LGBTQ Haven: Rossmoor Retirement Community
In a world where LGBTQ seniors often face isolation and discrimination, one retirement community is shining as a beacon of acceptance and community: Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, California.
With around three million LGBTQ adults over the age of 50 in the U.S., the need for inclusive senior housing is pressing. A 2018 AARP survey revealed that one-third of LGBTQ seniors fear returning to the closet when seeking senior housing. They’ve endured decades of discrimination and, without traditional families, rely on chosen families for support.
When Alex Baccaro and his wife contemplated moving to Rossmoor 14 years ago, they worried about acceptance. Alex hadn’t yet come out as a transgender man, and they were moving to what they assumed would be a more conservative environment. However, fast-forward to 2023, and Alex not only came out but now leads the LGBTQ Alliance at Rossmoor, which boasts over 240 members.
Rossmoor’s LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere has grown largely through word of mouth, offering a sense of safety and community for LGBTQ seniors. While there’s no official tally of LGBTQ residents, the community’s LGBTQ Alliance organizes various activities, including book talks, film screenings, and pride events, fostering camaraderie and visibility.
The Bay Area, known for its LGBTQ-friendly services, is recognizing the needs of its aging LGBTQ population. Openhouse, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, is developing LGBTQ-welcoming senior housing complexes, creating an “LGBT senior corridor.”
To further inclusivity, Watermark, a senior community operator, has partnered with SAGE to train its employees in LGBTQ-specific aging issues. Yet, affordable LGBTQ-friendly housing remains a challenge, especially for those who’ve faced employment discrimination. Nonprofits like Watermark by the Bay and Avenidas in Santa Clara County are working to bridge this gap by offering accessible services and social gatherings for LGBTQ seniors.
Palo Alto-based Avenidas runs the Rainbow Collective program, providing older LGBTQ adults with social events, support services, and temporary mental health assistance. The Pacific Center in Berkeley offers free therapy groups for older LGBTQ adults, creating a space where they can share their experiences, from social anxiety to the exploration of their identities.
In a society where visibility and acceptance are paramount, communities like Rossmoor, along with various nonprofits and programs, offer a glimmer of hope for LGBTQ seniors. As the population of LGBTQ seniors continues to grow, so too does the need for inclusive, supportive environments where they can age gracefully, authentically, and surrounded by a loving community.
Sources:
- East Bay retirement community serves as LGBT senior mecca. (2023, August 20). CBS News.
- Mehta, T. (2023, August 15). Bay Area LGBTQ seniors aging without traditional families build their own. The Mercury News.
- Image Credit: Jane Tyska