Where Do Gays Retire Podcast

Retire in Style: Why Nice, France is the Ultimate LGBTQ Destination With Jameson Farn

Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Mark Goldstein, the host of the Where Do Gays Retire? podcast.

I connected with Mark after seeing his post in a local Facebook group, where he was looking to speak with LGBTQ+ expats living in France.

We instantly clicked, and I was thrilled to share my journey of relocating from Canada to the French Riviera all those years ago.

Mark created Where Do Gays Retire?—originally as a Facebook group—as a space for retirees and soon-to-be retirees to exchange real-life insights, both the highs and the lows, about taking the leap into a new country or settling down in a long-loved destination.

As Mark states on the Where Do Gays Retire website: We do our best to bring you the best information and experience from people who live in desirable LGBTQ+ locations.

Listen to our guests talk about the cost of living, healthcare, crime and safety, healthcare and more.

The world is our home. We have no boundaries. Find a place that’s safe and affordable to you.

We are always looking for guest speakers! If you live in an LGBTQ+ friendly town or city, please contact me for further information! We need to give our community the best choices to retire.

By the time our chat rolled around, I’ll admit—it had been a long, unexpected, and pretty hectic day (so forgive the lighting and camera angle!). But with Mark’s calm and thoughtful presence, he quickly brought a fresh energy to our conversation. As always, the Côte d’Azur worked its magic too—this region continues to inspire me, and I hope it can do the same for others.

The Côte d’Azur is truly a gem—warm, inspiring, and especially welcoming to those of us in the LGBTQ+ community.

If you're curious to connect further, be sure to check out Mark’s new platform as well!

And a heartfelt Merci to Mark for the wonderful podcast interview!

78th Festival de Cannes Poster Unveiled

 

The Cannes Film Festival unveiled its official poster for the 78th edition, paying homage to Claude Lelouch’s 1966 Palme d’Or-winning film, A Man and a Woman. Designed by the creative studio Hartland Villa, the poster features a poignant embrace between the film's stars, Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant, encapsulating the timeless romance that captivated audiences nearly six decades ago.

This year’s poster continues Cannes’ tradition of honoring cinematic milestones, following previous tributes to auteurs like Akira Kurosawa and Peter Weir. By spotlighting A Man and a Woman, the festival not only celebrates a defining moment in French cinema but also underscores its enduring commitment to films that explore human connection and emotional depth.​

The 78th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 13 to 24, 2025, with French actress Juliette Binoche presiding over the main competition jury. The festival will open with the film Bye Bye, and the Honorary Palme d'Or will be awarded to Robert De Niro during the opening ceremony .​

The official poster is available for purchase through the Festival de Cannes online boutique.

New Census Reveals Monaco Is Home to 145 Nationalities

 

There has always been rumours both locally and abroad that Monaco is made of mainly wealthy individuals from Russia and Dubai, but a recently released census has quashed all those assumptions.

This new census sheds fresh light on the extraordinary diversity of the Principality of Monaco, revealing that this tiny yet iconic country is now home to citizens of 145 nationalities.

This data not only highlights the cosmopolitan nature of the world's second-smallest country but also offers intriguing insights into the gender and age distribution of its population.

A Global Microcosm

Despite its modest area of just over 2 square kilometers, Monaco boasts an international population that rivals those of major metropolises. According to the new census, the resident population includes people from every continent, with the most represented nationalities being:

• French: 28.4%

• Monegasque (native citizens): 21.5%

• Italian: 18.1%

• British: 7.5%

• Belgian: 2.9%

• Swiss: 2.5%

• German: 2.1%

• American: 1.8%

• Russian: 1.7%

• Other nationalities (135 in total): 13.5%

These "other nationalities" span from neighboring European countries to residents from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania — further reinforcing Monaco’s role as a truly global crossroads.

Gender Breakdown

The census data also shows a near-even gender balance, with a slight majority of female residents:

• Women: 52.3%

• Men: 47.7%

This distribution reflects broader European demographic trends, particularly in older populations, where women typically have a higher life expectancy.

Age Demographics

Monaco’s population is not only diverse but also skews older, a testament to its high standard of living and healthcare. The census reveals the following age structure:

• 0–14 years: 12.1%

• 15–24 years: 9.5%

• 25–54 years: 40.6%

• 55–64 years: 15.3%

• 65 years and over: 22.5%

The largest demographic, adults between 25 and 54, forms the backbone of Monaco’s active workforce, while nearly a quarter of residents are 65 or older, underscoring the principality’s appeal as a retirement haven.

A Principality of Inclusion

Officials from Monaco’s Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE) remarked that the results of this census highlight the Principality’s status as a welcoming and harmonious society.

“This level of international representation is rare in such a small country,” said an IMSEE spokesperson. “Monaco is a model of multicultural coexistence.”

Looking Ahead

With its remarkable blend of cultures, languages, and generations, Monaco continues to stand out not only for its luxury and lifestyle but for its human tapestry. Policymakers and city planners are already looking to the future, exploring how to adapt services and infrastructure to this evolving demographic landscape.

From global citizens to native Monegasques, the principality is proving that even in the smallest of places, diversity can thrive.

Just Jump with Ben Small - An Ibanista Podcast

The French Riviera - Glitz, Glam, and a Whole Lot of Fun with Jameson Farn

Recently I was interviewed by Ben Small for his podcast Just Jump where we had a discussion that spanned everything from luxury real estate trends to the dynamics with the local LGBTQ community and the quiet truths of daily life along the Mediterranean coast.

It felt like a rare glimpse into the real French Riviera: its promises, its problems, and the people who make it truly special. 

Ben Small created the Just Jump podcast with one goal in mind: Encourage those who are hesitating with the idea of moving abroad to take action. How do I create a business in France? What do I need to do for my French Visa? How do taxes work in France? Do I need insurance? And the biggest question of them all, can I really create a better life in another country? Whether you are having a dream, making plans or about to move, this podcast is for you.

Host Ben Small and his guests are sharing everything that has helped them navigate the life of an expat, working and living abroad.

A massive thank you to Ben for asking me to do a segment on his popular podcast Just Jump!