The LGBT Affirmative Senior Housing’s first public meeting was Sept. 8 at which some points were a surprise to the attendees. It was explained “affirmative” is a necessary inclusion to the project’s description since restricting the building only to LGBT tenants would be discriminatory and therefore illegal. It is possible however to request that the tenants be affirmative of the LGBT life styles. Of course they may say anything to get in, but later, saying or doing anything anti-LGBT would be grounds for serious action and possible eviction.
Another unexpected controversial issue was that the initial sign-up in May will actually be for a lottery from which a formal list will then be chosen. The cost of the apartments will start at $740 for a studio, $790 for a 1 bedroom and $950 for a 2 bedroom. The payments may be adjusted. A tenant must be 55+ and a partner must be 45+. The income limit is $35,700 for one and $40,800 for two. Those chosen must move into the unit almost at once with little or no option as to the location or requests other than for special needs.
Articles galore will be forthcoming in the press and LGBT media. There are bound to be inadvertent (or not) misquotes and misinformation; therefore, take nothing as gospel (including this article). Check with more than one source and be sure to attend the next meeting Oct. 5, from 5-7 p.m. at The LGBT Center to ask questions and make comments.
All is not carved in stone. For policy up-dates and information call The Center’s Senior Service 619-692-2077 ext. 205, go to seniors@thecentersd.org or refer to chworks.org/northpark.
Vocabulary memories
Young readers will undoubtedly be surprised to learn we did not discuss vaginal itch with mother at the dinner table. Television shows and magazine ads today throw the v word out everywhere plus condom, lubricating sex oils, jock itch powders, vibrators (for back pains). The ad showing three young women trimming their bush is a hoot. I guess this is modern and acceptable and I’m an old fogey. Of course what is shown on the movie screen is as extreme as what is said.
We remember the movie The Bad Seed which was all about a lesbian relationship, but the word was never uttered. It was whispered behind cupped hands (followed by horror stricken faces and raised eyebrows). In the hit movie The Group, we heard, “I didn’t know you were a Sapphic” which 90 percent of the audience probably thought was a new religion.
Even in Brokeback Mountain I don’t remember hearing the G, H or Q word. One assumes, however, the crowd around here had no problem figuring out the lay of the land, so to speak. Today, our mixing and mingling with the non-LGBT crowd, means our in-group vocabulary has undoubtedly changed. Without young friends to keep me up to date, I can’t help pondering if lipstick lesbian, piss elegant queen, Nancy boys, Miss Nell, rough trade, tearoom, etc. have lost their meaning.
Is the mention of Dorothy as puzzling as the sight of a slide rule? Are “she” and “he” still used to disguise reality in front of non-LGBTers? All these points bring back memories and were part of our closeted youth. Glad it is over. Is Kookie still combing his hair? I wonder if he even has hair. Confused, kids? Ask a senior.
