Founded in 2017, the association Les Audacieuses & Les Audacieux was born from an observation. When entering nursing homes or senior residences, some individuals hide their identity and history out of fear of others' judgment. " We should be able to age while being who we are ", explains Christophe Dercamp. To recreate social connections, the association organizes meetings and workshops focused on aging well.
On October 9, 2025, the first Maison de la diversité opened its doors in Lyon. Fifteen seniors chose to live there around a shared social life project. Open to the neighborhood, this house welcomes LGBTIQA+ seniors as well as their heterosexual friends. Here, the house is not medicalized. Residents help each other daily, whether it's preparing a meal, going to the doctor, or simply chatting. " It's anything but a ghetto ", insists the coordinator.
The association also conducts awareness-raising actions among health professionals and facilities that receive elderly people. Indeed, welcoming everyone in the same way does not always guarantee equality. Experiences marked by discrimination, violence, or isolation require special attention. For Christophe Dercamp, the challenge is to allow everyone to maintain their freedom of choice, even as they age.
" We enable many people to say: I have the right to live and age being who I am ", concludes Christophe Dercamp.
Les Audacieuses & Les Audacieux have launched a fundraising campaign Gandee to facilitate the opening of future Maisons de la diversité in Strasbourg and Nancy. To participate, it’s here.
