Denmark: Copenhagen introduces first LGBT home for the elderly
Copenhagen is set to introduce its first elderly home for LGBT Danes, with a City Council budget of nearly £39,000.
The Copenhagen Post reports the regnbueplejehjem (rainbow elderly home) will be part of Plejecentret Slottet elderly centre in Nørrebro.
LGBT people will be provided the opportunity to move in as vacancies become available, rather than providing a discrete section.
Ninna Thomsen, the deputy mayor for health and care, said: “It’s important that we offer diversity to our elderly.”
Lars Aslan Rasmussen, a City Council representative, added: “The gay community is massive in Copenhagen, which is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world.
“So we believe we have a responsibility to listen to the gay rights organisation.”
Ivan Hemmingsen, a spokesperson for LGBT Danmark, praised the decision as a “great move.”
He said: “We are a group that is viewed as doing well in Denmark today, but there is still a marginalisation of LGBT people in some areas, and it’s important to have the opportunity to be in a secure fellowship with people who are positively inclined about you.”
