California Separates Elderly Gay Couple

by Daniel Vivacqua · 2010-04-19 11:04:00 UTC
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Elderly ManMy friend (and editor) Mike just posted on Change.org a sad story about an attack on gay hospital patients, and then I went and read this tragic story. Clay, 77, and Harold, 88, have been together for over twenty years, living in Sonoma County, CA. They had their legal affairs in order — rights of attorney, wills, all that business.

Then Harold fell down the stairs of their home. He was taken to the hospital, but since Clay and Harold had it all covered, they weren't worried that they would be prevented from seeing each other. But no, Clay was denied the opportunity to see Harold in the hospital.

And it gets worse.

The courts took all of Harold's and Clay's worldly possessions against their will and auctioned them off. They decided that Clay needn't be in his house, he needed to be in a nursing home. The county surrendered their home to the landlord, leaving this beautiful couple hurting and homeless.

After three months of hospitalization, Harold died alone in the nursing home, separated from his partner of over twenty years. Now Clay no longer has his home, the possessions they acquired together, and most importantly, the love of his life, Harold. All he has is a photo album.

This case is being taken to the Superior Court for the County of Sonoma with a date set for July 16, 2010. We need to come together to advocate for this man. We need to stand up and let Sonoma County know that they cannot disregard the LGBT couples who have loved each other longer and stronger than our "straight" role models like Britney Spears or Larry King. Share this story with everyone you know.

Photo credit: Diego_3336

Daniel Vivacqua is a gay rights activist living in the Boston area of Massachusetts. He works at a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to people with developmental disabilities.

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