It was with great sadness that Mature Age Gays MAG lost our Founder Steve Ostrow in the early hours of Sunday morning 4th February ’24  aged 90. 

MAG President Steve Warren said “We are very grateful for the legacy of MAG that Steve left us. Steve’s loss will leave a big hole in our heart but he will never be forgotten as MAG continues to provide a valuable service as SteveO set it up to be.  Steve was a champion in the LGBTQ+ Community and he was also influential on law & discrimination changes in New York & the USA during the Stonewall riots era in NY.”

Steve’s management of the ‘Continental Baths’ gay sauna catapulted the careers of many stars including Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, & Australia’s own Peter Allen. Steve had a pioneering role in the Music field. 

We were blessed with a visit to Australia chasing one of Steve’s other passions being Opera, that Steve decided to resettle here in Sydney, Australia. On one of Steve’s Birthdays 31yrs ago he formed Mature Age Gays (MAG Sydney Inc) to meet an ever growing need for support for often isolated & discriminated mature age gays. 

Jeff Anderson from the US Embassy in Canberra said “I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Steve Ostrow. He was such an important person for so many people and such an inspiration for the entire LGBT+ movement.”

At Sunday’s Mardi Gras Briefing Director Louis Hudson said “In the tapestry of our community, Steve Ostrow OAM wove threads of acceptance, love, and unity. As the founder of MAG Sydney, he created a haven for older gay men to connect and celebrate life both here in Sydney and around Australia. Steve’s legacy is not just an organisation but a testament to the enduring spirit of community inclusivity. We are forever grateful for his contributions, we honor him, and may his journey beyond be as vibrant as the community he nurtured. Rest in Pride dearest Steve, your impact will continue to resonates in the hearts of many.” 

As we look to our Future this Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras season, “MAG’s future is your future”. The importance of support for mature age members of our community will continue to grow & provide an important service. 

MAG was also very grateful for the loving care that Mary Elizabeth-Croft gave Steve over many years & for the care from St Luke’s Lullworth House  Elizabeth Bay.

Steve Ostrow will be greatly missed!! 💜🧡

-MATURE AGE GAYS (Sydney Inc)