GRIOT Circle, Inc.

GRIOT Circle, Inc. GRIOT Circle provides support and advocacy to LGBTQ older adults of color

One of our long-standing programs, Woodcarving 101 with Don Quigley, continues to bring members together to learn and pr...
03/06/2026

One of our long-standing programs, Woodcarving 101 with Don Quigley, continues to bring members together to learn and practice the art of woodcarving. Don has been a dedicated member for many years and enjoys sharing his knowledge, helping others develop their carving skills and techniques.

Here are some of our current members’ woodcarving projects, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship being developed in the program.

Interested in learning the art of woodcarving?

📧 Email our Program Coordinator, Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to sign up!

We’re proud to highlight our partner, Access Justice Brooklyn, and their work supporting seniors across Brooklyn through...
03/04/2026

We’re proud to highlight our partner, Access Justice Brooklyn, and their work supporting seniors across Brooklyn through the NGF Senior LEAP program. 💙

Their staff and volunteers visit senior centers, community centers, and faith-based organizations throughout Brooklyn — and virtually — to provide free legal education presentations and FAQ sessions on topics including:

✔️ Wills, Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Proxies
✔️ Foreclosure, deed theft & home repair scams
✔️ Consumer debt & debt collection

Each session includes a Q&A to address seniors’ concerns, and eligible participants may schedule follow-up appointments for individual legal assistance.

📅 Interested in scheduling an NGF Senior LEAP presentation?
Contact Eloy Ruiz, Pro Bono Coordinator
📞 (718) 473-9207
📧 eloy@accessjusticebk.org

Advocacy Presentation: How we can win healthcare for all. Join us for a short film and discussion about the New York Hea...
03/03/2026

Advocacy Presentation: How we can win healthcare for all.

Join us for a short film and discussion about the New York Health Act, a life-saving bill in Albany that will provide comprehensive healthcare for all New Yorkers- including dental, vision and long-term care.

Panel Members: Morgan Moore, Executive Director, Physicians for a national health program (PNHP) NY Metro Chapter; Dr. Roona Ray, MD, MPH, Family physician, Queens; Vice Chair PNHP NY Metro Chapter; Julie Schwartzberg, cross-union retirees organizing committee (CROC NYC)

Date: Friday, March 6th
Time: 12:30PM- 2:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor
Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

GRIOT Circle was proud to collaborate with and host Audre Lorde Project in celebration of Audre Lorde’s 92nd birthday on...
03/02/2026

GRIOT Circle was proud to collaborate with and host Audre Lorde Project in celebration of Audre Lorde’s 92nd birthday on February 21st.

This special gathering invited QTBIPOC community members to come together in creativity, connection, and collective care. The Audre Lorde Project led a powerful Freedom Zine workshop, speed-friending, and guided reflections centered on safety, resistance, and liberation. Attendees also enjoyed free individual healing sessions, including Reiki, acupuncture, massage, tarot readings, and personalized tea blending.

In honor of Audre Lorde’s enduring legacy, a community altar was created, and participants were encouraged to bring an item that resonated with her life and work.

Our members truly enjoyed being in community while celebrating Audre Lorde’s birthday and legacy. They created their own zines, participated in guided reflections, and experienced meaningful healing sessions. It was truly a beautiful and affirming event.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration so special.

Sewing Demo with Julie RamineJoin us for an introductory sewing class with Julie! Participants will learn the basics of ...
03/02/2026

Sewing Demo with Julie Ramine

Join us for an introductory sewing class with Julie! Participants will learn the basics of sewing, including hand stitching, threading a needle, measuring and cutting fabric, and simple seam techniques. By the end of the class, you will have the foundational skills needed to begin creating your own piece. No prior experience is needed.

Date: Thursday, March 5th
Time: 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor

Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

Join us for Tai Chi with Arthur Douse!Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact practice rooted in ancient China that supports bal...
02/27/2026

Join us for Tai Chi with Arthur Douse!

Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact practice rooted in ancient China that supports balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Designed especially for older adults, this class promotes physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being in a calm and welcoming environment.

Through slow, flowing movements and mindful breathing, participants can improve stability, reduce stress, and enhance overall vitality. Regular practice may help ease chronic pain, reduce anxiety, and support greater confidence in everyday movement.

Come experience the many benefits of Tai Chi and take a positive step toward a healthier, more balanced you!

Date: Monday, March 2nd
Time: 2:00PM-3:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd floor

Please email Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org

Last week, members who are part of the Buddy-to-Buddy program at GRIOT Circle had the opportunity to take part in a prof...
02/25/2026

Last week, members who are part of the Buddy-to-Buddy program at GRIOT Circle had the opportunity to take part in a professional photoshoot led by photographer and GRIOT member Dorothy Francis.

It was a wonderful celebration filled with life and laughter.

If you are interested in joining the Buddy-to-Buddy program, please email melissa@griotcircle.org for more information.

In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), join us for the premiere of My Sunnyside on Sunday, March 29 at 10 AM ...
02/24/2026

In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), join us for the premiere of My Sunnyside on Sunday, March 29 at 10 AM at Quad Cinema. Complimentary breakfast starts at 9 AM.

My Sunnyside follows Jo Schneider, a trans man, and his partner Allie as they navigate life, family, and community in Sunnyside, Queens—sharing a powerful story of love, resilience, and transgender visibility.

Register via the QR code on the flyer or email Melissa Parke at melissa@griotcircle.org. The first 40 to sign up receive free popcorn and soda!

Sponsored by the LGBTQIA+ Community Outreach Division. Celebrate trans voices and build community with us. 🌈

Women’s Group Join GRIOT Circle's POC Women's Social Group. This in-person group is open to all, with a focus on matters...
02/23/2026

Women’s Group

Join GRIOT Circle's POC Women's Social Group. This in-person group is open to all, with a focus on matters that affect women of color.

Date: Thursday, February 27th
Time: 2:00PM-3:00PM
Location: 25 Flatbush Ave, 3rd Floor

Topic: What is your legacy?

Please email Melissa Parke, Melissa@griotcircle.org to RSVP

Repost from Q***r Voices: New York CityThis Black History Month, Q***r Voices: NYC is launching Black Q***r Futures, a F...
02/20/2026

Repost from Q***r Voices: New York City

This Black History Month, Q***r Voices: NYC is launching Black Q***r Futures, a FREE virtual film series in collaboration with PBS: POV/American Documentary and The Center for Inclusion at BMCC! ✊🏽🖤

From Feb 18–28, stream five powerful films and join a live conversation with the artists on Feb 25 at 6pm.

Featuring:
Pier Kids — Elegance Bratton
A Mother Apart — Laurie Townsend
Who I Am Not — Tünde Skovrán
Jardines — Alfredo Torres
MNM — Twiggy Pucci Garçon

Black q***r stories deserve to be seen — and this month, they’re coming straight to your home 🖤👇🏽

🎟️ FREE registration: https://qvnycblackhistorymonth.eventive.org/welcome

🗓 Dates: Feb 18–28, 2026
💻 Virtual screenings (available anywhere in the U.S.)

🎤 Live talkback: Feb 25 at 6pm with participating filmmakers.

No travel. No cost. Just community, conversation, and stories that matter 💖

***r

Yesterday, our Men’s Group welcomed members of the LGBTQIA+ Police Community Outreach Division for an open conversation ...
02/19/2026

Yesterday, our Men’s Group welcomed members of the LGBTQIA+ Police Community Outreach Division for an open conversation about mentoring, life, and aging. It was a meaningful discussion, and our members truly enjoyed it. Thank you for joining us!

Our Men’s Group is a welcoming space for Black men 50+ to connect, share, and grow together.

Interested in joining? We meet Wednesdays from 1:30 PM–3:00 PM. Contact our Program Coordinator, Melissa Parke, melissa@griotcircle.org

Because of the weather, we’ll be canceling our bowling event at Melody Lanes with GRIOT Circle.We’re looking forward to ...
02/18/2026

Because of the weather, we’ll be canceling our bowling event at Melody Lanes with GRIOT Circle.

We’re looking forward to rescheduling and getting together soon! For updates on this and future outings, please reach out to our Program Coordinator, Melissa Parke, at melissa@griotcircle.org

Stay safe and warm — we’ll see you at the next event!

Address

New York, NY
11217

Telephone

+17182462775

Website

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History

GRIOT (Gay Reunion In Our Time) Circle was founded as an informal gathering of elders and was officially recognized as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 1996. GRIOT Circle remains the only organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of elder LGBTQ people of color.

Most of our members reside in New York’s metropolitan area, though GRIOT has members throughout the country. Nearly all our members are from modest-to-low income households; more than 50% are retired; and about 90% identify as black, African American or Caribbean American.

We provide emotional support and quality programming that affirm the lives of this often invisible and marginalized population. GRIOT is committed to honoring and preserving our histories and traditions while reuniting those parts of our selves that have been fragmented by racism and homophobia. We maintain a space, free of discrimination based on age, gender, race, sexuality, spirituality, and ethnic origin. Everyone is welcome.