Senior Residents Share Their Experiences in LGBTQ+ Communities

What is life truly like in an LGBTQ+ senior community? Two residents, one living in Palm Springs and the other in San Francisco, share their experiences after moving into affirmative housing within the past year.

Jan Zivic, at 83, lives in Living Out, a luxurious retirement community situated in the Southern California desert. She candidly describes her experience, saying, "Not everybody likes me, and I don't like everybody, because we have different interests and different personalities." Despite this, she has found satisfaction in her new home.

"Everyone knows no place is perfect. We try as best we can to make it good. So, yeah, I'm willing to talk to you about it, and this is what you must know about me: I am really honest. I'm not BS-ing, I'm not marketing. I will tell you — really tell you — what I think." Zivic confirms, "I love it."

Sylvester Campbell, 69, lives at Openhouse, a below-market-rate housing complex in San Francisco's Castro District. On his way to a local store, Campbell shared his thoughts on his time there, "I'm really blessed. That's all I gotta say." He appreciates the sense of community, stating, "We all know each other, so to speak. We're connected because of our sexual orientation, right? And just because we're gay don't mean we going out knocking on every door for a blow job," he laughs.

The Path to New Beginnings

Both Zivic and Campbell's journeys to LGBTQ+ retirement communities wound through San Francisco. Zivic's career and life brought her from teaching in Pennsylvania and Ohio to the corporate world of San Francisco, where she eventually found success in recruiting and executive search.

Campbell, on the other hand, joined the Army after a brief stint in college and later worked as an occupational therapy tech and addiction group facilitator. His journey was marked by significant relationships and moves across the United States. Facing the challenges of being himself in various environments, Campbell ultimately made his way to San Francisco seeking a community where he could truly belong.

A Sense of Belonging

For Campbell, San Francisco was not initially the haven he imagined. He found himself in subsidized housing within a challenging neighborhood. "I couldn't be myself," he recalls, feeling unsafe and out of place.

However, his determination to find a supportive community led him to Openhouse, where he now feels at peace. "If I should die tonight or tomorrow, that's the place I want to die," Campbell says, underscoring the comfort he has found.

While Zivic's transition was smoother, moving from a flourishing career and luxurious homes in San Francisco to the vibrant community at Living Out, she was also driven by a need for safety and companionship in her later years.

A Community of Diverse Backgrounds

Zivic speaks highly of her neighbors at Living Out, who include doctors, retired professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives from the Hollywood community. She appreciates the stimulating environment and the shared experiences among residents.

At Openhouse, Campbell enjoys cooking for himself and values the privacy his community offers. Despite a less active social life, he finds comfort in the shared space and opportunities for engagement offered by the Bob Ross LGBT Center.

Finding Joy and Connection

Both residents have found joy and connection in their respective communities. Zivic participates in book club meetings discussing diverse and challenging literature, while Campbell engages with thought-provoking material on social justice issues.

Their stories highlight the importance of finding a place where one can live authentically and safely in later years. The sense of community, shared experiences, and supportive environments in LGBTQ+ senior residences offer a fulfilling alternative for older adults looking for a space to call home.