Diverse and complex, South Florida’s LGBTQ community enjoys a full calendar throughout the year. The wide array of activities and events — from pool parties and bar crawls to educational conferences, charity balls and even long-distance cycling — reflect the varied tastes and interests of the audience. But as far as identity-based events go, the region’s well-established queer film festivals go beyond offering an alternative forum for watching cinema. People eagerly anticipate the cool after parties and beautiful scenery that mark an event that has also helped define and shape the local community. Festivalgoers — a smaller sampling of the broader LGBTQ community — gather to experience the culture and creativity. But they also go for the sheer entertainment provided by the films and the event itself, as after screenings, actors, screenwriters and directors often participate in panel discussions that provide wonderful insight. Those involved in filmmaking and movie lovers get the chance to connect as they explore the world of gay and lesbian cinema.

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