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Older members of the local LGBT community will be able to attend a social dance next weekend.

The LGBT Elders Social Dance will be held at Perth Theatre on Saturday, January 18, and is one of a series of events happening all over the country designed for the senior LGBT community.

The social dance is part of the year-long celebration across Scotland called The Coming Back Out Ball, which includes various social dances and conversations for older people who identify as LGBT.

These social gatherings began in Australia as a way to celebrate a generation who had been discriminated for years because of their sexuality.

According to recent figures, many LGBT people fear having to ‘return to the closet’ as they get older.

In previous years, older members of the LGBT community may have been fired from their jobs, rejected by their family and friends, and even imprisoned.

This is the first time this community project has been held outside of Australia.

Led by the National Theatre of Scotland, the event in Perth aims to get LGBT people making new friends, and celebrating the diverse community around them.

Perthshire Pride has said this is just one of a number of events it is looking forward to being a part of in 2020.

A spokesperson said: “We are excited that Perth is hosting an LGBT Elders social dance.

“It’s a fantastic event and is really open to all.

“We will be attending and we hope that the community of Perthshire and surrounding areas come along.

“Perthshire Pride holds regular LGBT social events in Perth.

“Our next event, in partnership with Get Fit and Fly, is a pole fitness taster session on Friday, January 10.

“Spaces are free but limited, so booking is essential.

“In January we are proud to offer something for everyone in the LGBT community.

“In the future we would like to expand and organise events in wider Perthshire.”

This comes after Sir Ian McKellen visited Perthshire Pride last year and spoke to the PA about the importance of supporting and celebrating older members of the LGBT community.

The social dance takes place at Perth Theatre from 2pm on Saturday, January 18 and is free to attend, however those interested in taking part in more of The Coming Back Out Ball social events can register their interest by contacting the National Theatre of Scotland on thecomingbackoutball@nationaltheatrescotland.com or by calling 0141 227 9013.