Divercity

The Challenge

70% of older LGBTI people live away from their biological families, and 40% do not have enough money for basic needs such as food and medication.

Many older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people in the Philippines are disproportionately affected by lifelong and intersectional discrimination, resulting in joblessness, poverty,

and physical and mental health decline.

The most pressing issues for older LGBTI Filipinos in a study were:

1. Financial insecurity

2. Declining health

3. Not having someone to take care of them

4. Loneliness and isolation

5. Not having affordable housing

Source:

Philippines: Impacts of Ageism and Lifelong Discrimination on older LGBTI people (2023)

The Beneficiaries

The Golden Gays are a community of elderly queer men who were cast out by society because of their individuality.

Photos by Hiromi Uematsu of Litlab Studios Philippines

With ages ranging from 40 - 96 years old, the Golden Gays decided to band together to create their own home and take care of one another. They have worked in the informal sector their whole lives and get by through organising drag shows or working in salons.

As the years pass, their ability to sustain themselves becomes more and more fragile.

Meet the Golden Gays: A mini-documentary by Hiromi Uematsu of Litlab Studios

The Creative Idea

To raise awareness and interest about the Golden Gays, we connected our efforts to the wider, global conversation around diversity.

Event poster design by Niki Keysellitz

Divercity was an event that offered an environment of openness and curiosity where people of different backgrounds could come together and engage in creative ways, united towards one cause.

The Social Impact

Our support enables the Golden Gays to live worry-free of rent for 1 entire year, from the period of June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025. It is our wish that by sending the Golden Gays our support, we can give them the freedom to live this period of their lives with comfort, hope, and joy.