Generations Connected is more than just a workshop; it is a vibrant and interactive collaboration between dedicated colleagues from Senior Services and Youth Services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. This program creates a unique space for three seniors and three youth to engage in profound and dynamic exchanges.
Participants will delve into their own queer stories from the past, explore the realities of today, and share their aspirations for the future. Through heartfelt conversations, they will recount personal journeys of overcoming adversity, showcasing extraordinary resilience, and continually striving for equality while reclaiming their freedoms.
With a variety of engaging activities, participants will have the invaluable opportunity to listen to firsthand narratives from members of the LGBTQ+ community. They will also actively participate in meaningful actions centered on empowering oneself and others. This workshop warmly welcomes individuals of all ages, inviting everyone to join in this important dialogue and collaborative experience.
Participant Bios:
Mike Lopez (He/Him), a seasoned professional with over fifteen years of experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, currently serves as the Senior Manager of Activities in Senior Services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. His journey at the Center began in 2017, in Youth Services, where he led a range of community initiatives, including capacity building for a 12-sector coalition, overseeing federal grants, conducting training and workshops, and delivering speaking engagements to up to 200 participants. In his current role, Mike focuses on creating programming for LGBTQ+ Seniors, cultivating activities to combat isolation, building connections, and fostering individual care. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in psychology.
Yvette Isabel Topete (She/Her/Ella) has been with the Los Angeles LGBT Center since November 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology from the University of California, Irvine, with an emphasis on social inequality. Currently, Yvette works with the OUT for Safe Communities program, supporting youth from elementary school through age 24. She is deeply passionate about increasing representation and reminding young people of the importance of allyship, self-identity, community-building, and leadership development. As a first-generation college graduate who grew up with limited representation of the queer community, Yvette is committed to creating positive, affirming spaces where youth can thrive. She strives to help young people grow into adults equipped with strong communities and healthy coping mechanisms.
Mary-Linn Hughes (She/Her) is a teaching artist working at the intersection of photography and community. Through themes of storytelling, memory, and identity, she seeks to create art that connects people, opens dialogue, and reflects the beauty of everyday truths.
Andre Simpson (He/Him) is a California Native whose earlier years consisted of working as an assistant manager and customer service individual at LAX. Andre graciously provided hospice care for friends and family during the AIDS crisis. Andre continues to discover and grow as an individual and as an LGBTQ+ person and currently serves as a Senior Service Employment Program member, working with Seniors at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Ben Wang (He/Him) was born in Beijing, China and moved to Taiwan at 3 years old to escape the Communist regime. Only after moving to the U.S. for about a year in 1978, Ben openly identified as being gay. Ben has a natural-born skill of service and teaching and was actively employed, and happily surviving to this day. Ben is still growing and learning about himself and life.
Abigail Martinez (He/She) is a proud trans lesbian and student at Glendale Community College. With lived experience and a passion for advocacy, he is excited to begin their first year as an OUT Leader with OUT For Safe Communities. Abigail looks forward to sharing resources, building connections, and helping empower fellow LGBTQ+ students on campus.
Essence Phillips (They/She) is currently studying at Pasadena City College with a double major in marketing and sociology. Essence is a swim coach and creative director. For Essence, finding purpose in work has always been important, being able to work with the LGBTQ+ community has allowed them to give community to others like them!
Thursday Storm (He/They) has been deeply involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy through their work at the Pride Center at East Los Angeles College, where they provided outreach and resources to students across campus. As they prepare to transfer to Cal Poly, Thursday joins OUT For Safe Communities as a new OUT Leader, eager to expand their impact and discover more ways to uplift the community.
This program is organized by Mike Lopez and Yvette Topete with Senior Services and co-presented with the Los Angeles LGBT Center as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2025, presented by One Institute.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a safe and welcoming place where the LGBTQ+ community finds help, hope, and support when it is needed the most.