A PLACE TO LIVE: THE STORY OF TRIANGLE SQUARE
There is a misperception that all gays are young, fabulous and wealthy – but we’re not. We are all ethnicities, all socio-economic levels and all ages. I hope our film will bring attention to this issue of neglect and marginalization. – Carolyn Coal, Director
What does it mean to be gay and old in America? A Place to Live addresses this issue by following the construction and development of Triangle Square Hollywood, the country’s first affordable housing facility for LGBT seniors.
The scarcity of affordable housing is a deepening national crisis. As the baby boomer generation approaches retirement, the number of older adults affected by this issue escalates disproportionately. LGBT seniors in particular face unique challenges, as they are often discriminated against, forced back into the closet in retirement homes, or separated from their significant others in assisted living facilities.
Winner of the Audience Award at the 2008 OUTFEST Film Festival, A Place to Live accompanies seven individuals as they attempt to secure a home in Triangle Square Hollywood. Since demand far exceeded the number of available units, a lottery system was established to select who would live in the complex – not everyone would be chosen. A Place to Live is both a moving portrait of gay and lesbian seniors on the fringe of their community and the triumph of the opening of this historic building.
Directed by Carolyn Coal
2008, 84 Minutes
Purchase: $295 Rental: $95
* Winner, Audience Award, Outfest, 2008
* Winner, Best Documentary Feature, Long Beach QFilm Festival, 2009
* Official Screening, Boston LGBT Film Festival, 2009
* Official Selection, London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, 2009
* Official Selection, São Paulo International Film Festival, 2008
* Official Screening, SAGE’s (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders) Fourth National Conference on LGBT Aging, 2008
“A warm, inspiring, and at times heartbreaking portrait. What truly resonates in this film is the light [director] Coal shines on how we treat and care for our LGBT elders….. The subjects of this affecting documentary are hoping to live at the newly constructed Triangle Square – the first affordable housing community for queer elders in America. Coal deftly introduces the prospective tenants by illuminating their fascinating backstories [and] provides wonderful, emotional moments.” – Gay City News
