Unity Jalal

Unity (she/her) found her passion for independent film during her college years after collaborating with the Civic Center at Florida State University to create a documentary short film that illuminated the issue of homelessness in Tallahassee, Florida. She believes that film as LGBTQ+ art exists as both entertaining media and a cultural statement, permanently etching LGBTQ+ works into the cultural lexicon for the community to connect with as a part of a broader conversation. Since volunteering as a film screener for the Transgender Film Festival from 2021-2024, that passion has continued to grow until joining TIGLFF as a board member in 2024, and serving as co-chair for the Trans Film Festival in 2025.

Unity actively participates in the LGBTQ+ community of Tampa and St. Petersburg, having founded Doll Dynasty, a social group for transgender women, and helping run Queer & Now Events of Tampa Bay, a constantly updated calendar of queer events in the Tampa Bay area.

When not at work or hanging out with friends, Unity enjoys reading library books, playing a video game, or watching a movie at home with her cats and chosen family. She loves tinkering with technology to complete repairs and upgrades.