Inverness theatre to host pioneering project for LGBTI elders
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A radical community project aimed at older members of the LGBTI community is coming to Inverness as part of a year-long Scotland-wide programme.
The Coming Back Out Ball, which has been pioneered in Australia, involves Eden Court Theatre working in partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland and All The Queens Men, an international community art and performance venture.
Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing organisation, and Glasgow City Council are also involved.
It is the first time the project has been delivered outside Australia and the aim is to create a series of regular social events for individuals and groups, offering the chance to meet new folk and celebrate community.
The first Inverness event will be the LGBTI+ Elders Social Dance Club at Eden Court Theatre on May 26.
The free event aim to bring people together to share stories, memories, hopes and passions plus dance moves although the organisers stress no prior dance experience is required – just curiosity.
It will also give a taste of plans for the final The Coming Back Out Ball which will take place in Glasgow next year. Although the full details will not be announced until next year, it is being hailed as a night of cultural significance in which the broader community can sit alongside LGBTI elders to eat, drink, dance, reminisce and dream together into the future.
The Inverness social events, led by artistic practitioners Amy Watt and Lou Brodie, will take place each month until next spring and will mirror a similar venture in Glasgow.
The organisers point out that in the UK, older people have lived through times when being LGBTI could result in imprisonment, loss of employment and rejection by family and friends.
For many, impending old age meant some were going back into the closet for fear of being deprived of companionship quality care when they needed it most.
James Mackenzie-Blackman, chief executive of Eden Court, is delighted to be involved in The Coming Back Out Ball.
“This unique collaboration is the perfect example of how we intend to develop and grow our engagement programme at Eden Court," he said.
"I’m thrilled that Highland-based artists Lou Brodie and Amy Watt will work with local partners to develop relationships with LGBTI+ elders across the region with the ambition to make connections, build friendships and tackle all forms of isolation and stigma.
"Eden Court is a place where everyone is welcome and it’s with this openness and with these values that we embark on this hugely special project.”
All The Queens Men, established by Australian artists Tristan Meecham and Bec Reid, champions social equality through creative action and contemporary arts, creating theatrical and participatory experiences.
"The project, which premiered in Melbourne Australia, is inspired by research revealing that many older LGBTI+ people closet their sexual, gendered or cultural identity in aged care homes because they don’t feel safe," they said.
"Through the partnership of National Theatre of Scotland, Luminate Festival and Eden Court, All The Queens Men are thrilled this inspiring project will unite LGBTI+ elders around Scotland."
Interested parties are welcome to turn up at the first Inverness session taking place in Eden Court's McLean Room on May 26 between 2pm and 4pm.
LGTBI elders and groups can book in for the session, or register their interest in taking part in The Coming Back Out Ball social events by emailing awatt@edencourt.co.uk or calling (01463) 732695.
