A New Era for Sarasota's LGBTQ+ Community: Film, Art, and finally, a Home!

Sarasota’s cultural and LGBTQ+ landscape is experiencing a transformative year, marked by two significant milestones: the opening of the new LGBTQ+ Center in the Limelight District and the 2024 Fabulous Independent Film Festival (Fab-IFF). Both are spearheaded by Shannon Fortner, a relentless advocate for queer arts and inclusivity. These dual projects highlight Fortner’s vision for a more supportive, creative, and connected LGBTQ+ community in Sarasota.
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A Vision for Film and Representation
The 2024 Fabulous Independent Film Festival is set to run from October 4–6 at the historic Burns Court Cinema. This year’s lineup promises a bold selection of films that not only entertain but challenge societal norms and explore the depths of LGBTQ+ identity, belonging, and resilience.
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Opening the festival is Desire Lines, a feature film that delves into the unpredictability of life and love, paired with the short film You Are, which explores themes of self-acceptance. Another standout is Queen of My Dreams, a multi-generational tale of identity and family, accompanied by the short A Bird Hit My Window and Now I'm A Lesbian.​ (HappeningNext)​(CGIII).
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In addition to an impressive lineup of films, the Fabulous Independent Film Festival will feature a special screening of Leap of Truth, a short documentary directed by Ken Sons. The film follows the inspiring journey of Jay Moore, a transgender activist, as he navigates personal struggles and societal barriers to embrace his authentic self. A proud board member of the Fabulous Arts Foundation and the star of the documentary, Jay will also host a Q&A session after the screening on Sunday, Oct 6th to discuss the film’s powerful message of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of living authentically. Leap of Truth offers an unflinching look at the strength it takes to overcome challenges, and the Q&A promises to be an insightful and engaging conversation for festival attendees.
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​For fans of relationship dynamics, Throuple, a story of love, jealousy, and boundaries in a three-person relationship, is set to captivate viewers, preceded by the short 11 Block to Go: The Bet. Another highlight is Summer Qamp, a documentary about LGBTQ+ summer camps, paired with the short Pink Walls, which reflects on the intersection of art and identity​ (CGIII).

The festival also boasts a diverse range of short films, with blocks dedicated to amplifying trans voices. Films like Trans Heaven, Pennsylvania and Seat 31 Zooey Zephyr highlight the struggles and triumphs of the trans community​(HappeningNext)​(CGIII).

For those looking to experience all that the 2024 Fabulous Independent Film Festival has to offer, you have two options. You can purchase a Film Pass for $45, which grants access to all the films throughout the festival, or you can opt for a "pay-as-you-go" approach, with individual tickets available for just $8 per screening for students, and $12 for general admission. Whether you're a die-hard film lover or just looking to catch a couple of standout features, there’s flexibility to fit your schedule. To purchase your Film Pass or individual tickets, visit Eventbrite here.

Board member, Carlos B, putting together donated tables for the new LGBTQ+ Center.

​Opening the Doors to Safety and Community
Coinciding with the film festival is the highly anticipated opening of Sarasota’s new LGBTQ+ Center. Located in the heart of the Limelight District, the center is the culmination of years of community-building by Fortner and their team at the Fabulous Arts Foundation. Designed to be more than just a physical space, the center will offer a wide array of services aimed at supporting the mental, emotional, and creative needs of Sarasota's LGBTQ+ population.

The space, which will have its soft opening on September 27, comes at a critical time. As Fortner notes, the increasing number of anti-LGBTQ+ laws nationwide has left many in the community feeling isolated and vulnerable. The new center is a direct response to this climate of fear, offering mental health resources, art therapy, and a sober space for individuals in recovery. The long-term vision includes expanding services to provide even more support as the center grows into its second phase​.

"With the LGBTQ+ Center, we want to create a place where people of all ages and identities can feel safe, heard, and seen," says Fortner. The center will host everything from art workshops and gardening classes to clinician-led therapy sessions, ensuring there’s something for everyone who walks through its doors. For Fortner, the goal is clear: to foster community, healing, and belonging during an era marked by political and social uncertainty​.

More than anything, the new LGBTQ+ Center needs the community's support to fully realize its mission. After 14 years of holding space and creating platforms, the center now has a physical home—a vibrant, grounding space designed to heal, inspire, and uplift. But to make this vision a lasting reality, donations and volunteers are essential. Your contributions will help fund vital programming, mental health services, and creative outlets that reflect the diverse spirit of our community. Whether through financial support or sharing your time and talents, you’ll be helping to create a safe haven where everyone feels valued and empowered. Join us in building a beacon of hope and inspiration for Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ community. Together, we can ensure this center continues to thrive as a place for connection, growth, and healing. For more information CLICK HERE.

​Uniting Art, Advocacy, and Action
Both the film festival and the new LGBTQ+ Center are part of Fortner's broader vision for a more inclusive Sarasota. Through their leadership at the Fabulous Arts Foundation, they continue to bring together artists, activists, and everyday citizens in a shared mission to create spaces where LGBTQ+ voices are not only welcomed but celebrated.

"The arts have always been a way to empower and uplift our community," Fortner reflects. "With the opening of the LGBTQ+ Center and this year's film festival, we're taking another step toward ensuring everyone feels they have a place where they belong. And with new, diverse leadership joining the Fabulous Arts Foundation, we are more excited than ever to see what we can accomplish"

Sarasota's LGBTQ+ community is stronger than ever, and with these two transformative initiatives launching this fall, Fortner is proving once again that art, film, and advocacy are powerful tools for change.