Martha Wetzel, a 70-year old lesbian, has accused a suburban Chicago long-term care home of not intervening when she experienced abuse due to her sexual identity. In what may turn into a landmark case for tenants and housing rights, an appeal court heard her arguments earlier this year.

Wetzel moved into the Glen Saint Andrew Living Community in 2013, after her long-term partner died. While living there, she experienced many forms of abuse from other residents including being spat on and struck, as well as homophobic verbal attacks like "homosexuals will burn in hell."

The lawsuit was originally thrown out last year after a trial-judge stated, that despite what was said, there was not "any discriminatory animus, motive or, intent" shown by the administrators themselves.

However, protections for LGBT tenants harassed by other tenants could be established under the Fair Housing Act if the appeals court chooses to reopen Wetzel's case.

What can be done to protect older LGBTQI people living in long-term care? How can they live safely and free from oppression?

While the court decides on its ruling, IFA Experts can help weigh-in. The Expert Centre has several experts who can speak to the inequalities experienced by certain populations, including older LGBTQI people, within long-term care homes. Simply click on one of their icons to arrange an interview.

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us court considers potentially landmark lgbt housing case

chicago — an appeals court heard arguments tuesday in a potentially landmark case in which a 70-year-old lesbian accuses a suburban chicago senior living centre of doing nothing to stop fello…

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