HYDE PARK, Mass. – In what was once an asphalt parking lot – now a courtyard full of greenery – New England Revolution forward Malcolm Fry joined residents of The Pryde for a competitive game of cornhole and an ice cream feast. In honor of Pride Month, Fry recently visited the LGBTQ+ senior housing residence in Hyde Park for a day of fun and to learn more about the development, which provides affordable housing to LGBTQ+ seniors in Greater Boston.
“Since I got the email about coming here, I was interested in it. I think it's really important, especially for young men my age to be open and welcoming. And any time I see an opportunity to help try to contribute to that, I'm open to it,” said the 20-year-old attacker. “Everyone here is so fun and full of energy. It was a pretty tough training session this morning, so to come and all of a sudden, I have a bunch of energy from the people here is really fun. It’s been a great time, and it's really cool to see that a place like this is here and available for them.”
Recognizing a critical need for LGBTQ-friendly affordable senior housing in Boston, the nonprofit LGBTQ Senior Housing Inc. launched an initiative to create inclusive living spaces for older adults. The group was awarded the William Barton Rogers School building, an old middle school in Hyde Park, which they transformed into the 74-unit residence.
In the United States, 50 percent of LGBTQ seniors are not out, face increased financial struggles, and report higher rates of poor health. With an estimated 65,000 older LGBTQ adults living in Massachusetts, The Pryde became the first building of its kind in New England, thanks to the advocacy of LGBTQ Senior Housing Inc.
“We know that LGBTQ elders face more housing and financial insecurity than other older adults, and that's because this is the generation that grew up before there were any laws protecting our community,” explained Pryde House executive director, Gretchen Van Ness. “They grew up before we had equal marriage. When you could be kicked out of the military for being gay, or even just being accused of being gay, so you may not have veteran’s benefits. If you had children, they could be taken away from you if you were gay, so you may not have great family networks. A lot of people who came out in their early years were kicked out of their families or their churches or their community.
“We’re talking about a group of elders who may not have family and community, and as you get older you need family and community. So basically, that's what we've created here.”
The Pryde is not exclusive to LGBTQ residents, but it aims to provide a welcoming space for all. Beyond those who live there, its community center is open to the entire Hyde Park neighborhood and functions as a public event space. The building also houses a space for the 54th Regiment, a volunteer group honoring African American Civil War soldiers.
During Fry’s visit, amid learning about The Pryde’s mission, the goal was also to have fun and show support from the New England Revolution. For Fry, the time with the community was just as enriching as it was for the residents who welcomed him.
“I think feeling that you're represented in your community is so important, and I think even in the short time I've been here, it's really cool to see how well everyone sees each other and how everyone feels safe being completely themselves,” explained Fry.
That sense of comfort goes beyond social welcoming – it's ingrained in the environment. Every space and unit has been intentionally designed to support residents in aging in place, offering accessibility through features like low countertops and large bathrooms to support residents through every stage of aging.
“It’s a community where I can share the things that are important to me,” explained Shirley Riga, who has lived at The Pryde with her wife for nearly a year now. “They have been things that have helped me be happier.”
Shirley and fellow residents were proud to welcome the Revolution and share The Pryde’s story. As the center frequently hosts events, having a young athlete like Fry take a genuine interest in their lives was especially meaningful.
“It is so great to have this event here, and also for our elders, who have been through a life of not being sure if they are accepted and celebrated,” explained Van Ness. “So, for them to be celebrated today by the New England Revolution is an incredible gift.”
Fry knew the visit meant more than just an afternoon in the courtyard. It was in celebration of Pride Month, but also in honor of residents who finally have a place to feel truly at home.
“It’s easy to be against homophobia, but I think that's not enough,” explained Fry. “When you hear someone say something that’s not right, you need to stand up to it, because it's great that these residents have this opportunity to be in a community like this, but I almost wish we lived in a world where it wasn’t so necessary. I wish that every place felt as safe as this and so I just want to keep being a part of making that happen.”
