Berlin’s Grey Gays Get A Home
Twenty-eight lucky – and aged – lavenders can now move into Europe’s first gay retirement home:
The newly built, four-storey nursing facility in the German capital could accommodate 28 patients in state-of-the-art rooms with private bathrooms and enough space for some of their own furnishings, said Christian Hamm, an architect and nursing home board member.“When you’re old … you certainly don’t want to give up your identity and live in some hostile environment, possibly sharing a room with someone who despises you.”
But can you imagine living with 27 old queens? Sheesh!
Yes I can imagine living with 27 old queens and wish I could afford to be in a housing situation like that. It would be continually life-affirming, funny and filled with warm memories of happier times. And there would always be someone around to help you through tough days.
One day you will be old too. Let’s see how snarky you are then.
Thank god the baby boomers will insist on this type of ideal living situation. I could not imagine being stuck in the twilight of my life with a bunch of old churchy bigots sitting around pretending to be interested in the big game. Talk about hell on earth!!
This is the second ageist editorial comment I have seen on Querty – it’s about time it stopped.
A number of studies in the US and Europe amongst mainstream retirement communities have shown that they are unaware or disinterested in the sexuality of their residents, and most deny having any gay people living in them.
Gay people living in “normal” retirement communities are often subjected to verbal or physical harassment and prejudice – hence many have retreated to the closet – or have to rely on friends for care.
So fast forward to when your buffed looks have gone – would you rather live with other gays or live (like the majority) a solitary existence having to hide your sexuality – though not!
Resources
Gay retirement facilities worldwide
http://www.graygay.com/links_retire.htm
NY Times – Aging and Gay, and Facing Prejudice in Twilight
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/us/09aged.html