OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival is inviting South Florida’s LGBTQ+ community to join it in a war for queer visibility. The film festival has been a beacon of queer visibility for over two decades, and this call for support comes amid a disturbing rise in attacks on rainbow crosswalks that are symbols of pride and solidarity that have recently been vandalized in the region.
In the email, organizers stated, “OUTshine was born in a moment like this…A time when queer people were under attack. When visibility felt dangerous. When creating space for LGBTQ+ stories wasn’t just bold—it was necessary. And that moment is back.”
Festival leaders warn of mounting political pressure, shrinking arts funding, and deliberate efforts to silence cultural spaces including Outshine Film Festival.
OUTshine’s mission remains clear: telling queer stories, creating safe spaces, and lighting up dark theaters with truth, laughter, tears, and pride. But sustaining that mission now requires renewed community investment. A new matching grant from the Warten Foundation offers a chance to raise $100,000 to secure OUTshine’s future. The campaign recalls a pivotal moment 21 years ago, when Patrick Ward’s generosity helped raise $150,000 to save the festival, ensuring it would thrive for decades. Organizers stress that becoming a member, or upgrading an existing membership, directly strengthens LGBTQ+ visibility at a time of such uncertainty.
The statement read, “They may try to erase our RAINBOW CROSSWALKS, but they will never erase our SHINE! The future is full of uncertainty. Your support will help protect OUTshine, so no matter what happens, we never have to cancel or go dark when our community needs us most.”
Outshine is facing severe attack and as a non profit, it is in great need. The festival lost its Executive Director this Summer. Sources close to the festival express that there is growing concern that this could be the last festival and not return in 2026 if there is not significant community support. A source close to the festival who asked to not be named told Queer News Tonight Executive Producer Al Ferguson
“There is great concern about the future of Outshine with the political nature we are seeing in Florida. Sponsorships are much more difficult because of the fear of association with LGBTQ organizations… The same is happening in arts funding grants to LGBTQ cultural arts organizations…. This fall will be a make or break for this LGBTQ film festival in South Florida in 2026.”
The Fall Outshine Film Festival has never needed more support. It returns to Fort Lauderdale October 16 to 23 and Miami October 24 to 26.
More information about the Wharton donation match, membership and Producer Circle opportunities and festival tickets are available at OutshineFilm.com.
