BERLIN, Dec 16 (AFP) - A retirement home exclusively for gays will open in Berlin in 2006, the first establishment of its kind in Europe, its founders said on Thursday.
The retirement home will be located in the west of the German capital in the Nollendorfplatz area, which is popular with the homosexual community.
"Around 110 apartments and 40 with medical assistance" will be available, one of the heads of the project, Hans-Juergen Esch, told AFP.
The home "will enable us to live out our retirement in dignity with like-minded people and to organise ourselves in an active way," the founders said on their Internet site.
"We will have a team at the ready to meet our needs in an active and comprehensive manner," they said.
The establishment, where couples will be able to move into two and three room apartments, will also be open to transsexuals.
Lodging will cost 400 to 800 euros (530 to 1,070 dollars) per month.
A health centre, terrace and apartment for guests will also be installed at the "Magnus-Hirschfeld House", which is named after one of the late pioneers of Germany's gay movement.
Building will begin in early 2005.
According to Esch, Berlin is home to around 75,000 homosexuals and lesbians aged over 65.
12/16/2004 15:28 GMT - AFP