Polish-native Ronald Blank came out as gay at the age of 96. Survivors of the Holocaust, he and his then-wife Ruth, immigrated to the United States after the end of World War II. For 67 years, Ronald was married to his, but last year, he came out to his family as gay.

Mr. Blanks spoke with Out magazine and explained what it took him so long to come out. According to Mr. Blank: “I was born and was all my life gay,” adding that he knew he was gay since the age of five.

Under the circumstances of the time, being gay was more then just taboo, it was a death sentence. “To be gay was a crime, and you were condemned to choose either suicide or life in a closet. I decided to live.”

After the birth of their second child, Mr. Blank came out to his wife Ruth. She had kept his secret for decades, and until last yeah when he told his two children, five grand children, and one great grandchild.

Mr. Bank did say he wanted a boyfriend or companion, but doesn’t care what they look like.

“I’ll be very honest about it. I really don’t need any physical or mental connection. But I want to. I want to go to sleep and have somebody close to me, not for any other reason but to be sure that someone cares. That’s all.”

Now, his family is planning on creating a documentary about Mr. Blanks coming out story called On My Way Out. Click here for more info about the project.