WHEREAS, qFLIX Philadelphia is the largest LGBTQ+ film festival in mid-Atlantic region; and
WHEREAS, qFLIX Philadelphia was founded in 2014 to fill the void left by the defunct Qfest Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Qfest, previously known as the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, had been in operation since 1995 and grew into one of the largest LGBTQ+ festivals of its kind in the United States; and
WHEREAS, qFLIX Philadelphia is an 8-day festival that showcases independent, national, and international LGBTQ+ films in an unfiltered and open environment to highlight the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals; and
WHEREAS, qFLIX says such films, “inspire the imagination and encourages the journey of discovery and acceptance by both the ever-growing region’s LGBTQ+ and the mainstream communities”; and
WHEREAS, qFLIX Philadelphia screenings and festivals have traditionally been hosted at premier venues along the Avenue of the Arts, such as the Kimmel Center and the Susanne Roberts Theatre; and
WHEREAS, qFLIX USA - a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the parent organization of qFLIX Philadelphia - also runs an LGBTQ+ film festival in Worcester, Massachusetts, named qFLIX Worcester, New England’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival; and
WHEREAS, In response to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, qFLIX USA created two 30-day virtual, on-demand, LGBTQ+ film festivals, “PrideFLIX” and “qFLIX XL,” to carry on festivities in accordance with public health guidelines; and
WHEREAS, PrideFLIX ran throughout pride month in June, while qFLIX XL combined qFLIX Philadelphia and qFLIX Worcester festivities into one event that featured over 117 films, documentaries, and web series; and
WHEREAS, qFLIX 2021 events will be held both as in-person and virtually festivals, kicking off with PrideFLIX from June 1-30, qFLIX Philadelphia from September 26 - October 3, qFLIX Worcester from November 3-7, and qFLIX XL from November 7-30; and
WHEREAS, qFLIX USA, like many non-profit organizations, relies on social media to effectively disseminate pertinent information and updates to the public; and
WHEREAS, Facebook, however, recently disabled the qFLIX Worcester page. When qFLIX USA contacted Facebook to resolve the dispute, Facebook accused the organization of promoting the sale of prescription pharmaceuticals. qFLIX USA denies the allegation but remains locked out of the account following a declined appeal; and
WHEREAS, qFLIX festivals are an outstanding opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals to see their diverse experiences on the big screen, and to inform and educate the public of the many struggles, triumphs, and contributions of LGBTQ+ people; and
WHEREAS, As the organization enters its seventh year of service, we must ensure that qFLIX festivals may continue to thrive and expand their reach in the years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes qFLIX Philadelphia - the largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the mid-Atlantic region - and its parent organization qFLIX USA, and calling on Facebook to unlock the organization’s qFLIX Worcester account.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to James Duggan, President of qFLIX USA, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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