Ethos care. compassion. community.

In most cultures, 'elders' are revered and respected, however seniors in the LGBTQ community are often forgotten and overlooked. 2019 is the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and Wicked Queer celebrates 35 years of bringing LGBTQ films to Boston, it was a good time to recognize the lives and stories of LGBTQ seniors. The seniors amongst us are living history with voices to be heard, they are our 'elders' who paved the way for generations to follow, and lead us with powerful examples.

The Coming Back Out Ball Movie is an observational feature documentary that follows a group of older LGBTIQ+ people, who have been invited to attend a Ball celebrating their gender and sexual identity. Faced with the complexities of ageing and isolation, these extraordinary people seize each day with determination and humour. In a time that is rapidly changing for the LGBTIQ+ community around the world, we witness some of our cast experiencing acceptance and love for the very first time in their lives.

There are an estimated 2.4 million lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans over the age of 55. LGBTQ seniors are 5 times less likely to access social services than their heterosexual counterparts, half as likely to have health insurance coverage, and 10 times less likely to have a caretaker if they fall ill. In response to inequities in care, LGBTQ seniors turned to each other for a solution. Some organized to build retirement facilities; others worked within their cities to create a support network. Set against the backdrop of three unique retirement communities, "Before You Know It" traces a year in the lives and a lifetime of experiences of several gay seniors.