Gay, Lesbian Residents Want Own Senior Center

A newly formed group of older gay and lesbian residents in the Coachella Valley wants to build a senior center just for them.

Members of the Prime Timers of the Desert Foundation said many gays and lesbians are nervous about going to traditional senior centers, even though they could benefit from the informational services, activities and meeting space they provide.

“A lot of us grew up in a generation when being gay meant hiding, and that’s what a lot of people did,” said Bob Parrott, a foundation member.

“So there’s a lot of trepidation for some of us going to a regular senior center, because that is the same peer group we felt uncomfortable with back then.”

Foundation members said they may work with another group in Palm Springs that is looking into creating a gay and lesbian community center.