For the third consecutive year, GLAAD teamed up with Frameline and NewFest—two of the nation’s premier LGBTQ+ film festivals—for the highly anticipated return of Cheers, Queers at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
This signature event celebrates the rich legacy and bold future of queer storytelling in cinema.
Taking place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Acura House of Energy, 550 Swede Alley, Park City, Cheers, Queers delivered a lively celebration and dynamic call-to-action to the industry and filmmakers. The event is presented in partnership with Acura and co-hosted by IMDbPro.
Founded by Alex Schmider (GLAAD), Allegra Madsen (Frameline), and David Hatkoff (NewFest), CHEERS, QUEERS continues the legacy of the Queer Brunch which was started 30 years ago at Sundance by PlanetOut.com co-founder Jenni Olson and Outfest executive director Morgan Rumpf in 1997.
The event created a designated place for LGBTQ filmmakers to convene and celebrate storytelling, and particularly Sundance’s leadership in supporting them. The list of attendees over the years reads as a who’s who of queer cinema, from Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Ira Sachs, Christine Vachon, Gregg Araki, Barbara Hammer, Alice Wu, Marcus Hu, Cheryl Dunye, B. Ruby Rich, Silas Howard, Zackary Drucker, Yance Ford, Andrew Ahn, Alan Ball, John Cooper, Chester Algernal Gordon and Elegance Bratton, Dave France, Robert Hawk, John Waters, Lesli Klainberg, Angela Robinson and Armistead Maupin.
In a joint statement, the three organizations shared about this year’s “Cheers, Queers”:
“Frameline, GLAAD, and NewFest are proud to reunite for the third annual Cheers, Queers celebration during Sundance’s final year in Park City. Our event is a continuation of the Queer Brunch tradition which started 30 years ago at Sundance, and has been celebrating LGBTQ storytellers ever since. At a time when our community, our stories, and our ability to freely and safely exist are under siege, we remain steadfast in our commitment to artists, and the promise of changing culture through our stories. As Sundance moves from Park City, it was important for us to honor the legacy of LGBTQ storytellers who have indelibly shaped this festival, and toast the next generation who will keep championing our stories and futures forward.”
At this year’s event, which featured a panel conversation with iconic filmmakers Christine Vachon and Cheryl Dunye, and emerging talents, the message from everyone on stage was clear: do not let this moment intimidate or inhibit your creativity and community building. Among those in attendance this year, Kim Reed, Kim Pierce, Sandi Dubowski, Brydie O’Connor, Nisha Ganatra, Karen Song, Jennie Livingston, Ryan White, Yvonne Welbon, Sav Rodgers, Beau J. Genot, Nik Dodani, and Jen Rainin.
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.
