Now, an old-age-home for homosexuals

Facing social ostracism, homosexuals can now look forward to acceptance in their twilight years as a member of their community now plans an old age home for them.

Conceptualised by Manvendra Singh Gohil, the scion of the 600-year-old Rajpipla dynasty in Gujarat, who came out as gay two years ago, the first of its kind project is expected to be ready to accommodate elderly homosexuals by the end of this year.

To be built on the banks of Narmada, the old age home will be a joint effort of the Gohils's Lakshya Trust and Narmade Har Sevashram Trust.

"There is a need for such a home for homosexuals and AIDS affected elders as they are not being understood by the heterosexual and homophobic world," Gohil told PTI over phone from Vadodara.

"As these people are generally discarded by their relatives and society even in the prime time of their lives, one can easily imagine what they will have to face during old age," the gay prince said.

Jayendra Trivedi, a Non-resident Indian from Canada has already donated two acres of land at Kumbheshwar, about 60 kms from Vadodara, for the purpose and construction has started at the site, Gohil said.

Lakshya Trust has also requested the Gujarat government for allotment of additional 11 acres of land in the same area to make the complex more spacious and well equipped.