As LGBT-focused residential communities become established in many countries around the world, here in the United Kingdom there is a definite lack of similar resources, despite an extensive and prominent LGBT population.
Although the younger LGBT community at large faces less prejudice than those who went before them, members of the older LGBT community still face discrimination.
A publication by the Social Care Institute for Excellence noted that; “Social care commissioners and providers don’t often think about LGBT people when planning and delivering services, but this does not mean that LGBT people are not using services or do not want to use services.”
Community living for older LGBT people is not a new concept – far from it. Established LGBT residential communities already exist in the US, as well as in Sweden, Germany, Italy, and France.
LBQ community focused organisation Planet Residential have raised the question:
Where will we live when we get older?
Planet Residential have identified that the housing shortage, along with a large LGBT community, come together to produce a definite need for similar facilities to be created in the UK as those seen in other countries.
In raising this question, Planet Residential is calling out to key players in the housing sector to get involved – and in doing so, they hope to form collaborations which could see the facilitation and development of quality LGBT older residential communities within the UK.
“Ninety-one per cent of lesbians and seventy-five per cent of gay men want to see specific accommodation for lesbians and/or gay men.” (Hubbard & Rossigton, Polari, 2009)
In order to create a service which best fits the needs of older LGBT community members, Planet Residential hope to spend some time talking to members of the community to establish what it is they would ideally want and need from such facilities. Planet Residential then aim to go on to take these ideas to associated partners within the housing sector, who can help them make the vision a reality.
Planet Residential is a community organisation, and a part of lesbian, bisexual and queer brand Ultimate Planet. Ultimate Planet offers community and social support to LBQ women, with a wide range of services and support being offered through their ‘Planet’ brands.
The Planet Residential vision is the creation of a community driven, sustainable housing solution that meets the needs of an inclusive older LGBT population in the UK.
You can be involved in Planet Residential’s project by heading to their website and signing up to their mailing list, in order to receive updates and news on the concept as it develops.
To sign up to their mailing list, click here:
Twitter: @Planet_Resi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ultimate_Planet
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