The John C. Anderson Apartments in Philadelphia recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade as the nation’s first LGBTQ+ senior housing project. Located in the heart of the city’s Gayborhood, this pioneering complex has provided a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ seniors.

Mary Groce and Suz Atlas, residents who moved in seven years ago, shared their journey. “Once we heard about it, we knew we wanted to be here. It would be the only place we’d be safe in our elder years,” said Atlas. The couple emphasized how the apartments have offered them sanctuary from the discrimination they previously faced.

The event was led by Mark Segal, publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News, who was instrumental in the project’s inception. “This building was built because of the special needs of LGBT seniors,” Segal remarked. Mayor Cherelle Parker also spoke at the event, emphasizing, “We have more work to do in terms of creating more affordable housing — and the partnership that made this possible is extremely important.”

The John C. Anderson Apartments have not only provided housing but also fostered a sense of community. A photo displayed in the building’s lobby of LGBTQ+ rights demonstrators from the 1960s, including current resident John James, highlighted the deep roots of activism within the community.

As LGBTQ+ seniors face unique challenges, the success of this project has inspired similar developments in over 20 cities nationwide. Jacob Fisher of Pennrose Development, who helped bring the project to life, reflected, “When I come to this building, I think of [my uncle’s] generation and his friends, having a place to live and age in a community of their peers.”

This anniversary not only celebrated a decade of success but also served as a reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As Mayor Parker stated, “We should never forget whose shoulders we stand on, who started the fight before it was a popular thing to do.”