Arizona Queer Film Access Initiative
When Arizona residents lost access to their LGBTQ+ film festival we stepped in and provided complimentary virtual access to NewFest37
When Phoenix’s Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival was forced to cancel its annual event — a direct result of the current administration’s executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs — Arizona lost critical access to queer stories.
NewFest refused to let that happen.
To ensure Arizona audiences don’t lose access to queer cinema, NewFest launched the Arizona Queer Film Access Initiative in collaboration with Desperado.
From October 9–21, 2025, Arizona residents received complimentary virtual access to a curated selection of films from NewFest’s 37th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival
“As the country’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival, we have a responsibility to show up when access to queer stories is threatened. We refuse to stand by in the face of attempts to silence queer voices.”
-David Hatkoff, NewFest Executive Director
“Desperado is very grateful for this opportunity presented by NewFest. We are adapting to new challenges, but our vision remains the same and we look forward to gathering again in 2026 to celebrate queer film, build community, and support LGBTQ+ artists and audiences.”
-Dale Heuser, co-coordinator of Desperado
We asked Arizona Residents why they are interested in getting virtual access. Read below what access means to them.
“Everything! Representation. Freedom.” – SG
“As a lesbian in my early 20’s, film is the most important aspect of media to me. Queer film in specific captures a unique essence of that shared experience all queer people have, no matter how vastly different we can be. It brings to light the most profound stories, ones that will never see the light of day through mainstream media. To have access to these projects that express the raw beauty and terror of life itself and existing as queer people is so important for not only queer people ourselves to have and hold and feel seen in, but for anyone who is searching to deeply understand life as a whole outside of their own perspective.” – Hannah Z.
“Having access to queer film means having the ability to see myself and queer friends like me celebrated and not vilified and ostracized in ways that keep our depression rates up and our morale down. Thank you for this opportunity to screen these films for free and for fighting back against the hate filled people that keep injustices rampant. I am a new fan and will also become a new donor.” – Roxi F.
“As a queer college professor who works with LGBTQ+ students, access to queer film means helping my students build connection with queer history and culture, which is especially important in a place like Arizona.” – David B.
“Representation! Art! Expression!” – Christina A.
“It means access to representation, positive models, and a deeper connection to the community.” – Nemanja D.
“Having chances to see queer, and especially genderfluid and non-binary representation as someone that is myself has become increasingly important, in years past it might not have been as important, but as the current government does what they can to further and further silence us, it becomes more important every passing day for us to become more present, and be aware of the media and people around us that do still support us in these difficult times.” – Andre
“It means feeling more connected to our community at a time when we are no longer valued or wanted. Aging and currently battling colorectal cancer, it’s an especially tough time. Connection in all forms plus distractions are most important. Thank you for this opportunity.” – Paul J.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to identify with my community centered around a love of movies and media. There are seemingly less opportunities to find healthy ways to connect and access to experiences like this have increased in importance to me. ” – Nicholas S.
“As a trans femme filmmaker, it is imperative for me to see my queer family reflected on screen. My first gender awakenings were watching Rocky Horror in high school and Paris is Burning in college. In a time where political forces are trying to wipe us out, it is more important than ever that we be seen.” – Ames S.
“The queer viewpoint is invaluable to everyone. That representation cannot disappear from our collective atmosphere, as it is making up equal parts of the air we breathe. We will suffocate without it. Queer representation must be preserved for the benefit of everyone, queer, straight, and folks in the future.” – Mary M.
“It means giving LGBTQ+ community access and a voice to be able to see and share LGBTQ+ stories. It gives LGBTQ+ writers, film makers, actors/actresses, and visionaries their own space in a world that isn’t always so welcoming and willing to open doors. It may also help those who might be struggling with who they are by letting them see that they aren’t alone. Representation does matter. It also gives LGBTQ+ community an opportunity to represent themselves in film the way they want to be seen and not how mainstream filmakers may choose to represent a characture or negative representative of the community or members of the community. ” – Jennifer D.
