Vienna plans senior citizens' apartments for queer residents - criticism is back

Vienna plans senior citizens' apartments for queer residents - criticism is back

In Vienna, a new residential project is currently being planned for a special target group that has a great stir. While many people in the city are looking for affordable living space, a residential complex is to be created in Mariahilf, especially for older queer seniors. The Rot-Pink city government sees this as an important step to support this community, but the reactions on it are mixed.

The planned residential project comprises 45 municipal apartments in the former Institute for Higher Studies at Stumpergasse 56. The apartments will be between 50 and 120 square meters and should rely on a high ecological standard. In addition, a supervised shared apartment with space for six people who are tailored to the needs of queer seniors and even has its own terrace.

criticism from the political opposition

The Viennese FPÖ has vehemently spoken out against the project. Maximilian Krauss, club chairman of the FPÖ, described the project as an example of the "queer insanity" of the current city government. He announced an inquiry in the local council to find out from city councilor Kathrin Gaal why such special projects are promoted, while many families and pensioners in Vienna suffer from high housing costs.

Lukas Bruckner, State Partis Secretary of the FPÖ, reinforced the criticism and described the actions of the SPÖ as the "chuzpie of special class". He argued that the SPÖ had made living conditions intolerable for many Viennese in recent years due to rent increases in the municipal building. Many residents lived in dilapidated apartments, while upcoming renovations were ignored. Bruckner also exposed the irony behind the support of the project by indicated that some SPÖ politicians may already plan at their own retirement home for queer people.

demographic view

The question of how strong the interest in the new range of houses will actually be remains is open. According to the data from statistics Austria, a total of over 9 million people live in Austria, whereby the number of people who are classified as "diverse" is very low. As of July 1, the statisticians only included 38 people who are assigned to this category. This is important to know this Lustra, since the planned offer is aimed at a very small and specific group within the population.

The challenge in this project will be to consider the needs and interests of the queer seniors. Despite the political disputes and resistance, there are efforts in Vienna to promote an inclusive living environment for all citizens. It remains to be seen whether this specific project is the right approach.