Queer Lounge, the unique gay and
lesbian film networking event in Park City, Utah, returns for its
sixth consecutive year at the Sundance and Slamdance film festivals.
Organizers says this year's event will be more gay activism than
merrymaking.
That's because program sponsor the Gay
& Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is treading
lightly on the idea of having a boisterous party in the Mormon
stronghold of Utah.
Bloggers threatened to boycott Utah
during the heady days of protest that followed passage of
California's gay marriage ban on November 4. Their major grievance
was the unprecedented financial donations from members of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) that quite
possibly tipped approval of the anti-gay amendment. Californians
Against Hate, a group that publicized the Mormon involvement in the
measure, has filed a complaint that claims the Mormon church violated
California's Political Reform Act when it failed to report massive
non-monetary contributions to the Yes-on-8 campaign.
But while it appears the boycott has
failed to grow legs, Queer Lounge organizers are deferring to its
message.
This year's event, which begins January
15, includes expanded panels on the role films play in addressing
LGBT issues, including a panel on the cultural aftermath of
California's gay marriage ban.
“Some LGBT advocates have called for
withdrawing involvement from these film festivals in the wake of
Proposition 8,” said GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano, “but we
believe we must be there, be visible, and ensure the LGBT community
has a place to come together. To not do so would render the LGBT
community invisible at this critical entertainment industry
gathering, and nothing would make our adversaries happier.”
On Sunday, January 18, Oscar-winning
director Rob Epstein (The Times of Harvey Milk, Celluloid Closet)
will headline a panel titled LGBT Civil Rights, Film Activism &
Proposition 8. Panelists will discuss the influence of film on
the gay marriage debate.
“Our presence in
Park City plays an important role in raising visibility for films by
LGBT filmmakers and featuring LGBT content,” said Ellen Huang, the
founder and program director of Queer Lounge, in a statement. “These
works have the potential to spark dialogue and highlight issues
important to the LGBT community. The stories have a ripple effect
far beyond the borders of Park City and give film audiences a window
into the common ground we all share.”
On the Net: Queer
Lounge website is at www.queerlounge.org