UK’s first LGBT+ retirement community celebrates official launch with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
Tonic Housing have officially launched Tonic@Bankhouse, the UK’s first LGBT+ affirming retirement community, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and party sponsored by vauxhall one
Photo credit: Tim Boddy
Tonic Housing, have officially launched Tonic@Bankhouse, the UK’s first LGBT+ affirming retirement community yesterday (Monday 20th September), with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, followed by a celebratory event at LGBT+ bar and theatre Above The Stag.
The event was an emotional one, as Tonic’s CEO Anna Kear, and board member Geoff Pine, both shared their personal connection and significance of the project with those that attended.
The day marked a historic moment in LGBT+ housing history, and Tonic will see its first residents move in before the end of the year, with a number of reservations already in place. As well as the Mayor of London, the ribbon-cutting event at Tonic@Bankhouse was attended by Deputy Mayor for Housing, Tom Copley, Labour MP for Vaxhall, Florence Eshalomi and One Housing’s CEO, Richard Hill.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, Tonic Housing later threw a party at Vauxhall’s LGBT+ bar and theatre, Above The Stag, as a way to thank supporters and friends in the community. Music for the evening was provided by award-winning LGBTIQ+ party and DJ collective, Queer House Party while drag superstar Soroya Marchelle performed a number of live songs and lip-syncs. The party was sponsored by London Communications Agency, Vauxhall One, IV Property Management, Capsticks and One Housing.
Anna Kear, CEO, Tonic Housing said:
“I’m delighted that we were finally able to celebrate this momentous achievement and I’m so proud to be the CEO of Tonic.
There has been recognition from within our community of the need to provide choice in housing and care for our elders since at least 1994 when Polari Housing Association was formed, with similar objectives to Tonic. Achieving this vision has been a long journey, not often understood by the mainstream, but our community has worked collaboratively along with our allies, to create a safe place where we can live our lives OUT.
Thanks to support from the Mayor of London, and our partnership with One Housing, we have been able to make this project a reality and it shows what can be done with a collaborative approach between two organisations. We both value our ongoing relationship, working together to ensure this LGBT+ affirming community is a great place to live for all residents for many many years to come.”
Photo credit: Tim Boddy