This episode of the Where Do Gays Retire Podcast features an insightful discussion comparing retirement options in Spain and Portugal, focusing on the towns of Olvera and Elvas Vila Buim. Hosts Mark Goldstein, Bruce Joffe, and Russ Warren explore various aspects of living in these regions, including the friendly LGBTQ+ environment, cost of living, healthcare, and the vibrant local culture. They emphasize the importance of doing thorough research before making a move, highlighting the unique visa requirements and residency processes in both countries. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the lifestyle differences, climate, and community dynamics that make each location appealing for retirement. The conversation is both informative and engaging, sprinkled with humor and personal anecdotes that bring the experience of relocating to life.

Listeners are treated to a comprehensive overview of the LGBTQ retirement landscape in Southern Europe, as Bruce Joffe and Russ Warren engage in a lively discussion about their experiences in Spain and Portugal. The episode covers a breadth of topics, including climate differences, cost of living, and the vibrancy of local LGBTQ communities. The guests emphasize the significance of community support and the welcoming nature of both cultures. They provide listeners with valuable tips on navigating the visa application processes, particularly the non-lucrative D7 visa in Portugal, which allows for retirement without the necessity of employment. Furthermore, they explore the social dynamics and safety of living in these regions, painting a picture of a life filled with joy, camaraderie, and cultural richness, making it clear that both countries offer unique opportunities for a fulfilling retirement.

Takeaways:

• The podcast highlights the challenges and benefits of retiring in Spain versus Portugal, focusing on climate, culture, and lifestyle.
• Mark Goldstein interviews Bruce Joffe and Russ Warren, who share insights about their experiences living as LGBTQ+ retirees in Europe.
• Listeners learn about the significant differences in residency requirements for retirees in Spain and Portugal.
• Bruce emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research before making retirement decisions in foreign countries.
• The hosts discuss the welcoming nature of both Spain and Portugal towards LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting inclusivity.
• Cost of living comparisons reveal that Portugal may be more affordable than Spain for retirees.

Bruce Joffe Bio

Pastor, professor, publisher, and journalist Bruce H. Joffe is an award-winning author of magazine features, academic research, journal articles, self-help manuals, and newspaper stories. His nine books deal with international (intercultural) living, progressive theology, gender studies, “social” politics, our vulnerabilities, marketing, and the media. 

More than six years ago, Bruce relocated from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to the European Union, dividing his time between Portugal and Spain.

Portugal Living Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/451204043309681

Portalegre People Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/288581375359604

People of Faith Online Spiritual Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/303381510793586

“EXACTLY!”: Pastor Bruce’s Bodacious Blog

https://pastorbrucesblog.com

EXPAT: Leaving the USA for Good (on Amazon Spain):

https://www.amazon.es/-/pt/dp/B0D7ZB9H2J/ref=sr_1_1

SPANISH TOWNS, PORTUGUESE VILLAGES (on Amazon Spain):

https://www.amazon.es/-/pt/dp/B0CCCSLFTS/ref=sr_1_4

Russ Warren Bio

Russ grew up in the Tidewater region of Virginia. He attended Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk and then George Mason University in Fairfax, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1989.

He worked as the Special Projects Director for the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association and later as the Director of Marketing and Meetings Management for Courier Magazine, a national publication dedicated to the messenger-courier industry.

Subsequently, Russ worked as Lead Coordinating Editor for LexisNexis and as Copy Editor for SNL Financial, both in Charlottesville, Virginia. He also served as a U.S. Patent Classifier for Centuria Corp. in Harrisburg, Virginia, where he reviewed and classified environmental, biotechnical, and organic chemistry patent applications.

He was an Accreditation Manager for the American Culinary Federation’s Education Foundation for four years. He reviewed postsecondary program curricula against established standards and competencies and guided programs through accreditation.

In Door County, Wisconsin, Russ was the Marketing Director for Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Egg Harbor and Midsummer’s Music, where he was promoted to Executive Director after a year.

In 2018, Russ and his husband embarked on a lifelong dream of living in Spain and Portugal, where he continues to live today. He still serves remotely and leads Marketing/Media for Midsummer’s Music.