These days it seems that just about every city in America has its very own LGBT film festival, so it’s easy to forget the time when these events were rare and acted as powerful statements meant to raise awareness and give an audience to our community’s many voices. They allowed us to see our lives portrayed on screen, for the first time, in a true and accurate way.

Now that plans have been announced for Side By Side the first ever international Russian lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender film festival, we are again reminded of the effect such events can have to affect change.

In a country that has made headlines for its mistreatment of LGBT citizens as recently as May of this year, when a peaceful demonstration for gay rights in Moscow ended in violence (for the second time), this announcement offers a glimmer of hope to the gay community in Russia that they may be gaining ground in the fight for acceptance. Much more than simple entertainment, such an event has the possibility to change minds and bring some much needed attention to their struggle.

Says festival organizer Irina Sergeeva:

This is a landmark event for lesbian and gay culture in Russia. We want to raise public awareness about lesbian and gay life and confront those very prejudices that permeate through our society. We hope that the Side by Side film festival will lead to a fruitful dialogue with the public at large, stimulating positive debate and in turn engendering greater understanding and broader acceptance of those who live a lifestyle considered 'different' from the preconceived norms.

Here’s hoping that the event is able to get off the ground and will be able to stand up to the protests that will undoubtedly erupt when word gets out to the country’s substantial anti-gay population.

The Side By Side International Film Festival is to be held on October 2nd through 5th in Saint Petersburg. The official website offers information on submitting films for screening consideration as well as a Paypal account where donations can be made to support the festival.