Annie's story
For Annie, retirement has been a golden opportunity to give back to the community she feels so proud to be part of. Fifteen years ago, Annie left her career in mental health to work for the Albert Kennedy Trust.
Through the charity’s supported lodging scheme, Annie and her partner of 25 years, Belinda, provided a safe home for LGBT+ youths who had become homeless or were living in a hostile environment.
Volunteering in retirement
Now in her 70s, Annie is a trustee of Opening Doors London, the largest UK charity providing activities, information and support to older LGBT+ people.
Annie’s volunteer commitments don’t end there; she’s also part of the Community Advisory panel for Tonic Housing, the UK’s first LGBT+ retirement community, as well as a volunteer befriender for helpline LGBT Switchboard.
“Every week I speak to someone who’s on their own. These groups are so important for our community; we all need places we can walk into and feel ourselves. I’m thrilled Tonic Housing is now up and running with its first LGBT+ retirement community.”
Retirement as an LGBT+ person
Annie lives comfortably in a four-bedroom terrace. She felt financially prepared for retirement, having an NHS pension and a private pension as well as a little inheritance from her mum. However, she recognises that retirement isn’t quite as comfortable for everyone, especially in the LGBT+ community.
“I’m friends with a lot of lesbians in London who were very active in the women’s liberation movement. At the time, so many lesbians were wholeheartedly dedicated to the cause; they lived in communes and as a result – despite being very talented and clever, didn’t pursue professional careers, so didn’t have access to a private pension.
They’ve now ended up in dire rented accommodation. That’s why we set up Tonic Housing; to provide housing and support provision for these marginalised groups in later life.”
Family matters
Before meeting Belinda, Annie was in a heterosexual marriage and had a daughter – who also identifies as lesbian. Calling themselves “the gay grannies”, Annie and Belinda have been blessed with two grandchildren.
Attitudes to retirement
Annie’s positivity is infectious. “I’ve got two new hips, but I cycled 18km yesterday to Hampstead and back. I’m pretty enthusiastic about life, I’ve got a great circle of friends and I like to have a good time!”
Despite having plenty to do, Annie admits that it took her a couple of years to adjust to retirement. “I had a bit of a self-esteem issue about not earning money. It’s what we do, you go to work, you earn money”.
“I probably should have done financial planning a lot earlier but I’m lucky to be financially stable without having to rely on the state pension; it just covers the very basics.”
The freedom of retirement has given Annie the chance to provide meaningful support to causes she really cares about, and she loves it. Something she tells her partner Belinda, who’s still working, regularly.
Her advice to future retirees is to “volunteer for something you’re passionate about and do lots of partying!”
