TE RELEASE
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) seniors and their friends are set to celebrate all things silver and queer on the big screen, with the highly anticipated return of Afternoon Delight.
Presented by ACON, NSW’s leading LGBTI health organisation, Afternoon Delight features a series of free movie matinees and afternoon tea parties in Sydney and regional NSW for LGBTI seniors and their friends. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Afternoon Delight is presented in association with Queer Screen and the Department of Family and Community Services, and is supported by the NSW Seniors Festival.
LGBTI seniors will be treated to the feature film Political Animals, the award-winning documentary about four older women who led the charge for social justice and equality in California, as well as a selection of LGBTI themed short films. The screening is followed by a delicious afternoon tea, networking and access to local community health information.
"This is our annual premiere event for LGBTI seniors, their family and friends and we are excited to be marking Afternoon Delight’s tenth year," ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said. "From very humble beginnings in Sydney, we’ve seen it grow exponentially and this year, Afternoon Delight screenings are being held in seven locations across NSW, including Shellharbour, Sydney, Wagga Wagga, Newcastle, Lismore, Katoomba and Sawtell. We thank everyone for their support of Afternoon Delight and for the health and wellbeing of older members of our communities.
"NSW has a significant older LGBTI population. In fact, over 100,000 people in NSW over the age of 55 identify as LGBTI and they play a vital and valued role in our community. We’re delighted as always to have the support of our partners, which allows for the more mature members of our community to get together in a welcoming environment, enjoy movies about their lives and also reduce a very real sense of social isolation that many experience.
"During the afternoon tea, which in selected locations will be served by local drag performers, guests will have the chance to mingle, chat and have an opportunity to pick up local health information about living well and healthy."
Several screenings have been sponsored by LGBTI inclusive health and wellbeing organisations, Uniting and Reliant Healthcare.
Director of Customer People and Systems for Uniting, Jill Reich said: "Uniting is a not-for-profit service organisation which celebrates diversity and accepts people regardless of their ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or gender identity. We provide many services for older people and, as part of our work to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice, are proud sponsors of this event as one way of showing we welcome people exactly as they are."
Reliant Healthcare CEO, Alexandra Conroy said: "At Reliant Healthcare, we are proud of our authentic, personalised care. It is a privilege for us to support our clients to live their lives as the fabulous and engaged individuals that they are. Events like Afternoon Delight provide the perfect opportunity to connect, relax and enjoy the community. We will be there to enjoy the afternoon with you and to answer any questions you may have around planning for your future health care needs."
Parkhill added: "We thank the NSW Seniors Festival for continuing to recognise the LGBTI community in their celebrations and we look forward to working more closely with a range of government and community organisations to help provide more opportunities for older LGBTI people in NSW."
---
F
