Pride Month: Celebrating Belonging, Inclusion, and Community

At FTJ everyone is welcomed with dignity, respect, and the freedom to be authentically themselves.

As Pride Month is celebrated across the country each June, it offers an opportunity to recognize the importance of inclusion, dignity, authenticity, and belonging for people of all backgrounds and identities. At Franke Tobey Jones, these values are not simply celebrated during one month of the year—they are woven into the fabric of daily life and community culture.

For older adults, finding a place where they feel genuinely accepted and respected is deeply important. Many LGBTQ+ seniors grew up during a time when being open about who they were often came with fear, discrimination, or isolation. Today, senior living communities have the opportunity—and responsibility—to create environments where every individual feels safe to live openly, build friendships, and fully be themselves.

At Franke Tobey Jones, residents, team members, families, and visitors are welcomed with compassion, kindness, and respect. The community embraces diversity in all its forms and believes that every person’s life story, experiences, and identity enrich the greater community. Whether someone has lived in Tacoma their entire life or is beginning a new chapter at Franke Tobey Jones, they are valued, not despite their differences, but because of them.

“When I needed to relocate my mother, my wife suggested we look at Franke Tobey Jones,” says FTJ resident Pat Mail.  “I had never heard of FTJ, but public health nurses in Tacoma knew about it and its excellent reputation. Mother spent her last 3 years at FTJ under excellent care. Three years later, I moved in. I did not inquire about FTJ’s possible prejudices or restraints. I just knew it was a caring and well-managed place. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it not only acknowledged queer folk, but had gay residents in place and residents who encouraged gay folk to become residents. And in spite of Trump’s animosity against DEI, the FTJ Board has adopted a DEI statement and published it in the quarterly directory. This takes political courage. Thus, I applaud FTJ’s openness and acceptance, and am proud to be a “minority” resident.”

Pride Month is also a reminder that community matters. Meaningful connections, acceptance, and a sense of belonging contribute greatly to emotional well-being and quality of life at every age. From shared meals and engaging conversations to celebrations, volunteerism, and lifelong learning, Franke Tobey Jones strives to foster a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and included.

As society continues to evolve, older adults are redefining what aging looks like—living with purpose, authenticity, and joy. Franke Tobey Jones is proud to support an environment where individuals can age with dignity while remaining true to themselves.

This Pride Month, Franke Tobey Jones celebrates love, diversity, acceptance, and the vibrant individuality that makes community life so meaningful. Because everyone deserves a place to belong—and a place to call home.