Gay and lesbian seniors home proposed for Vancouver

A seniors home for gays and lesbians in the East Vancouver neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant could be the first of its kind in Canada.

So far, the project is nothing more than a proposal, but already more than 30 people have plunked down a $1,000 deposit since it was first advertised two weeks ago, according to the U.S. developer.

Dean Malone, the president of Plum Living Properties, said the proposal for Vancouver will fill a community need. His company has already completed a similar project in New Mexico and has others underway in San Francisco and Palm Springs.

Joan Ford and her partner, who hope to eventually buy into the development, see it as an investment in their future well-being, since, like many gays and lesbians, they regard health care as one area where they still face discrimination.

"I don't want to have to face going back into the closet because there's someone looking after me who's homophobic," said Ford.

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