Snowbirds

Are you a snowbird?

What happens when you are a retired LGBTQ+ senior and you don’t want to go to Florida for the winter because of their persecution of us. Where can you go? Texas? No they are in competition with Florida on which state can pass the most draconian legislation against us. Arizona? It is one option but it is a purple state with the Republicans wishing to be like Texas and Florida. California? Now there’s a possibility.

When The Snowbirds Settle: Senior LGBTQ Retirement Development Opens In Palm Springs
Lavender

By Aurora Smith
December 15, 2022


When the snows fall in the winter, some folks in our local community decide it’s time to fly south for the winter. Affectionately known as “snowbirds,” these folks are lucky enough to be able to exchange the cold for warmer climates like Florida, Arizona, and the Coachella Valley in California.

And someday — they might decide to roost in these warmer areas permanently.

One such warmer area that’s popular for snowbirds is Palm Springs. For LGBTQ folks looking for a supportive community in this locale, we’re delighted to introduce you to Living Out.

I know a gay man who moved there but I can see one big drawback… $$$$$.

It is very expensive.

Why LGBTQ Retirement Housing is Essential

Studies show that up to a third of LGBTQ seniors fear having to “re-closet” themselves due to their living situations as they age. Whether that’s because they might have to move in with less understanding relatives, they become separated from their partner, or they feel they need to hide photos that represent the memory of their husband or wife, it’s a real and valid fear.

That’s where Living Out comes in. This is a senior community in Palm Springs that’s intentionally designed to “provide a safe, joyful living environment for LGBTQ seniors to continue to live and love out and proud.”

[…]

Living Out Palm Springs will also provide onsite and virtual concierge services to meet the needs of all its residents.

Yup, this is definitively for “GAY INC.”

My brother and sister-in-law are snowbirds, every winter after New Years they pack up and head south. They rent a small condo a couple of blocks from the Gulf for 3 months.

My brother’s one complaint is that they are all Trump supporters, he said I have learned to keep my mouth shut. “These are hardline MAGA.” I wondered how the snowbirds from the mid-west would deal with me?

So where can the average retired LGBTQ working slob go for the winter?

I googled it.

The website Snowbird Advisor has an article “Top Destinations for LGBTQ Snowbirds” and they list,

Florida offers a variety of LGBTQ-friendly destinations.

Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale on Florida’s Atlantic coast has long been a beacon for gay men in particular. There is a thriving community here and the population grows each winter as more and more LGBTQ arrive. 

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg on Florida’s Gulf coast has a considerable resident population of both gay men and gay women. There is definitely a sense of community with various events and celebrations for the LGBTQ crowd and this has made St. Pete’s a draw for LGBTQ snowbirds.

Key West

Key West has a well-known reputation for its gay friendly atmosphere. It has long been a haven for artists, writers and gay-cation goers who seek the calm, relaxing pace of the Keys.

Then they list Palm Springs and Honolulu along with Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

Like most articles they say LGBTQ but what they really mean is gays and lesbians.

Lets look at another article,

7 GAY FRIENDLY WINTER SUN DESTINATIONS YOU CAN’T MISS

If you love warm temperatures and are a sun-seeker all year round, especially when it comes to vacations, then there is good news for you! There are countless places in the world where you can spend your gay holidays in the warmth. Even during winter, say, between December and February.

In this guide, I will tell you about the most beautiful gay friendly winter sun destinations where you will find safe and enjoyable places for LGBT community members. I hope you’ll find the perfect getaway for you!

Here is another LGBT article when they really is once again, gays and lesbians.

South Florida – Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Key West

Mexico – Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Puerto Vallarta

Brazil – Rio de Janeiro

Um… Brazil is a country with one of the highest murders of trans people!

The article goes on to list other destination around the world that are clearly out of my price range!

There have been some problems with LGBTQ cruises, a Ru Paul cruise had pushback from the cruise line,

One passenger reported receiving this email from Carnival:

Carnival attracts a number of families with children and for this reason; we strive to present a family friendly atmosphere. It is important to us that all guests are comfortable with every aspect of the cruise. Although we realize this group consists solely of adults, we nonetheless expect all guests to recognize that minors are onboard and, refrain from engaging in inappropriate conduct in public areas.

Arrangements have been made for drag performances in the main theater featuring stars from LOGO TV. These functions will be private and only the performers are permitted to dress in drag while in the theater. Guests are not allowed to dress in drag for the performances or in public areas at any time during the cruise.

Carnival said any passenger who breaks the rules will be forced off the ship, no refunds given.

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Why I am a little leery when they only talk about gays and lesbians in their articles.

Because for most lesbians and gays when they can assimilate in to society but for many trans people we are easily identified as trans and that could be a problem.

Even in “Gay” towns like Provincetown and Ogunquit  trans people can have problems. I had problems in both towns. In Provincetown MA a while back when I was up there with a group of friends we were not waited on, after sitting at a table for twenty minutes and not getting waited on we got the message and left, and we even had the town’s first selectman in our party (and he was pissed!). Another time in P’town I was harassed by a group of gay smokers outside of a Tea Dance.

In Ogunquit ME the bouncer at the door didn’t want to let us in she said it was a lesbian dance and when we were finally let in after refusing to leave the bouncer said not to use the dance floor. When we sat down on the patio all the women around the other tables got up and moved away. It wasn’t until the lesbians we were with came in and sat down at our table that the other women started filling up the tables around us.

There are some Caribbean islands where being LGBTQ is still a crime. So beware and research you travel plans to see how accepting they are of trans people even if they say that they are “LGBTQ” friendly.