New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival Offers Free Virtual Access to Arizonans After Trump’s Executive Orders Force Phoenix Festival Shutdown

Following the cancellation of Phoenix’s beloved Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival due to executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, the New York-based NewFest has announced a landmark initiative to ensure Arizona’s LGBTQ+ community retains access to queer stories and representation. The 37th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, set for October 9–21, 2025, will provide free virtual access to Arizona residents, allowing them to engage in the festival’s diverse slate of films from the comfort and safety of their homes .

The Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival, long a cornerstone of Arizona’s queer arts scene, was forced to shut down this year after Maricopa Community College, its host institution, discontinued support in response to federal executive orders signed by Donald Trump. These orders, which have curtailed DEI programs in educational and public spaces, effectively erased the infrastructure that enabled Desperado to operate .

The abrupt cancellation of Desperado left many in Arizona’s LGBTQ+ community without an essential annual event for connection, cultural expression, and advocacy. Dale Heuser, co-coordinator of the festival, expressed deep concern for the loss, noting that it “represented much more than movies—it was a safe haven, a platform for emerging voices, and a celebration of queer lives” .

Determined to counteract what it described as “attempts to silence queer voices,” NewFest quickly partnered with Desperado to launch the Arizona Queer Film Access Initiative . This program will offer Arizona residents complimentary access to a curated online library of films from NewFest’s upcoming festival, including all 100+ short films and a broad selection of features representing the diversity of LGBTQ+ experiences .

David Hatkoff, Executive Director of NewFest, emphasized the organization’s commitment: “As the country’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival, we have a responsibility to show up when access to queer stories is threatened. We refuse to stand by in the face of attempts to silence queer voices” .

The festival’s virtual offering will be available exclusively to Arizona residents, who can sign up for free access through NewFest’s official website. Details about the specific films included and redemption instructions will be released prior to the festival’s opening .

The Desperado cancellation comes amid a broader national trend of legislative and executive actions targeting DEI programs. Trump’s executive orders, reinstated following his return to office, have led to the reduction or elimination of DEI offices, scholarships, and events in public institutions across several states, with Arizona emerging as a flashpoint after the Maricopa Community College system’s decision to terminate its DEI programs .

Advocates warn that such measures disproportionately harm marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ people, by weakening institutional support, eroding safe spaces, and curtailing access to culturally relevant programming. For many, film festivals like Desperado serve not only as entertainment but as affirming environments where queer narratives can be seen, heard, and celebrated without fear .

The decision by NewFest to expand virtual access was widely praised by LGBTQ+ leaders, filmmakers, and activists. Many highlighted the move as a powerful example of community solidarity and creative resistance in the face of political setbacks.

Dale Heuser, Desperado’s co-coordinator, described the initiative as “a lifeline for queer Arizonans who have lost one of their few platforms for authentic self-expression” .

For filmmakers, the opportunity to reach Arizona audiences is especially significant. “Visibility is vital,” said one participating director, “and this outreach means queer stories from around the world will still be accessible, even when local institutions falter” .

From October 9 through October 21, 2025, Arizona residents can register online to stream a wide array of films, from international features to experimental shorts and documentaries spotlighting the lived experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people. All films are curated to reflect the intersectional realities of LGBTQ+ communities, including stories centering youth, elders, people of color, disabled queer people, and other underrepresented voices .

The virtual platform is designed for accessibility, providing closed captioning, audio description where available, and flexible viewing options to accommodate viewers across Arizona’s urban and rural communities. Organizers also plan to host virtual Q&A sessions, filmmaker panels, and community discussions tailored for Arizona participants .

As legislative and executive challenges to DEI and LGBTQ+ programming continue to unfold, advocates say the fight for inclusive cultural spaces is far from over. NewFest’s action is seen as a model for how national and local organizations can collaborate to bridge gaps and ensure that queer voices remain visible and accessible.

“We will not be erased,” said Hatkoff. “Queer cinema is more than art—it is testimony, memory, and a call to action. When one door closes, we must open another, together” .

Registration for free access to NewFest37 is now open to all Arizona residents at newfest.org/arizona. The organizers encourage anyone affected by the Desperado shutdown to participate, reaffirming their commitment to “keeping queer stories alive and thriving, no matter the political climate” .