Tampa – It may have well been the largest crowd ever for an opening night film at the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival on Friday, Sept. 4. More than 500 free tickets were issued for the film The Happy Sad. It’s the first time the festival had a free opening night screening, which many credit with creating a festive atmosphere in the historic Tampa Theatre that began with introductions from several local dignitaries, including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
When he was introduced, the crowd gave Buckhorn a standing ovation, much like it used to do for former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio. Buckhorn addressed changes in Tampa and his commitment to diversity.
“I am so lucky to be the mayor of a city that for a lot of reasons will lead this state out of the recession and lead the state to where it can be,” he said. “This is a city that celebrates diversity each and every day. This is not the end, this is just the beginning. This is the place that I think 10 years from now, you’re not going to recognize. And part of that is because of events like this.”
He went on to say that the LGBT community is making strides every day and is not “asking anyone for permission anymore.”
“And if it takes me crossing the bay to lead that parade, I’ll do it every year,” Buckhorn said, referencing his 2013 appearance at St. Pete Pride when St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster refused to participate.
“We are better together, stronger together, we are united and will take this country by storm,” Buckhorn concluded.
Also speaking to the enthusiastic crowd was Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, who also received a standing ovation. Castor attended the opening night film in full uniform and was accompanied by her partner and her son.
“Thank you for making me a part of this,” Castor said through the cheers and keeping things very short. “I am thrilled to see so many people here. Here’s to my people!”
One representative from St. Petersburg was on hand to welcome festival-goers. City Councilman Steve Kornell spoke to the crowd of the upcoming St. Petersburg elections and encouraged residents of that city to vote for Darden Rice and Amy Foster, two members of the LGBT community who are seeking seats on the city council. Both won their primary elections handily, and could conceivably be the second and third openly gay representatives to join Kornell on that council.
Kornell also talked about the importance of marriage equality in Florida.
“I was fortunate enough to be in Washington, D.C., the day the Supreme Court Decision came down (regarding Prop 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act),” he said. “That was an amazing experience. I’ll tell you this: I love my partner, Bobby, very much, but I’m determined that when we get married, it will be in my home state!”
Many attendees attended the “Orange Party” at The Vault a block away from the Tampa Theatre following the opening night film, where they were greeted with acrobatic performers, a DJ, and drink specials.
The 24th Annual TIGLFF runs through Saturday, Oct. 12, with screenings at both the Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa and at the Muvico Baywalk theater in downtown St. Petersburg.
For a full schedule or to purchase tickets to the closing night party at Martini Republic in Tampa, visit TIGLFF.com.
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