Facing social ostracism, homosexuals can now look forward to acceptance in their twilight years as a member of their community now plans an old age home for them.
Conceptualised by Manvendra Singh Gohil, the scion of the 600-year-old Rajpipla dynasty in Gujarat, who acknowledged being gay two years ago, the first of its kind project is expected to be ready to accommodate elderly homosexuals by the end of this year.
To be built on the banks of Narmada, the old age home will be a joint effort of the Gohils's Lakshya Trust and Narmade Har Sevashram Trust.
"There is a need for such a home for homosexuals and AIDS affected elders as they are not being understood by the heterosexual and homophobic world," Gohil told PTI over phone from Vadodara.
"As these people are generally discarded by their relatives and society even in the prime time of their lives, one can easily imagine what they will have to face during old age," the gay prince said.
Jayendra Trivedi, a non-resident Indian from Canada has already donated two acres of land at Kumbheshwar, about 60 km from Vadodara, for the purpose and construction has started at the site, Gohil said.
Lakshya Trust has also requested the Gujarat government for allotment of additional 11 acres of land in the same area to make the complex more spacious and well-equipped.
"At present, it is a Rs 25 crore project, with an initial accommodation capacity of 50 people. It will be equipped with all facilities including advanced medical unit for aged homosexuals and HIV patients," Gohil said.
"We have also planned to build a crematorium for them as we want to ensure that the gays and HIV positive people receive the same honour even after death," he said.
In a society where homosexuality is still a criminal act, the 39-year-old prince, who was disowned by his royal family for coming out with his sexual orientation, felt that there was a strong need of a support system for such people.
"Homosexuality is not a sin but a natural preference of a man or woman. But those who are accepting it are being thrown out of the society. At this time of desertion, especially in old age, money alone can't help such people but they need a kind of support system," he said.
"Although this project is meant for gay and HIV positive people only, but other people can also reside here as we want to make it an inclusive home where everyone can live peacefully without differentiating according to one's sexual orientation," the prince said.
Interestingly, this project has got an overwhelming response not only from gays and HIV affected people but also from outsiders.