Over 350+ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse and Intersex elders and their allies will take political action and reclaim a large civic space to eat, drink, dance, reminisce and dream together to create a bright, accessible and inclusive future.
On Saturday, 9 November 2019, The Coming Back Out Salon will be a very special soiree that takes over The Mural Hall in partnership with Yo-Yo Ma’s The Bach Project as part of the Day of Action to celebrate and acknowledge LGBTI+ elders.
Three years ago, Tristan Meecham from All The Queens Men founded The Coming Back Out Ball, “The inaugural ball was culturally and historically significant to many intersections of the LGBTI+ community.”
Bryony Jackson
“It was our way of giving back to a group of people who, although certainly deserve it, did not always have the opportunities to access a lavish event of recognition and celebration,” explained Meecham.
The Salon
This year the ball has evolved into The Coming Back Out Salon – it’s guided by a social mission informed by the growing research around isolation and loneliness plaguing elderly populations; which is deemed even more acute for LGBTI people.
Research also revealed that some LGBTI+ elders conceal their sexual, gendered or cultural identity or variation(s) when they access aged care services, because they believe they aren’t safe.
The Coming Back Out Salon is a gift that acknowledges the resilience of the LGTBI+ community – it’s a gift of visibility to LGBTI+ elders who have lived through it all and it’s a safe space for those elders just discovering themselves.
For over five years, All The Queens Men have been running monthly LGBTI+ Elders Dance Clubs – now programmed across Australia and also internationally throughout Scotland, which will host the first international The Coming Back Out Ball in mid 2020.
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The Coming Back Out Salon
- Date Saturday, 9 November 2019
- Time 3pm for 3.30pm until 6.30pm
- Location The Mural Hall, Level 6, 314-336 Bourke Street, Melbourne (entry via Myer Store ground floor, Bourke Street Mall, then proceed to level 6)
- Dress Fabulous!
- Soiree includes drinks and afternoon tea with entertainment featuring acclaimed Australian LGBTI+ artists and internationally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma
- Tickets FREE – bookings essential (with donations upon entry)
- Bookings comingbackoutball.com
The Coming Back Out Salon is created by All The Queens Men in collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project and is supported by Victorian State Government, City of Melbourne and the Victorian Seniors Festival.
