The Dirt:
Movies and television are likely to be Americans’ main source of entertainment as the nation attempts to pull itself out of a financial freeze. While the main film festivals have passed, any New York or Los Angeles resident knows there are always more film festivals. Enter the gay lesbian cinema sector. Why GLBTQ (gay lesbian bisexual transgender and questioning) films? Movies and television are a private way for people to deal with certain issues. Why not see the world through other eyes, walk in someone else’s shoes and deal with issues on your own time, in a setting that is not intimidating. Check out the remaining gay lesbian film festivals in 2008, in places that may surprise you.

First up is the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival starting next week, running from October 2 and running through October 12. Around the end of Tampa, the small upstate New York city of Rochester hosts its annual Rochester Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival from October 10 through October 19. This one is likely to shake the sleepy town thanks to its drag party. Produced by ImageOut, the company also has charitable projects that encourage the use of film as a means to focus on issues bothering youth and to spotlight the lives of GLBTQ individuals. One week later, the Pacific Northwest has its day, with the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, which runs October 17 through October 26, culminating with a closing party featuring Elvira. Among its sponsors are every type of brand from international hotel companies to the ubiquitous Whole Foods to HIV/AIDS nonprofits, arts companies, airlines and big retailers including Macy’s.

One of the least likely place you’d expect a GLBTQ festival is in Connecticut, but the state Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is alive and running. Featured movies range from comedies to one about growing up intersex. Back in the heartland, the Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival comes a few weeks before Thanksgiving, running from November 6 to November 16. One of the oldest in the country, it boasts big sponsors including Showtime and The L Word and Blue Moon beer.