Thessaloniki Queer Arts Festival (TQAF) is a grassroots initiative that sets out to alter deeply entrenched misconceptions and prejudices toward the queer and LGBTQIA community through artistic and cultural practices. 

The festival was founded in 2018, and is led by a dedicated team of volunteers, including Tomas Diafas, Dominic Sylvia Lauren, Vassia Magoula, Evi Minou, Aristea Rellou, Annie Tsevdomaria and Magda Vaz, who endeavour to provide queer artists with a platform to investigate sociocultural phenomena relating to queer identities and experiences. TQAF has been formed through collaborations in which our team has collectively curated the festival programme.

The festival is driven by the belief that art has the power to open new avenues of communication as well as serve as a bridge between a diverse array of individuals and social groups. TQAF aims to foster dialogues and develop alternative methods for addressing social discrimination.

Thessaloniki is strategically located between the Balkans, Turkey and the Middle East, regions where LGBTQIA communities are often marginalised. As we develop strategies for addressing prejudice and resistance to queer inclusiveness in Greece, TQAF will serve as a political and inspirational link to neighbouring societies. As a breeding ground for queer discourse and artistic creation, we hope that the festival’s impact will extend beyond the borders of Greece.​