June is traditionally called Pride month because that was the month in 1969 when riots took place at a New York LGBT+ bar following a police raid, a pivotal moment that ignited the fight for LGBT+ rights. While significant strides have been made in the UK, the journey toward full equality and acceptance is ongoing. Legal battles continue, like the fight to ban so-called ‘conversion therapy,’ and disparities in access to essential services persist. 

For decades, the dream of LGBT+ retirement communities seemed a distant reality for those in the UK, as they watched such initiatives flourish in the USA, Sweden, and parts of Europe. But in 2021, that dream became a tangible, vibrant reality with the opening of Tonic, the UK's first LGBT+ affirming retirement community. By the end of 2024, Tonic @ Bankhouse in Lambeth was fully occupied, housing 26 residents in a mix of shared ownership and rented apartments. This community isn't just a place to live; it's a space where LGBT+ identities and histories are celebrated, where single individuals and couples alike find belonging and understanding.

Bankhouse is a 15-storey building shared with Riverside, who operate an extra care scheme, with care delivered by Care Outlook. Tonic residents live on the top four floors, but we collaborate closely with both organisations in the building to ensure the entire building is a welcoming and affirming environment for LGBT+ people. A Community Agreement, signed by all staff and residents, reinforces this commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone.

The question often arises: why is an LGBT+ retirement community necessary? Many assume that general housing and care services can adequately meet the needs of the LGBT+ community. However, this assumption overlooks the unique challenges and experiences faced by older LGBT+ people. 

Tonic's recent research Precarious Lives shows that some LGBT+ individuals continue to face harassment, loneliness, and hardship (especially people living with long-term conditions, trans people and people from the Black and Global Majority communities).

Tonic provides LGBT+ affirming retirement communities, going beyond mere tolerance or "friendliness." Tonic also conducted the largest survey of older LGBT+ people on housing, care, and support which culminated in the Building Safe Choices report, which revealed that older LGBT+ people were not seeking exclusive spaces, but rather inclusive and affirming environments. This means creating spaces where no one is excluded, and where the lives and histories of LGBT+ individuals are acknowledged and celebrated. This distinction is critical, moving beyond a surface-level acceptance to a deep, ingrained understanding and celebration of LGBT+ identities.

One of the most compelling reasons residents choose Tonic @ Bankhouse is the profound sense of community it offers, combating the pervasive issue of isolation. Loneliness is a serious health concern, and LGBT+ people, particularly older people, can be especially vulnerable to it. The fear of homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia in general retirement communities can be a significant barrier, leading many to avoid such settings altogether or to hide their identities from staff and neighbours.

At Tonic, people find a "chosen family," a supportive network where they can be their authentic selves. Beyond planned activities, the residents of Tonic foster a strong sense of mutual care. They organise their own outings, communal meals, and gatherings, creating a vibrant and interconnected community. When someone needs support, they have their chosen family to rely on, a network of individuals who understand and care for them.

Tonic's commitment extends beyond creating a place to live well; it also strives to create a place to die well. The community has supported each other through end-of-life experiences, reflecting on legacies and finding solace in shared grief.

Tonic has become more than just a housing project. We welcome other members of the LGBT+ communities from across London into our community for events and activities. This has attracted visits by universities and organisations from around the world, including Canada, Korea, the Czech Republic, Japan, Finland, and Norway, to learn from Tonic's innovative approach.

The success of Tonic relies heavily on community involvement. Volunteers play a crucial role, particularly in running our weekly bar, organising community events, offering companionship to residents and sharing specific skills and expertise. Please follow our social media accounts and we have a specific webpage about volunteering if you want to be part of the Tonic community.

Tonic calls on decision-makers and housing and care providers to deepen their understanding of LGBT+ needs and involve LGBT+ communities in developing housing strategies and projects. Organisations like Tonic offer invaluable insights into what our communities truly need, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Also, LGBT+ communities have valuable ideas for meeting their own needs and should have a say in shaping their housing and care services. Community-led organisations like Tonic should be empowered with resources and decision-making power to develop future projects and services.

While the need for more specific housing and care services is undeniable, it's equally important to ensure that existing services are equipped to understand LGBT+ people’s experiences and provide appropriate support, rather than expecting LGBT+ individuals to constantly explain their stories. Too many older LGBT+ individuals have had to settle for unsafe or unsuitable accommodation, but they deserve the best housing with the best care and support services.

Pride is a month of celebration but it is also a time to challenge for more rights and more affirming services. Rights can be eroded as well as gained, as can be seen from different parts of the world. And unfortunately some older LGBT+ people are still facing shameful services.

In the words of one of our residents: “Why should we only have to be accepted? Accepted is almost like tolerated. But affirmative is: you don’t have to explain anything, you’re part of us.”