Agency at a glance
(/gre-ot, gre'o, gre'ot/)
A storyteller in western Africa who perpetuates the oral tradition and history of their village or family. The acronym GRIOT stands for Gay Reunion In Our Time. The two together symbolize the heart and soul of our organizational “home.”
Our Mission
GRIOT Circle is a community-based, multigenerational organization serving LGBTQ elders of color. Our mission is to respond to and eliminate all forms of oppression, including: ageism, racism, sexism, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, poverty, xenophobia, and their intersections. We achieve this by providing health, wellness, advocacy, and leadership activities to remove isolation and fear, build community, as well as honor racial and ethnic traditions.
Our Story
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.
Key Demographics
of all GRIOT members are from low income households
of GRIOT members are retired and live on fixed incomes
How We Identify
Cultural Backgrounds
Where We Live
Core Programs & Services
Case Management
GRIOT offers on site case-management, advocacy and referral services.
Lunch Program
Our congregate hot lunch program is offered five days a week (Mon-Fri) at our Brooklyn location.
Buddy-to-Buddy
Reduce isolation and enhance social and educational opportunities by partnering with other trusted members.
Health & Wellness Programs
Our daily activities and educational opportunities are designed to build upon the skills, knowledge, and unique abilities of our members.
Friendly Visitor
Friendly visiting is a program that matches seniors with volunteers who make regular visits in seniors’ homes.
Other GRIOT Programs:
- Men over 50 HIV Support Group
- Women's Support Group
- Trans Social
- Spanish 101
- Weekly Wood Carving Class
- Weekly Book Club
- Nutritional Education
- Health Management
- Tai-Chi
MAKE A GIFT
Since 1996, GRIOT Circle has provided a welcoming space, culturally sensitive services,
and member-centered programming that affirm the lives of LGBTQ elders of color.
Much of this is made possible because of our generous supporters.