On Friday, May 12th, hundreds of public officials, nonprofit leaders, bankers, builders, and community members gathered at an empty construction site on the edge of Oak Lawn to celebrate the start of something new. There was applause and smiling faces among the rainbows, hard hats, and dirt. We were celebrating and serving our pioneers. This enormous step for our Dallas LGBTQ community, named Oak Lawn Place. (Resource Center’s LGBTQIA+ affirming affordable senior housing) has finally become a reality.
With all the attacks on our LGBTQ community, it’s great to see some positive change happening. Creating safe, affirming, and inclusive housing options for LGBTQ seniors is a crucial step toward upholding the principles of equality and social justice. By recognizing and addressing their unique needs, we empower individuals to age with dignity, foster a sense of belonging, and preserve their invaluable contributions to society. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to safe and supportive housing as they embark on their golden years. It’s so crucial that we take care of those that paved the way for us.
The 84-unit apartment complex is set to open in summer 2024, 50 years after the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City. Now it’s time to take care of the Stonewall generation. This is just the beginning for Resource Center. Cece said best: “We were committed to getting it done.”
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