07/19/2026
What a night.
It's hard to put into words the impact of our biennial Reel Pride Film Festival.
We came together expecting to watch two incredible films. Instead, we shared stories, built new friendships, had difficult conversations, laughed together, and reminded ourselves why community matters.
One of the greatest privileges of the evening was spending time with Regan Latimer, creator of BulletProof: A Lesbian's Guide to Surviving the Plot, and with Daniel and his family from The Dads. We were also honored to welcome Daniel's grandmother, who still calls Tucson home while Daniel and his family now live in Spain after seeking safety from political persecution.
Moments like these remind us that these aren't just stories on a screen. They're lived experiences. They're families. They're our neighbors. And sometimes, they're people sitting in the seat right next to us.
To everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, shared a post, bought a ticket, or simply believed this festival was worth building—thank you. You made this possible.
A very special thank you goes to our sponsors:
💜 Pioneer Title Agency
💜 Southern Arizona Senior Pride
💜 Shine Bright Consulting
💜 Centra Realty
💜 Pima Community College
Your support didn't just fund an event. You invested in conversation. You invested in visibility. Most importantly, you invested in people.
As I looked around the room throughout the evening, I saw something that gave me a lot of hope. We weren't all the same. Different ages. Different backgrounds. Different identities. Different perspectives. Yet for a few hours, none of that mattered as much as our shared willingness to listen to one another and celebrate intersectionality.
I think that's where real change starts.
The work doesn't end when the credits roll.
There are still people in our communities who are fighting every day simply to be treated with dignity, respect, and humanity. We all have a choice. We can stay silent, or we can choose to listen a little longer, learn a little more, have one more conversation, and stand beside those whose voices are too often ignored.
Advocacy isn't reserved for activists. It's something each of us can practice in our own circles, through our actions, our conversations, and the organizations we choose to support.
Thank you for believing that stories can change hearts.
Thank you for proving that community is still one of the most powerful forces we have.
This festival may be over, but the work—and the hope—continue.
🏳️🌈❤️
