those around me. It wasn't until I found community with other lesbians that I began to feel a sense of belonging and liberation.

As I sit here, reflecting on my life as a lesbian, I'm struck by the journey that has brought me to this moment. At 50+, I've had the privilege of living through decades of social change, personal growth, and self-discovery. My identity as a lesbian has been a constant, yet it's evolved significantly over the years.

One of the most significant shifts I've experienced is the move from a focus on "coming out" to a focus on "living authentically." For me, this means embracing my identity as a lesbian, while also acknowledging the intersections of my life – my relationships, my work, my health, and my passions.