50 for 50: Meet Connie Vien

"I was there, you know, pretty much from the beginning, we knew it as SAGE in Queens. I guess you could say I was one of the first participants at what's now known as the Queens Center for Gay Seniors, of Queens Community House.
Back then, things were very different. It's hard to describe to people today, but being gay, especially as you got older, it wasn't easy. I remember, even when I joined the Pride Parade, I'd wear a big hat and sunglasses, not wanting to be recognized. It wasn't always safe to be who you were.

That's why having a place like the center was so important. We used to meet at St. Andrew's Church in Astoria. The place wasn't fancy, but it was ours. When we were there, the outside world just didn't matter. We could finally be ourselves. It was more than just a place; it was a safe haven.

We did so much together. We had acting classes, sing-alongs, and socials. Those socials... they were something else. We'd get a hundred people there, all of us together. We were like one big family.

My partner was a big part of my life, and we were both involved with the program. Sadly, she passed away a while back after 47 years together. The center, and Queens Community House, really helped me through that. They have a great support group.

Even now, after all these years, I still go to the Queens Center for Gay Seniors. And I still go to the Pride Parade every year. I've been marching for so long, and I'm proud to say that over time, I've felt more and more accepted, not just at the center, but out in the world.

I try to keep the spirit of those early days alive. That's why I do things like "Connie's Talent Show." It's a way for us to come together, share our talents, and support each other, just like we did with the sing-alongs and socials. I want to honor the essence of what this program has always meant to me and to so many others.

I can't say enough good things about Queens Community House. They've always been there for me, helping me through the tough times and celebrating the good ones. They've been a constant source of support."

– Connie Vien