Queer living in old age
There are currently no senior apartments or assisted living facilities for queer people anywhere in Switzerland. At the beginning of the year, the foundation stone was laid in Zurich for the pioneering project "Espenhof – We live diversity!", thanks to years of preparatory work by the association queerAltern.
Text: Jared Barthel
Coming out is an everlasting topic, especially at the beginning, when one decides to share their queer identity with those around them. Of course, there are always situations later on where one has to explain or justify their identity, but usually, over time, a supportive environment and a living situation develop where one feels safe.
But then comes old age. Independence and social networks diminish due to illness and death. And the question “Where to live?” arises anew. For many, it will ultimately be a retirement institution.
Returning to secrecy in old age?
There, coming out again is inevitable, and again to people on whom one is dependent. You can't choose your neighbours either, and depending on the circumstances, there's a certain risk of increasingly regressing into the closet you fought your way out of in earlier phases of your life.
This may sound bleak, but unfortunately, it's not an unrealistic scenario. There's no guarantee that the staff at the retirement home understand how crucial continuing hormone therapy is for a resident. They might pragmatically argue that it's too harmful to their health. A homophobic roommate could also be the reason a gay man in the retirement home is becoming increasingly hesitant to leave his room.
queerAltern in Zurich, Basel, and Bern
Since 2014, the association queerAltern has been committed to networking and supporting queer people in their later years. In addition to Zurich, there are now groups in Basel and Bern. After years of searching and negotiating, queerAltern Zurich has now reached a true milestone: the Espenhof-Nord housing project.
Unlike the association's existing housing options, this project will also offer assisted living. Together with the City of Zurich's Foundation for Senior Housing and the health centres for the elderly, the association's original goal is now being realized: a queer community where people can grow old. And even if independent living is no longer possible, residents can still remain in the same familiar environment.
A Charter for Living Together
Barbara Bosshard, president of the association queerAltern Zurich, has often been asked about the need for queer-friendly housing for the elderly. And following the press release announcing the laying of the foundation stone on January 29th in Zurich, there were promptly several hate comments. But this very fact illustrates the need for such a “safe space” for older people.
“Marriage equality has been established in 2022,” says Bosshard, “but in the referendum, one in three people voted against it. This means that there is still an underlying prejudice against queer people. And living with these people means that I constantly have to ask myself whether I can come out or whether I will then be excluded from the knitting or card-playing group, which consists mostly of straight people.”
To counteract these social risks, Espenhof-Nord will have clear rules of conduct regarding the acceptance of minorities and harmonious coexistence. This charter applies to all residents of the properties – regardless of whether they are part of the queer community or not. Furthermore, mandatory training will be held for employees of the Foundation for Senior Housing and for those who will be working at Espenhof. This training will, among other things, raise awareness of the residents' life stories.
Involve the neighbourhood as well
The professionals are trained, and the neighbours are not queerphobic. But how does a community form from these diverse individuals? “queerAltern Zurich will organize events twice a year at Espenhof, which people from the neighbourhood can also attend,” explains Bosshard. The specific activities are not yet determined; planning will only begin once the move-in date is confirmed.
But the association already has extensive experience. “For example, we regularly organize the Queer Salon at the Gleis Bar in Zurich – every two months I have a conversation with a member about a biographical topic. Before the Women's European Football Championship, I spoke with a lesbian about her football career on the national team. We can offer a modified version of this format for the Espenhof district as well.”
It starts in 2028.
With the Espenhof project, the association has now overcome a major hurdle: finding suitable housing. This had long been thwarted by the price. After several unsuccessful attempts, queerAltern finally approached the city of Zurich and spoke with Health Commissioner Andreas Hauri (GLP) and his directors, who were enthusiastic about the vision. This led to a very cooperative collaboration – the existing plan by the architectural group for Espenhof-Nord was even adapted to queerAltern's needs and expanded to include 23 assisted living flats.
Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028, at which point the pioneering housing project can begin. What does it take in the eyes of the association to make it a success? Barbara Bosshard smiles and says: “If everyone enjoys each other's company and diversity is embraced! The encounters between different people should be enriching and encourage mutual learning. Ideally, new, lifelong friendships will develop – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
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