LGBTQ+  older adults of color are more likely to be under represented and undeserved due to limited data . Throughout 2012/2013 we conducted focus groups and attended community events to identify effective outreach for engaging LGBTQ+ older adults of color.  As an initiative of the LGBT Aging Project, a program at Fenway Health in Boston, we solicited an outreach team of LGBT community stakeholders of color in the fall of 2013 and called ourselves “LGBT Elders of Color”.  In February 2014 for Black History Month, we launched a social event to raise awareness.  It was themed “Flashback Sunday”, hearkening back to life in the days when house parties and a few local gay bars were the only outlets for self-expression.   We expected about 25-30 people to attend but nearly 100 people showed up.  It was an enormous success by any measure and sited by many as “long overdue”.  With the support of small grants and private donations, LGBT Elders of Color has held dozens of Flashback Sunday events with a focus on social engagement, inter-generational discussions and information forums for healthy aging and resources.

In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on all of us causing the loss of loved ones.  Moreover, our in-person activities were suspended creating a landscape of uncertainty and isolation.  We used this as an opportunity to create virtual programming and launched "Flashback Cafe" as a virtual monthly activity to keep our community connected.  In 2021 we merged with the Multicultural AIDS Coalition providing us with additional resources and sustainability to continue to move forward.

In 2022 to present, we maintain Flashback Cafe in-person at Soleil Restaurant, 2306 Washington Street at Nubian Square, Roxbury, MA  02119.  In 2022 we also hosted two signature in-person "Flashback Sunday" events...June Pride-Awards Luncheon & Dance and a Holiday Party in December.