Lyon, France, is now home to the country’s first social housing project designed exclusively for LGBTQIA+ senior citizens. This isn’t just a place to live for many residents, but also a new beginning, fostering a sense of security, camaraderie, and acceptance.
While much of the furniture is still arriving and the garden needs some work, the building already exudes vibrancy. From rainbow doormats to multicoloured posters with witty wordplays, the new inhabitants of La Maison de la Diversité are reshaping once-degrading phrases into badges of honor.
For Alice*, a 58-year-old transgender woman who has survived three attacks in her hometown of Mâcon, getting a place in this unique senior living residence was an emotional moment. She sees her new home as a safe haven, miles apart from Mâcon’s closed-minded mentality.
La Maison de la Diversité is the brainchild of Les Audacieuses & Les Audacieux, an organization committed to combating isolation and promoting social inclusion within the LGBTQIA+ community. The project was inspired by Lebensort Vielfalt, a multigenerational living project in Berlin. It took many years to make this French counterpart a reality, but in October 2025, the 16-apartment residence, made up of 14 flats for over-55s, one for a young person aged 18-30, and a guest apartment, finally opened its doors in Lyon.
Loneliness and depression are common among older people, a problem even more pronounced in the LGBTQIA+ community. Among France’s 17.8 million senior citizens, up to 49% of those over 80 live alone. For LGBTQIA+ seniors, this figure rises to 65%, with suicide rates being notably higher than among their heterosexual and cisgender peers.
Before moving to La Maison de la Diversité, Gisèle*, 63, experienced crippling isolation and suicidal thoughts. After divorcing her husband, she openly identified as gay, but found her newfound freedom marred by severe loneliness. Despite her fears of further rejection, she believes joining this LGBTQIA+ housing community is the right choice.
Unlike some similar projects in San Francisco, Palm Springs, and London that cater to LGBTQIA+ elders, La Maison de la Diversité is unique due to its blend of LGBTQIA+ housing and multigenerational living.
According to E*, 25, the youngest resident of the housing project, the shared experience of being part of the queer community bridges generational gaps. All residents signed a solidarity contract upon moving in, agreeing to lend a hand where possible.
Apart from offering a shared kitchen and living area, each apartment of La Maison de la Diversité comes with modest kitchen facilities and ensuite bathrooms. The size of the apartments ranges from 24 to 42 square meters. There are also a bike shed and a communal garden for residents.
Thierry*, 73, one of the residents, is glad of the freedom he’s found in this unique living arrangement. He looks forward to the chance of expressing his identity without fear of judgment or ridicule. Many residents hope that La Maison de la Diversité will not only provide security and a sense of community, but also open the doors to genuine, unencumbered love.
*First names have been used to protect the privacy of the residents.
