A local LGBT screen and education organization is being headed up by a familiar face. 

Out on Screen executive director Stephanie Goodwin announced on March 11 that she would be leaving her position, after five years, by the end of June to embark upon various projects. Out on Screen presents the annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival and Out in Schools, which offers presentations and screenings about LGBT topics at schools throughout B.C.

After a national search for a successor to Goodwin, Brandon Yan, who had been named deputy executive director in December 2018 and subsequently became the interim executive director, has been named the organization’s new executive director.

Yan was also previously the education director for Out in Schools.

The announcement comes just before the organization’s 32nd annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival kicks off online on Thursday (August 13).

The opening gala film, Pier Kids, a documentary about homeless Black queer and trans youth in New York City, followed by a party hosted by none other than local drag queen extraordinaire Symone Says, reflects the organization’s commitment to standing in solidarity with Black communities.

With the timely theme “Still Here”, the festival lineup, overseen by artistic director Anoushka Ratnarajah, will offer over 60 international films, workshops, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, panels, and parties until August 23 when the festival will close with the queer Muslim romantic comedy Breaking Fast. Full details are available online.