Empowering LGBTI Elders & promoting healthy LGBTI Ageing | alicesgarage.net
Pride means to be able to walk in public with confidence and head held high. To be able to say ‘I’m a gay man’ in conversation with strangers. To listen to and acknowledge the journeys travelled by the elders who have paved the way for this life we lead
My message to men who were unjustly convicted is thank you for paving the way to allow for the lives we lead. Keep telling your stories even to those who don’t listen. Your stories are part of our history.
Pride means being proud of who I am despite my differences. That I am just as worthy as everyone else. That I have just as much positivity, life, and energy to contribute to the world as everyone else. That I want to leave the world a little bit better off for those I leave behind, especially LGBTIQ people, other minorities and the Planet
My message to men who were unjustly convicted is thankyou for being who you are, for having the incredible courage to be visible in an oppressive, homophobic world, for having the internal strength to pave the way for the next generation of LGBTIQ people and making our lives a lot easier. We are eternally grateful xx
What’s changed? Shit’s gotten way better in my life time but we’ve got a way to go. Get out of the way bitches! Who run da world? Homos
My mask, entitled Breaking Out, symbolises the gay struggle. The inner yellow is the egg yolk, the shells represent the barriers we face, which is slowly splitting and breaking apart. The outward eyes show that, despite out challenges, we are looking outwards and forwards.
Pride means I can be the person I really am, quite independent of the societal commentators on how one should think concerning one’s sexuality. To be relaxed as to how I conduct myself as a gay man in everyday activities. To feel at home with the human race in the uniqueness of each life.
My message to gay and bisexual men who were unjustly charged is to simply move on with your life and don’t try to seek approval for the person you are. Experience shows that those who don’t seek approval are the very ones who receive most approval. Seek friends, acquaintances and groups which accept and love you for the person you are. In conversations, always look people in the eye to assert your own approval because there is nothing to be ashamed of.
From us being looked upon as deviant and immoral by society, government, the churches and police, to tolerance and acceptance, gay and bisexual men have been involved with television programs, movies, education and politics. They’ve had a big influence on fashion design and for men the introduction of smart slim fit clothing and body jewellery which has caught on in a big way in the straight world. These changes came as Australia has moved towards being a secular society where the influence of religious traditions has been greatly diminished and many people make their assessments from other sources. Its only in recent times that the presence of gay and bisexual men has made impact on the powers of government and authorities. The LGBTI’s Pride March has been participated in by federal and state parliamentarians, the armed services and the police force. These changes of attitudes are not ubiquitous, there are still many people who cannot come to be open to new ideas in a progressive society
My mask has a group of soldiers ready to obey orders but as individuals they have minds of their own. Some will be gay and have infatuations of love and desire for each other. They would love to embrace in the bushes but they know being gay is forbidden and such feelings are supressed. The letters FRS+P represent my fears of my sexual feelings (F). (R) represents the risks I have taken in the process. (S) represents the guilt and shame I’ve experienced due to my religious teachings and the attitudes towards homosexuality. (P) represents the pride I now feel having broken down these barriers. I’ve shown a smiling mouth.
Pride means to me being able to live my life true to myself, having true friends around me, gay, bi, straight. Being able to feel comfortable with all my friends as a gay man and Drag Queen. The total acceptance of family and friends of who I am. Doing my best to pass on advice of my life and give as many hugs as possible. Help younger and older LGBTIQ family
My message to Stay Strong. As hard as it is, try to come to terms with this issue. There is help out there for you all. And remember – you are loved. We will always pay tribute to everyone who suffered these injustices
The mask I made today encompasses me as a gay man, having come out at the age of 15 I have seen a lot of changes – some good and some not. But we are family. We are loved. Hugs to the World.
Toni Paynter is a much loved Trans Elder in her 70s who has never made a film before – but made this film to share her life story. Well done and thank you Toni
The National LGBTI Health Alliance wants to hear from LGBTI elders (65+) about ways to assist LGBTI Elders and Older people to easily identify aged care service providers who deliver LGBTI inclusive services. The attached survey is confidential, has 5 questions and the recommendations will be considered within the context of the new Single Quality Framework Standards developed for aged care by the Department of Health.
The thing I love most about my life right now is getting to be my authentic self, day to day. I have really grown into myself, despite not having any sense of self or direction when I was younger. I feel a responsibility to do what I can in my time here to aid the progress of trans rights and acceptance, for every LGBTI kid yet to come who would benefit from community and representation.
Meeting a stranger, while having my appearance, is daunting. I have no idea from first glance what they will even know about transgender people or gender diversity, or how they feel about it. With kids, it’s different. Most kids, given the opportunity, are straightforward, and just ask about my appearance. I don’t have a problem with that, and I normally give an equally honest reply, that it makes me happy.
I had no expectations coming into the workshop apart from hopefully meeting and connecting with trans and gender diverse people out of my age group, the actual activity of preserving of fruit and vegetables in jars very much secondary, but enjoyable. We were paired, and my partner Brenda suggested granny smith apples and blueberries, both which I love, so we got to work. After the apples were peeled, we put them in boiling water to soften, to then be cut up for our jars. The apples made a snug fit in the pot, and as they floated and jostled in the water, I was reminded of a short conversation.
A few friends of mine, their brother and I had a wonderful day out at a waterpark, and when we tired of the rides, we sat on inflatable donuts and floated around the lazy river. A six-year-old was fueding with my friend’s little brother, but when they finished splashing and chasing each other, she came up to us. She asked why my nails were painted and I said they made me happy. She nodded and then asked if I was a girl. I said yes, she nodded again and then paddled away. I am always amazed at how quickly kids understand. Interactions like this comfort me, and fill me with hope for our future.
