Gay and Lesbian Retirement Communities

The National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce estimates that there are more than 3 million gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans over age 65, and for these older adults who want a place to retire, the answer might be one of about 25 retirement communities in the U.S.-- catering specifically to gays and lesbians -- that are available now or planned for the near future.

What Gays and Lesbians Want in a Retirement Community
An article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says that some gay and lesbian retirees are choosing special gay and lesbian housing communities because have heard stories about discrimination against gay and lesbian retirees in other types of senior housing, including assisted living facilities. They fear and that growing old and moving to senior housing will force them back into the closet.

Other reasons that over 50 adults choose gay and lesbian retirement communities are:

• To create a larger community of people with the same lifestyles and interests
• Wanting to be independent from their families
• To increase social opportunities for gays and lesbians over 50