By the time the doors to the Tampa Theater opened to the public on Oct. 5, Franklin street was packed with LGBTs and allies enjoying some tasty morsels from a line of food trucks. It was a new way to open the annual Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and it appeared to be very popular.
“This is great,” said Larry Biddle, executive director of TIGLFF. “It looks like everyone is enjoying themselves.”
The trucks offered tastes from around the globeâ┚¬â€Âfrom Asian fusion and veggie selections to traditional barbecue ribs and chicken sandwiches.
“Honestly, I typically arrive just before the movie starts on opening night,” admitted Linda Amaro, who lives in New Port Richey. “But when I heard about the food trucks I figured it was a great chance to try something new.”
Amaro was among several large lines that formed outside the trucks, positioned directly in front of the Tampa Theater. By the time the sun set, the theater was set ablaze with TIGLFF’s information and the SunTrust Bank building a few blocks away showcased a rainbow light show, which was acknowledged by Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, who spoke before the night’s first film, Elliot Loves, rolled.
“Isn’t [the SunTrust Building] just beautiful?” Castor asked the audience, which applauded in agreement. “I am so proud to be a part of this city and to be a part of this festival. I am honored to be here among friends, and especially, family.”
Castor is the first openly lesbian police chief in the City of Tampa’s history. And while she didn’t talk specifically about her sexuality, her family reference brought cheers, laughs and applause.
Also helping to open the 23rd TIGLFF was Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who spoke about celebrating diversity in the city and its impact on the local economy.
“Downtown is starting to come alive and Tampa is taking its place as a major U.S. city,” Buckhorn said. “It’s because we celebrate our citizens, our diversity and we were able to showcase that on a national stage this year.”
Buckhorn was referring to the Republican National Convention, which was held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in August. According to the mayor, the convention was the most watched event of the year, second only to the London Olympics.
“And put your political affiliations aside for a moment,” Buckhorn said. “The RNC gave us an opportunity to share who we are on a global scale. I didn’t agree with anything that was said inside of that building. But I appreciated them choosing our city for their convention.”
Also speaking on opening night were Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, who is up for re-election in November and received an endorsement from Buckhorn from the stage, and St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell. Both men are the first openly gay elected officials in their respective areas.
“Who would have thought 23 years agoâ┚¬â€Âheck, 10 years agoâ┚¬â€Âthat the cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa would compete to see who was the most gay-friendly first,” Kornell said. “But here we were, both moving forward to get domestic partnership registries going. Tampa got there first, which is fine. Both cities have a lot to be proud of.”
Beckner applauded Kornell and added that while Hillsborough County is a much more conservative area and consists of a much more conservative board than both nearby major cities, he was happy with the progress the county had made in 2012.
“This year, for the first time, Hillsborough County has a Diversity Board that includes the LGBT community and the issues facing us,” he said. “Hillsborough County is changing. Be patient and you will see changes continuing over the next few years.”
This year, TIGLFF shortened its annual festival to nine days. In previous years, it extended 11 days. The festival is still using facilities on both sides of Tampa Bayâ┚¬â€Âthe Tampa Theater and Muvico Baywalk in St. Petersburg and runs through Oct. 13. Nearly 100 filmsâ┚¬â€Âfeatures, documentaries and shortsâ┚¬â€Âwill be shown throughout the nine day event.
A closing night party, titled WRAPture, is scheduled for CZAR night club in Ybor City on Saturday, Oct. 13. For tickets and information, visit TIGLFF.com.
