Coming Back Out Ball presented by All the Queens Men is a social event that celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex elders aged 65 and over. This night at Melbourne Town Hall aims to empower LGBTI elders and encourages inclusivity. On Thursday October 25, the LGBTI aging community is put up on a pedestal.
“LGBTI elders are able to attend the ball for free,” shares Artistic Director Tristian Meecham. “We want to acknowledge and champion the paths they’ve forged. Our vision is that The Coming Back Out Ball becomes an adored regular event on Melbourne’s social calendar.”
With showbiz, community, storytelling and a full dinner service, this is a community event you won’t want to miss. There’s performances from Briefs: Close Encounters, Meow Meow, Electric Fields and of course the Coming Back Out Ball band.
On top of all the entertainment, the ball is becoming a long-term support to the social needs of the community. It brings to light the social isolation this marginalised group often faces and address these issues head on. The Coming Back Out Ball provides a safe place for all LGBTI elders, free of ageism, homophobia and transphobia. It’s important to remember that some LGBTI elders have lived through times when being LGBTI could result in imprisonment, enforced medical ‘cures’, loss of employment as well as rejection by their community.
To address these issues further, All the Queens Men is initiating social dance events in partnership with municipalities such as Greater Shepparton City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Glen Eira City Council and Yarra City Council, so even rural and regional LGBTI elders are included.
In the midst of 2017’s same-sex postal survey, The Coming Back Out Ball featured performers such as Robyn Archer, Carlotta, Deborah Cheetham, Toni Lalich, Gerry Connolly, Lois Weaver and the Coming Back Out Ball orchestra. Attendee Lizzi Craig said, “It’s the first time I have been honoured for all the decades of struggles and my lifetime commitment to activism for my community.”
