Meet Hal
Hal, a retired high school chemistry teacher and a native of Illinois, has lived in San Francisco for 45 years. Now in his early 80’s, he is an active participant in New Leaf Outreach to Elders Program’s social activities and events. He particularly takes delight in the Second Sunday Potluck, a monthly gathering for older gay men. Hal not only attends these meetings, but also takes an active role in organizing them, along with the monthly Friendship meetings. Hal says, “We are good at camouflaging our feelings as old people. We don’t want to admit that we’re lonely. There’s a tremendous sense of comfort when older gay men and older gay women can get together in a social setting. In New Leaf programs, there’s certainly that space; that comfortable space.”

Hal’s involvement with New Leaf dates back to 1982. Hal says, “My life is much more fulfilled and much more enriched by being able to participate in New Leaf’s programs. It has certainly kept me active and on my toes, and I’m learning a lot too.”