Outfest Embraces Queer Filmworkers Union Amidst Staff Layoffs and Drama
Outfest's Board of Directors has chosen to formally recognize the Queer Filmworkers United (QFU) as a union of their organization, as announced by up-and-coming acting executive director, Zackery Alexander Stephens. This move comes amidst a 45-day leave of absence by executive director Damien S. Navarro. Stephens expressed the board's enthusiastic support for this decision, emphasizing the essential role labor unions have played in backing the organization.
During a special board meeting, Outfest board co-president, Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, disclosed the decision to recognize QFU as a union. The board extended their appreciation towards the patience the staff exhibited during the time needed to arraign a voting session. With their organization being vehemently pro-union, the members are eager to support their staff's right to unionize, signifying their readiness to accept them into the bargaining fold as they observe the advance of Outfest's mission to amplify LGBTQIA+ narrators.
However, amidst the wave of unionization, turmoil has struck the organization in the form of sudden departures and layoffs. Earlier this year, staffers learned of Navarro's marked exit from Outfest, seemingly expedited by the surge of unionization efforts. Layoffs in conjunction with the executive director's 'temporary' exit including Director of Artist Development Martine McDonald and Senior Programming Coordinator Gabi Grossman, amplify the existing tension in the organization. Outfest asserts a distinction between the union activity and layoffs, attributing the redundancy to the economic strain endured during a year of consecutive strikes.
Naturally, a story such as this prompts a response. Indeed, a spokesperson for Queer Filmworkers United delivered an official statement following the board's decision. Despite the initial gratification surrounding Outfest's choice to recognize QFU, the union's acknowledgment can't be fully embraced without the Board's documented endorsement of their Mission Statement.
Consequently, one can't help but raise an eye-brow towards the 'financial constraints' leading to layoffs, coincidentally dismissing those championing for unionization. As the curtain of creative endeavour lifts, the backstage reality apparently enacts a different drama.
Outfest, initially conceived by UCLA students in 1982, has long functioned as a beacon for equality by generating, circulating and safeguardening queer and trans narratives via the silver screen. Amidst the current ripples within the organization, one thing seems certain - Outfest's show must go on.
The annual Legacy Awards, Outfest's largest fundraising event, is scheduled for October 22nd, with Shirley MacLaine and Trace Lysette set to be honored at NeueHouse in Hollywood. We can only speculate if the dynamics of the organization will play out 'behind the scenes', but it is sure to keep us on our proverbial seat's edge.
It seems slightly ironic that an organization devoted to sharing complex narratives is itself entangled in a dramatic plot twist, yet that's Hollywood for you, never short on unforeseen twists and turns, light nor shadow. So, pull up your seats, folks, as the reel unspools… We're in for yet another gripping plotline right here in Tinseltown.
