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​

1 %

of all GRIOT members are from low income households

1 %

of GRIOT members are retired and live on fixed incomes

0 +
Number of members over the age of 50 that GRIOT is currently serving.

How We Identify

Female 70%
Male 30%

Cultural Backgrounds

Black, African-American, Caribbean-American
90%
Latino/a, White, & Other
10%

Where We Live

East New York and Brooklyn
60%
Harlem, Queens & The Bronx
40%

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