k U U iiü iv ittin e w s
ousing for the elderly of any com
munity is always an important
need. The sexual minorities com
munity is no exception, and with
the “out generation” rapidly join
ing the senior population, where and how they
will live has become a serious issue.
Older citizens today have many residential
options, but how many of them have realistic
potential for sexual minorities wanting to retain
their open lifestyle in a supportive environ
ment? What do they want? UTiat do they need?
What are they willing to accept?
These questions are being asked by a group of
sexual minorities in the Portland area who have
begun meeting monthly to brainstorm on what
they hope will translate into access to good
housing where the only closets are for clothes.
Mary Beth Brindley started researching this
need a year ago. Faced with her own aging
process, she began looking into existing options
for sexual minorities in the area.
At Brindley’s urging, the Lesbian Communi
ty Project sponsored a forum on the issue. It was,
she says, “poorly attended,” but a few partici
pants did commit to addressing the matter.
A total of 15 people met Oct. 30 to discuss
needs and options and to address what can be done
in the short and long term to make life livable for
elderly sexual minorities. Some of the participants
already are involved in retirement programs, both
private and state- or county-sponsored. For others,
it is an area of concern they want to address.
Two real estate professionals and one insurance
broker shared their input on how retirement com
munities might be developed. Two Portland State
University students would like to gear a project to
the needs surrounding this issue.
All are concerned, and with good reason. We
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The meeting participants favored mixed-
gender communities rather than all-male or all
female settings. Just Out talked to a few people
outside the group about these issues, and they
Meetings discuss housing options for gay and lesbian seniors
seemed to have support.
Vi Leagjeld, who has been out
by P atricia L . M ac A odha
for 30 years, was delighted with the
idea of a gay retirement communi-
have heard and sometimes observed
| ty. She shares an apartment with
horror stories: the frightened old peo
her canine friend, Angel,
ple who are miserably closeted,
g
“If I ever got to the point
whether living with family members,
§ where I wasn’t able to take care
in nursing or foster care facilities, or in
of myself,” she said, “I would def
their own homes with 24-hour atten
initely want to be with my own
dants who might not be supportive.
people.”
We have been told about neglect
Frank Myers, an accountant,
and abuse, about rejection by homo-
has discussed the matter with a
phobic residents and caregivers, and
circle of friends. They agreed
extremes of battering and rape perpe
they want to live their older years
trated against our frail elderly. Fright
together but haven’t decided
ened and isolated, their final years are
where— a house, a retirement
not restful and happy but terrifying
home? They don’t know.
and lonely.
A six-member committee is
Sexual minority communities in a
drafting a mission statement in
number of urban and rural areas
time for the next meeting Dec. 4,
when discussions and strategizing
already have begun developing V i Leagjeld supports the concept of a gay retirement community
retirement centers and homes to
on this issue will continue. Any
confront this special need. The matter is being
A concern was voiced about marketing pro one interested in joining the process is invited.
addressed in California, Florida, North Caroli cedures that accidentally might “out” prospec
For Brindley, it’s not just a dream; it’s a must.
na, New York and Maine, among other states.
tive clients. A residential center in Florida, con “I want to live the rest of my life in G od’s coun
In Washington, sexual minority housing already sisting of modular homes and lots costing
try,” she says. J H
exists in Seattle, Bremerton, Port Townsend and $55,(XX) each, was marketed by word of mouth.
the Olympic Peninsula. Some of these models are
A major concern was the need for good
A second brainstorming session will be held from
being discussed by the Portland group.
housing to be available for sexual minority
6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 in the first floor Collins Lounge
They came to a mild consensus that privately seniors of all backgrounds, classes and races; one
at the YWCA, l l l l S . W . 10th Ate. For more
owned retirement homes would be preferable to man indicated he would not be willing to con information call 503-286-3575.
agency-controlled facilities. “Financial backing is tribute financially to such a project if it discrim
the key element in any planning for this type of inated against people from lower-income brack PATRICIA L. M a c A o d h A is a Portland free-lance
facility,” meeting chairwoman Betty Nelson said.
ets. This was a shared sentiment.
writer. E-mail her at plmacaodhal@hotmail.com.
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