This milestone continues the organisation’s work to create inclusive retirement communities
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY HALENA HUCKER
Tonic Housing has officially become the UK’s first LGBTQIA+ specific housing association. This milestone will help Tonic to continue creating inclusive, affirming retirement communities for the LGBTQIA+ community, meaning older LGBTQIA+ people can live with dignity and Pride.
Established in 2014, Tonic has been on a mission to foster vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ retirement communities where people can enjoy their later life. It offers a solution to loneliness in older LGBTQIA+ people, and an oasis from the homophobia that some people can face in traditional retirement facilities.
Terry Stacy MBE, Chair of Tonic Housing, said: “Tonic is incredibly proud of this landmark achievement as the UK’s first LGBTQ+ Registered Provider of Social Housing – this is a turning point for LGBTQ+ housing in the UK. It gives Tonic the platform to grow a new model of later-life living, where older LGBTQ+ people can age not just with safety and support, but with pride, purpose and visibility.”
Terry added that this new era for Tonic will help build “a future where LGBTQ+ affirming housing is no longer the exception but a normal part of communities across the country”. Tonic has already been making waves after it opened the UK’s first LGBTQIA+ affirming retirement community in 2021 with the acquisition of 19 homes in Vauxhall.
Organisations like Tonic are vital in providing these safe spaces. In its recent Precarious Lives report, Tonic found that older LGBTQIA+ people are facing severe financial hardship, isolation and health inequalities in London. It’s clear: affordable, LGBTQIA+ affirming housing is vital.
Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, said: “London is an open, diverse and inclusive city – but while we’ve made real progress on LGBTQ+ rights, there is still more to do, particularly in tackling isolation and inequality in later life. By becoming a registered housing provider, Tonic will be able to go even further in their efforts to deliver the kind of housing and community older LGBTQ+ Londoners not only need but deserve.”
Tonic have announced that after the sale of 17 shared ownership homes at Tonic@Bankhouse, the remaining two homes have been let to older LGBTQIA+ people experiencing homelessness.
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