Driving You Mad, Driving You Crazy

12 Oct 2017

David & Brendan talk to Tristan Meecham, Margot and Caroline about The Coming Back Out Ball

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David & Brendan talk to Tristan Meecham, Margot and Caroline about The Coming Back Out Ball

Here is Tristan Meecham with Margot and Caroline talking about the The Coming Back Out Ball which was on 7th October, Melbourne Town Hall. We can’t wait for next years ball.

The Coming Back Out Ball is a spectacular social event celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) elders.

This spectacular evening was free for LGBTI elders 65+ and each guest received dinner and drinks, with entertainment by leading LGBTI performers including Robyn Archer, Carlotta, Deborah Cheetham, Toni Lalich, Gerry Connolly and Lois Weaver supported by an orchestra conducted by Kathleen McGuire.

The Coming Back Out Ball is inspired  by pioneering research revealing that some LGBTI elders conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity when they access aged care services – because they believe they are not safe. With so much change over the course  of their lifetime, some LGBTI elders have lived through a period when being LGBTI could result in imprisonment, enforced medical ‘cures’, loss of employment and rejection by family and friends. For this generation, the first to fight for equality, impending old age may mean going back into the closet, or the risk of being deprived companionship or quality care when they need it most.

But there is hope for the older LGTBI community – the Victorian Government has expunged gay convictions and apologised to older gay men for the treatment they received; aged care service providers are embracing strategies to become more LGBTI inclusive; and Victoria will soon create Australia’s first LGBTI Pride Centre. The Coming Back Out Ball augments research and social services – it’s a public celebration and declaration to LGBTI elders of their worth and value, acknowledging their rich lived experiences.

The long-term vision is that The Coming Back Out Ball becomes an adored event on Melbourne’s social calendar; understood for its inclusivity and cultural significance.

See you at next years event…