Architect's illustration. Image: Touza Arquitectos
It’s not easy being an elderly Spanish gay man or woman. Apparently, far too many of them are facing growing challenges created by a homophobic generation. Now, a group of them are working together to create Spain’s first gay and lesbian retirement home.
Federico Armenteros, the man who is spearheading the project said: “Homosexuals who go into homes often also have to go straight back into the closet… This will be a place that is open to everyone and where no one will have to hide their sexuality.”
Armenteros also leads a gay and lesbian NGO called December 26, which is drumming up support for the retirement community. He has already found the land in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, a Madrid dormitory town, but now needs 120 people to sign up. Then, he can begin raising quotas needed to raise a bank mortgage.
“We’ll have a gym, a library, a laundrette and a conference room,” he said. “We will even have our own shop and restaurant.” [Guardian]