TIGLFF (The Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival) is one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ film festivals in the United States. Originally established as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Friends of the Festival, Inc., the organization evolved in the late 1990s into what is now known and celebrated as TIGLFF.

Founded through the collaboration of local grassroots organizations, TIGLFF has grown from a single weekend of screenings into a dynamic, year-round cultural presence in Tampa Bay. Over the past 35 years, the festival has showcased thousands of films that reflect the depth, diversity, and vibrancy of queer lives—originally hosted at the historic Tampa Theatre and venues across Tampa.

In 2005, programming expanded to include monthly screenings in both Tampa and St. Petersburg, making LGBTQ+ cinema more accessible throughout the region. Following the 2020 pandemic, TIGLFF embraced a virtual model to increase access and inclusion, and launched the Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival, a dedicated space for trans and gender-diverse storytelling.

As of 2025, TIGLFF continues to thrive through:

• Monthly screenings at Green Light Cinema (St. Petersburg)

• Annual multi-day festivals in both Tampa and St. Petersburg

• The Annual Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival

• Community events, filmmaker panels, and special programming year-round