Housing Project For LGBT Seniors :-)

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 by Dallice Tylee


There is the Federal Fair Housing Act, then there is taking it a step further... Actively creating a safe, welcoming home for people who routinely have a hard time finding acceptance and security.

The Fair Housing Act, which is the federal law governing housing discrimination, includes the following seven protected classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status.

In Colorado we also protect the following classes from housing discrimination: creed, sexual orientation, marital status and ancestry.

But protection from discrimination is only a start, in my opinion. What about embracing people who are leading different lifestyles? Supporting them and caring for them in the same way we do the folks who need financial assistance or physical assistance due to disability?
Philadelphia has become one of the first cities in the U.S. to step up and meet the needs of an aging lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population. One mans dream project, an affordable housing complex welcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors, has won a competitive bid for an $11 million state tax credit. Now it's possible to announce the projects official launch.

Like me, you may have initially questioned the need for a separate housing project. Then I looked into it further.

We still live in an age where some people's religious or social beliefs conflict with other people's lifestyle choices. Worse... one feels the need to try and change the other. Sadly, ignorance and intolerance is not limited to individuals. The financial and social benefits that are extended to married heterosexual couples and which lead to more secure retirements, are often not extended to non-married (because they couldn't) homosexual couples.

Question:
How would I feel if I was told I couldn't live with my long time partner, in a nursing home?
Answer:
Alone, afraid, unfairly treated.

Question:
How would I feel if my immediate community was enlisting God's help to rid my soul of the "gay"?
Answer:
Unwelcome, unaccepted, alone.

It is my opinion (and hope) that one day we will look back at our judgmental attitudes and unfair treatment of fellow LGBT community members and human beings, and feel ashamed.
The fact that a separate housing project is necessary to protect LGBT seniors and give them a special place to feel safe and welcome, is appalling.

On the bright side, it's an opportunity for Mark Segal and others, to achieve and gain recognition. Every community benefits from the creative ideas and hard work that leads to an improved quality of life for someone else.

Speaking of which...
Boulder has a LGBT community too, you know!  Out Boulder is a 501c(3) non-profit that is committed to providing education, social opportunities and support to the community.

You can learn more or get involved here: Out Boulder
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Realtors at Silver Fern provide the latest market information, straight forward advice and the highest standards of service. You can reach Dallice at (303)746-6765.
--- --- Note: Our goal is to provide exceptional service to our clients. The ideas and strategies in this blog post are the opinion of the writer at the time of publication. Silver Fern Homes recommends careful and complete due diligence before buying or selling real estate or other investments. Consult with your professional advisers before making financial decisions. This article is not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice. Silver Fern Homes will not be held liable for investment choices derived from this article.