As part of his groundwork, Angelus brought in nonprofit group Les Audacieuses et Les Audacieux. The organization shared with him some startling data about isolation and depression among LGBTQ+ seniors, 65% of whom live alone and 90% who have no children or family caregivers. Suicide rates in the demo are between two and seven times higher than the straight population.

“The statistics are scary,” Angelus said. “For a lot of LGBTQ seniors, the community is their family, especially when their real families have turned their backs on them.”

‘Very emotional’ day

Les Audacieuses et Les Audacieux helped to locate seniors who wanted to attend Paris Pride but were daunted by the heat, noise and inaccessibility of the event. Given the elderly folks’ history of activism, “knowing that they are excluded is just impossible for us,” said Michael Simon, a member of the nonprofit.

The brand-backed program, meant to serve as an authentic counterpoint to rampant pinkwashing, was a hit with its guests, as seen in an accompanying campaign video.

But the impact was wider—there was an outpouring of support from media and influencers in the run-up to the parade, with press interviews and social sharing about the program and its participants. 

On event day, marchers embraced the seniors from the street level, waving the silver-striped flag and interacting with them.

“It was beautiful to see everyone looking up at the balconies and cheering them on,” Angelus said. “It was very emotional.”

A tearful Tracol, featured in the video’s final frames clutching the flag and touching her heart, thanked the organizers for returning her to the event: “I thought I would never be able to do it ever again.”