STRONG ARGUMENTS:

“People want security in old age. They want closeness to other people, and not to be so lonely.” (Christer
Fällman, Chairman of the Regnbågen project in Sweden)

Studies have shown that retirement home residents are reluctant to open up about their sexuality. A
report by Stonewall showed that older gay and bisexual people in the UK are much more likely than
their hetero counterparts to live alone and to lack family support. The charity found that older gay
men are three times more likely to be single than straight men, and that 41% of elderly LGBT people
live alone.

“We are worried about a hidden minority of residents who may be experiencing homophobic care. Our
concern is that some older people will feel they have to hide who they are because they are scared of how
people will react.” (Caroline Abrahams, Charity Directory of Age UK)

Björn Lundstedt, 73, a resident at the Regnbågen project in Sweden, says that he is “reluctant to
assimilate with the predominantly heterosexual lifestyle expected of people from his generation”

“LGBT elderly care is more about a sense of community and belonging than escaping bigotry.” (Lars
Mononen, 64, resident at the Regnbågen project in Sweden)

When asked the question, “What is life like at the Regnbågen?” Lars Monomen, 64, states: “People who
have moved here say: ‘Finally, I’m at home,’”

Residents at the Regnbågen project agrees when Björn Lundstedt, 73, said that homosexuality is often
accepted but not understood. To be surrounded by those who tolerate you but find your sexuality
eccentric at best, abnormal at worst, must be an isolating experience.

“For some LGBT people a specific aged care facility is the solution to the prejudice that can still be
found in the aged care sector. Such facilities can help quell the prejudice faced by aging members of the
LGBT community.” (Rodney Croome, Gay Rights Activist and Academic)

“They were born in the closet and come out of the closet and then go back into the closet due to fear of
being picked on and isolation from each other. People that are not under the GLBTI community don’t
actually know how discrimination happens to people or how much they are made uncomfortable. Places
where they can’t hold hands or embrace or care for each other or dress without comment.” (Peter
Dickson, Chairman of Australia’s first LGBT residential village project)

“We know that older LGBT people often go 'back in the closet’ when they come to a nursing home.
People have lived different lives – some were completely open, while others were more careful. But
generally, people of that age lived in a time when it was much harder to be open about one’s sexual
orientation or gender identity if it deviated from the norm,” (Vivi Jelstrup, a member of LGBT
Denmark’s seniors committee)

“Many feel that it is easier to not open up than to once again fight for acceptance. That means that you
don’t have the same opportunity to be yourself with others and that can make you lonely. That is precisely
why we need a place where LGBT people can talk openly about the lives they have led.” (Vivi Jelstrup, a
member of LGBT Denmark’s seniors committee)

Helge Madsen, 83, who lives in the Slottet (an elderly care home in Denmark), said that, “it took him four
full years to tell the care home’s staff that he was homosexual. He said he looks forward to life under the
home’s new profile and with his new fellow LGBT residents.”

“I think it will mean more secure conditions and safer conditions to be with some of my equals.” (Helge
Madsen, 83, resident at the Slottet)

“It is important that the elderly aren’t nervous about displaying their sexuality or gender identity and I
think this new rainbow profile will help support them with that. We must remember that this is a
generation that really had to fight to be accepted.” (Ninna Thomsen, Deputy Mayor of Health Affairs in
Copenhagen, Denmark)
REFERENCES:

Denmark opens its first LGBT elderly home. (2015). Thelocal.dk. Retrieved 3 May 2018, from
https://www.thelocal.dk/20150814/denmark-opens-its-first-lgbt-elderly-care-home
Margolis, E. (2014). LGBT retirement home: the end of the rainbow. the Guardian. Retrieved 3 May
2018, from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/27/lgbt-retirement-home-sweden
Norman, J. (2015). Retirement homes for the LGBT community go from dream to reality. the Guardian.
Retrieved 3 May 2018, from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/apr/24/retirement-
homes-for-the-lgbt-community-go-from-dream-to-reality