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By Milena Pafundi, from Mexico City 

Laetus Vitae means “Joyful Life” in Latin, and it's the name Samantha Flores, an 88-year-old trans activist, chose for her Day Center for LGBT+ seniors in Mexico City. Located in the Alamos neighborhood, it has a light blue facade with pink lettering and displays a rainbow flag. “We LGBTTTI seniors no longer want to be invisible; this is my mission, to provide this space,” Samantha tells Presentes. 

In addition to being a meeting place, Laetus Vitae has two doctors who visit attendees; medicines are donated; there is a library; meditation classes; a mass on Sundays and various courses.

A study conducted by Gallup indicates that approximately 3.4% of adults in Mexico are LGBT, representing almost 9 million people, of which, according to the National Institute of Statistics, one million are senior citizens, and 433,000 of them are living in poverty.

But the house doesn't just welcome people from the community; it's open to all seniors, and sometimes young people come to spend time there. The space has a group of volunteers who help out and organize activities and workshops. "We live off donations and volunteers; we need help all the time." Presentes visited the house and spoke with its residents. 

Martin, vegetable producer. 

"I come to the Film Club and sometimes for help with internet and cell phone use. Seniors need to socialize; we're forgotten. This is an opportunity for us to meet other people in similar situations and start friendships so we can support each other in this stage of our lives. I'd like to invite everyone to come here. Because there's always a place we can go and help each other overcome the challenges we face because of our age."

Irma, retired.

"I found out because I was walking by and saw the sign. I come on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I saw all the activities they have. On Saturdays they show movies and give computer classes, and the atmosphere is really cool, it's really nice. It motivates us a lot, it entertains us, and I learn new things. I've learned how to use my cell phone and understand it better, I also socialize and meet people. I've already grown fond of them."

Omar

“I’m Cuban and I’ve lived in Mexico for 25 years. I found out about this place because my partner has been friends with Samantha for over 30 years. We come to the Film Club on Saturdays. But we come beforehand to socialize a bit, like now, for example. There are many of us who always run into each other and we’ve become friends. Afterward, we watch the film and then we talk about it. The films are about gay and lesbian themes. I think these spaces are important because they provide a lot of support. Many older adults suffer from loneliness and can come here to socialize and make friends. And on the other hand, there’s medical support, since many reach that age without access to medical services or arrive in a difficult economic situation.”

Leticia, painter

"A friend told me there was a pink color scheme and something about diversity in the area, so I came. But I haven't even been here a week. I want to come here because I need to talk and talk; my mother just passed away. I've lost 15 kilos, I'm having panic attacks, I had bronchitis, but I'm getting there. I don't want to shut myself away, I want to socialize. Today I came to see the doctor here because I can't sleep. And to see if he can prescribe me something. But he didn't bring his prescription pad, and he's going to leave it with the priest tomorrow at the Sunday mass. A woman here told me to smoke marijuana, but I'm not into that, I don't want that. I need something calming. I suffer a lot from loneliness, that's why I want to meet people here."