Holocaust survivor reveals he’s gay after 90-years ‘in the closet’
After a lifetime of keeping his sexuality a secret, a grandfather of five reveals he's gay
A 96-year-old grandfather who escaped the Nazis, has revealed he has known he’s gay since he was five.
Roman Blank escaped the Holocaust and moved to America, where he and his wife of 67-years had two children and five grandchildren. However, last year, he revealed a previously untold chapter of his life, kept secret for 90-years.
Speaking in an interview with YouTuber Davey Wavey, Roman, who still has a thick European accent, said: “There were certain things I wanted the world to know… I just told them I was born and was, all my life, gay.”
“I told them the whole tragedy of my life and then they understood what happened to me. Can you imagine 90 years to be in the closet?”
The 96-year-old, who is now looking for a companion to spend the final years of his life with, said he’s not looking at appearance, but “at the heart”, adding that he wants “to go to sleep and have somebody close to me, not for any other reason but to be sure that someone cares”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
