Sweden's gays may have a nursing home soon

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 7 (UPI) -- Stockholm's move to privatize nursing home care is a benefit to elderly Swedish homosexuals, say gays who hope to soon have a nursing home of their own.

The Local reported Tuesday while Stockholm's government supports the idea of a gay-friendly nursing home, finding public funding was a stumbling block. Private groups will support a nursing facility for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals if they see the ability to turn a profit, Christer Fallman, a leader in planning for a gay-friendly nursing home, told the Swedish newspaper.

Fallman is working with the groups that manage existing nursing homes in Stockholm to gauge the level of interest in the gay community.

The idea of a gay-oriented nursing home has been discussed for more than 10 years in Sweden.

Fallman said such a facility would welcome straight people as well, but will publicize its positive attitude to gays and lesbians.