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.”

Afternoon Delight is a community event for LGBTI seniors and their friends – young and old. Screening are free but bookings are essential. See below for dates, locations and RSVP details. You can also register here.                                     

AFTERNOON DELIGHT 2018

Wagga Wagga
When: Saturday 7 April, 12.30pm – 4.00pm
Where: Museum of the Riverina Morrow Street & Baylis Street
Presented by ACON in association with Queer Screen and supported by NSW Seniors Festival.
RSVP: Tyson 0417 915 719 or tarapali@acon.org.au

Newcastle
When: Sunday 8 April, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Where: Tower Cinemas, 183 – 185 King Street
Presented by ACON in association with Queer Screen.
RSVP: Lisa 02 4962 7700 or hunter@acon.org.au

Lismore
When: Sunday 15 April, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Where: Birch Carroll & Coyle Crn Keen & Zodac Street
Presented by ACON in association with Queer Screen and supported by NSW Seniors Festival.
RSVP: Sioux 02 6622 1555 or northernrivers@acon.org.au

Katoomba
When: Saturday 21 April, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Where: Carrington Hotel, 15 – 47 Katoomba Street
Presented by ACON in association with Queer Screen.
RSVP: Tyson 0417 915 719 or tarapali@acon.org.au

Sydney
When: Sunday 22 April, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Where: Event Cinemas, 505 – 525 George St, Sydney
Presented by ACON in association with Queer Screen and supported by Uniting & Reliant Healthcare.
RSVP: Manjusha 02 9206 2107 or mmerrymaker@acon.org.au

Shellharbour
When: Sunday 29 April, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Where: The Roo Theatre Company Cnr Addison & Wentworth Street
Presented by ACON in association with Queer Screen and supported by Uniting.
RSVP: Tyson 0417 915 719 or tarapali@acon.org.au

Sawtell
When: Saturday 5 May, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Where: Majestic Cinema First Avenue
Presented by ACON in association with Queer Screen.
RSVP: Anabell 0409 680 836 or athoener@acon.org.au

ENDS

For more information please contact:

David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications

E: dalexander@acon.org.au   T: +61 (02) 9206 2044   M: +61 (0)428 477 042