▲WHAT IS PALS?
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors) is an unincorporated nonprofit association based in Palm Springs, CA, that provides no-cost educational programs, tools and resources that help LGBTQ+ adults and friends to effectively plan ahead before a health or other life-altering situation arises. Our motto: it’s never too soon to plan ahead!
Anyone who provides their name and email address when signing up for a PALS seminar, workshop, death cafe and circle, or who joins the PALS FB group is considered a “PAL” — a member of a community of LGBTQ+ people and friends who care and look out for each other.
▲ PALS STEERING COMMITTEE
PALS affairs are coordinated and managed by its volunteer Steering Committee (SC). By design and in accord with the egalitarian and collaborative philosophy of PALS, the SC is structured horizontally with no sense of hierarchy among members. PALS SC typically meets on a monthly basis, with any member able to call a special meeting as needed. PALS seeks to maintain a diverse and inclusive organization that represents all LGBTQ+ people. SC members serve for a two-year term, with no limit of the number of subsequent terms.
PALS current Steering Committee Members include:
Lorraine Carlson
Chris Christensen
Dan Christopher
Jim Geiger
Michael Grogan
Juan Gutierrez
Jamie Trachtenberg
Kelly Wilson
Atma Wiseman
▲ A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD BASS, FOUNDER EMERITUS
Having founded PALS in 2013, Richard retired as of July 2024 after serving as its Coordinator for 10+ years. In his own words, Richard writes about his motivation in launching PALS:
As I am getting older, I am experiencing health crises and loss reminiscent of the AIDS crisis of the 80’s and 90’s. Recently, it wasn’t until a friend’s partner suddenly became paralyzed did they begin conversations as to care (now what do we do?). And when another man wasn’t responding to calls or emails, he was discovered deceased after two days with no one having access to his house. Another had prepared no legal documents, resulting in the State making determinations with no knowledge of his wishes.
With no children or affirming family members, many LGBTQ+ people face unique challenges for having such conversations in the first place. At the time, I could only wring my hands as I and others floundered.
Enough! In 2013, I set up a Steering Committee to help guide and develop programs that inform and support planning ahead, while also combatting isolation, ageism and sexism in the LGBTQ+ community. I am comforted to be surrounded by scores of pals who now know how to look out for themselves and each other.
Inspired? Learn more about how you can help guide PALS future, click on the button below: