A unique online event hosted by Karen Dunbar and Jamie Rea, and created in celebration of Scotland’s older LGBTI+ community, will take place this summer.
The Coming Back Out Ball is the culmination of monthly Social Dance Clubs for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, and Intersex Elders living in Scotland, who will come together in celebration at the special event on June 26, 2021.
The project – a National Theatre of Scotland and All The Queens Men co-production, in partnership with Eden Court and Luminate in association with Glasgow City Council – has been running since 2019, and has allowed members of the older LGBTI+ community to keep connected throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The Social Dance Clubs, which moved online in 2020, have been leading up to the Coming Back Out Ball, which will see music, dancing, creativity and chat, with performances from Scottish icon and long-time project supporter, Horse.
Also performing will be Dean Atta, Stonewall 2020 Book Award Winner, and playwright, Jo Clifford.
Ticketholders will receive a special ‘A Ball in a Box’ delivery in advance of the event, filled with surprises to ensure that everyone experiences a unique party atmosphere in their own living room.
The first Coming Back Out Ball and Social Dance Clubs were pioneered in Australia by arts organisation All The Queens Men.
The Coming Back Out Ball project and Social Dance Clubs started in Scotland following discussions in which older members of the LGBTI+ community said they feared they may ‘return to the closet’ as they lose independence with age, particularly if needing to rely on carers or residential care.
The project aims to strengthen the LGBTI+ over 50s community and promote their visibility and safety and provide an ongoing, safe space for an under-represented community in Scotland.
Lewis Hetherington, Creative Lead, The Coming Back Out Ball said: “I feel so honoured to work on this project, with Scotland’s incredible community of LGBTI+ Elders.
“From our first steps together at the first LGBTI+ Elders Social Dance Club in May 2019 to now, I have laughed, cried and been so inspired.
“I am so proud we’ve created a space where our Elders can step forward, in their own time, on their terms, to share their stories and express themselves.”
Tristan Meecham and Bec Reid, Artistic Directors, All The Queens Men said: “It is a profound honour to be connecting older LGBTI+ and allied communities globally in this online space.
“Older LGBTI+ people across Australia and Scotland have been able to creatively and socially connect in regular, joyful, inclusive and dynamic Social Dance Clubs during times of immense disconnection.
“This partnership with National Theatre of Scotland, Eden Court, Luminate and Glasgow City Council has inspired universal, values led connections.
“All The Queens Men look forward to welcoming more and more beloved LGBTI+ Elders and allies into the global Dance Club family.”
The Coming Back Out Ball, Saturday, June 26, 7pm.
Tickets on sale from March 16, and available here.
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