Growing old disgracefully: calls for gay-friendly retirement homes

For many people, growing old is a difficult process. But a forum in Sydney last night heard it is particularly hard for members of the gay and lesbian community.

The AIDS Council of New South Wales says older gays and lesbians are probably the most invisible and least cared for of all senior groups, suffering discrimination on many fronts.

High Court judge Justice Michael Kirby told the forum that churches need to be more accepting of the gay and lesbian community and must make church-run retirement homes more gay-friendly.

As a drag queen working the stages of Kings Cross in the 1960s, 'Carmen' was best known for her stilettos and elaborate costumes.

But now, approaching 80, she is accepting the ageing process.

After a recent hip replacement, she donated all of her high heels to charity and now wears what she calls "sensible shoes".

"I'm on my way to 80 years and I've had an up and down, bad and sad life, but I'm not going to be moaning and whingeing, because I'm still alive. I'm still here, just keep moving on," she said.

The transsexual icon was among a panel of gay and lesbian leaders who took part in the forum, called Ageing Disgracefully, last night.

 Growing old disgracefully: calls for gay-friendly retirement homes
ABC Online, Australia