L.A. gay retirees get first low-cost housing units

[deadparrot]

Source: Reuters

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The nation's first low-cost housing development aimed specifically at gay, lesbian and transgender retirees opened its doors in Hollywood on Thursday with a promise to provide a dignified haven for elderly homosexuals to live out their days.

Calling it a historic day for the gay and lesbian community in both Los Angeles and the United States, officials opened the 104-unit affordable housing complex, built around a pool and open courtyard and complete with an activity center and disabled facilities.

About a third of the units will be set aside for low-income older Americans with HIV/AIDS, those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

"All parties went into this development with the belief that regardless of a senior's income, race or sexual preference they are entitled to live in a decent, safe and friendly living environment," said Tony Salazar of developers McCormack Baron Salazar.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070323/us_nm/usa_gay_retirees_dc

[xchrom]

1. the first of many to come i hope.

there is a real need for this -- especially in places where aren't any gay people.:sarcasm:

[donco6]

2. Here's a new one in Colorado they're building:

I think it's sponsored by the National Republican Party.

[Sapere aude]

3. Geez, I can hear the moans from the right already. Special treatment for gays.

To the right, equal treatment means special treatment if the person is gay.

I use to live in an apartment complex in Highland Park in LA and quite of few gay men who lived there would invite their friends to spend a nice weekend around our pool. All went well with no problems. No special treatment, just the same treatment as anyone else inviting their friends to spend the weekend.

[slackmaster]

4. Can someone explain this to me?

How would a retirement facility for elderly homosexuals be any different than one for elderly heterosexuals? People are people.

About a third of the units will be set aside for low-income older Americans with HIV/AIDS, those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

Well, there's that but how again would it be different than a facility for people living with any other chronic, progressive, debilitating fatal illness? Or poor heterosexuals on the brink of homelessness?

"All parties went into this development with the belief that regardless of a senior's income, race or sexual preference they are entitled to live in a decent, safe and friendly living environment," said Tony Salazar of developers McCormack Baron Salazar.

Call my cynical, but that sounds like an unabashed sales pitch.

:puffpiece:

[LeftHander]

5. The difference is that low income homes for elderly...

...routinely, discriminate against LGBT people. They won't let them live there.

[slackmaster]

6. OK, but I believe that kind of discrimination is illegal in California

Can I surmise this facility will discriminate against heterosexuals?

[mitchtv]

8. advertising to gays will drive the more touchy ones away

also the help who hate gays will most likely look somewhere else

[mitchtv]

7. same sex couples are often "not permitted"

while het couples are.

[David__77]

9. True, this is not allowed in California any more.

That would be illegal.