Hundreds of members of the LGBTI community have gathered in central Melbourne for the second 'Coming Back Out Ball', which celebrates those who led the charge out of the closet. But behind the glitz and glamour, the event also addresses issues of social isolation, ageism and homophobia.Read More
The ballroom dance floor fills with couples slow dancing, elders doing the nut bush with their carers, groups of friends throwing their hands in the air. I thought to myself: is there anything better in this world than watching old queers grab ass on a dance floor? I can’t think of anything.Read More
Photographer Meredith O’Shea visited the Coming Back Out Ball, an event celebrating LGBTI elders in Melbourne. The event was created and produced by All the Queens Men, which creates theatrical and participatory arts experiencesRead More
I've been at war with myself for years because I held everything inside, because I was in a nice marriage with lovely children and I didn't want to hurt anyone.Read More
Coming back out by popular demand, The Coming Back Out Ball returns in 2018 & Tristan Meecham joined MAD Wednesday to tell them all about it. The Coming Back Out Ball makes the invisible visible, the forgotten remembered and the past treasured and valued.”Read More
David and Sue talk to Bec Reid & Elisabeth Bridson about the Coming Back Out Ball which is back on for 2018 at the Melbourne Town HallRead More
Photos from the LGBTI elders dance club at Fiztroy Town Hall by Meredith O'SheaRead More
I remember being at a street party and having young people come up to me and say they didn't know we stayed dykes when we got older.Read More
Photos from the Red CarpetRead More
The closet was a safe place, we haven’t got as much energy as we used to have. And we don’t want to get into brawls. We just want to live peaceful lives now, please.Read More
In the midst of Australia’s same-sex marriage survey, a glorious night in Melbourne celebrates those who came of age when being ‘in the closet’ was all but compulsory.Read More
Elderly LGBTI people are much more likely to experience social isolation than their straight counterparts, without the support of traditional family structures. We want to create intergenerational connections and family in the queer sense of the word – a family you create, rather than are born into.Read More
Recently the last dance club for the year was held, and it was also the first gathering for the LGBTI elders since the results of the same sex marriage survey were announced. RN's Fiona Pepper went along to the dance to hear how the elders were feeling since the outcome of the postal survey.Read More
They're the elders of the LGBTI community who've fought discrimination, violence and even the law. And now they've been honoured, with one kick-ass party.Read More
With the rights of the gay community at the centre of public debate, a Melbourne man is giving older members the chance to be out and proud.Read More
Costas said the prospect of marrying another man was never a question he thought he'd be asked. 'I can't really answer that question because theoretically it wasn't probably possible, everyone's personal journey is different, getting married, having a partner, I had no idea it would happen'.Read More
It's the sadness that sticks, though. The lesbian couple in their sixties who have been in love for almost 40 years, and who politely and apologetically decline to be photographed together because they're worried about work finding out.Read More
Not only is The Coming Back Out Ball an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate but it is a glamorous opportunity and that's really important.Read More
For LGBTI people, the narrative tends to be focused on struggles of young adulthood. Of coming out, and finding a place in the world. A new event is honouring the elders of the LGBTI community, and reflecting on what it means to grow older as a part of that community,Read More
At a special seniors' social night LGBTI elders, ranging in age from 60 to 90, hit the dancefloor.Read More
Photos from the Red Carpet - Part 1Read More
Photos from the Red Carpet - Part 2Read More
Nancy Peck came out as non-binary when she was 76 years old. She’d been exploring gender and the many ways younger people were identifying, and as a queer person decided she wanted to shatter stereotypes around elderly people.Read More
Gordon Wilson came out as gay to his parents in 1950 when he was 14. “I think the Coming Back Out Ball is a fantastic idea,” he said. “It will be a wonderful celebration.”Read More
I came up in a different era, and we had a lot of oppression, a lot of homophobia, but I’ve always been out there. It’s always been a part of what I am and I stand up for it. You’ve got to.Read More
This is our gift to say: we see you and we honour you and we want you to be part of the fabric of our community. It is important that we remember this, especially in this divisive time for LBGTI+ people.Read More
After a lifetime of guilt and secret longings, David Morrison came out as gay at age 76. He says the LGBTI Elders Dance Club could help people "to be involved with the LGBTI communities. To not just be alone, to be willing to mix with others.Read More
The Coming Back Out Ball might seem like a one-off, feel-good celebration, serving little purpose but to entertain, but its ramifications are likely to be lasting, for those on the dance floor and for the wallflowers at the side.Read More
Judith Slade, a dame of Australian shearing, is coming back out of the retirement home.Read More
Co-ordinator of Val’s LGBTI+ Aging and Aged Care, Pauline Crameri, joins Breakfasters to discuss the Coming Back Out Ball and the LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Conference.Read More
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.Read More
On this episode we look at the elderly spectrum of our rainbow community, as well as support and information services that help make our elderly community stronger, and remind us all of the relevance of their stories and lived experiences.Read More
Tristan Meecham joins us to promote both the Dance Club for GLBTI Elders and Friends – Sunday 10 Sept 2-5pm, Fitzroy Town Hall.Read More
Tristan Meecham and Bec Reid speak to the Breakfast Spread about the upcoming Coming Back Out Ball on Saturday October 7.Read More
Robyn will host and perform at The Coming Back Out Ball at the Melbourne Town Hall as a premiere event of the 2017 Victorian Seniors Festival in association with the 3rd National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Conference on Saturday 7 October 2017.Read More
Guest Tristan Meecham talks about the Coming Back out Ball on 7 October.Read More
There is obviously a level of invisibility that happens as people get old and it’s really important just to make sure that all of the rainbow community is catered for.Read More
The Coming Back Out Ball is fantastic idea and an opportunity to make new connections in a supportive space with a diverse population, and to encourage those feeling isolated and vulnerable to join in and be themselves.Read More
This event is all about putting the needs and pioneering efforts of the elderly LGBTI community in the spotlight and so, all LGBTI people over the age of 65 will be able to come along to the Ball, enjoy the entertainment, food and drinks all for free.Read More
LGBTI Elders are invited to the All The Queen’s Men Dance Club at the Fitzroy Town Hall.Read More
Download The Coming Back Out Ball Media Kit 2018
For all media requests, please contact Ben Starick (Starling Communications)
Mobile: 0411029393
Email: ben@starling.com.au