Trans Athlete’s Debut Film ‘Pink Light’ to Premiere at Major LGBTQ+ Film Festival

The Cinema Diverse: Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival, recognized as one of the premier showcases for queer cinema, will feature the world premiere of ‘Pink Light,’ a deeply personal debut film by transgender athlete and first-time filmmaker Avery Jordan. The festival, running from September 18–28, 2025, annually brings together filmmakers and audiences to celebrate diverse LGBTQ+ stories and foster community dialogue, making it a fitting stage for Jordan’s evocative work .

'Pink Light’ follows the journey of a young transgender woman navigating the intersection of athletic ambition and personal authenticity. Drawing on Jordan’s own life as a competitive runner, the film explores themes of gender affirmation, familial acceptance, and the challenges transgender people face both on and off the field. “My goal was to tell a story that reflects the complexity and hope of our lives—not just our struggles,” Jordan said in a statement released ahead of the festival lineup announcement .

The film’s production involved a predominantly LGBTQ+ cast and crew, ensuring that the narrative was shaped by those with lived experience. According to festival director Michael Green, “This year’s program features artists who are pushing boundaries, and ‘Pink Light’ is a standout—honest, uplifting, and visually compelling. We’re proud to host its debut” .

Cinema Diverse, held annually in Palm Springs, has a reputation for highlighting global queer voices and stories that inspire change within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. The 2025 edition is set to feature an array of films centering underrepresented identities, with ‘Pink Light’ positioned as a centerpiece selection. The festival’s programming committee noted an increase in submissions from transgender filmmakers this year, reflecting a broader shift toward intersectional representation in queer media .

A spokesperson for the festival stated, “Authentic storytelling is at the heart of our mission. Films like ‘Pink Light’ not only break new ground artistically but also challenge audiences to see the fullness of trans lives” . This aligns with a growing movement among international LGBTQ+ film festivals, including the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival and Reeling: Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, both of which have expanded their platforms for transgender and nonbinary filmmakers in 2025 .

Jordan’s announcement has sparked excitement among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and sports organizations. “Visibility in both athletics and the arts remains critical for trans youth and adults alike,” said a representative from the National Center for Transgender Equality, noting how stories like Jordan’s offer hope and challenge persistent stereotypes . Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly supportive, with hashtags such as #PinkLightFilm and #TransStorytelling trending among queer communities on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) .

Film critics and activists point to ‘Pink Light’ as part of a broader cultural shift following a record number of transgender and gender-diverse films being programmed at festivals worldwide this season . The inclusion of trans athletes’ perspectives marks a significant evolution in both sports cinema and LGBTQ+ media, challenging narratives that have traditionally marginalized or erased transgender people.

Following its Palm Springs debut, ‘Pink Light’ is slated for screenings at other notable festivals, including the Reeling: Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival in September and Out on Film in Atlanta later this year . Jordan has expressed hopes that the film’s festival run will initiate further conversations about inclusion and belonging, particularly for transgender athletes who continue to face barriers in sports at all levels .

As anticipation builds for the opening night of Cinema Diverse, the film’s selection is being hailed as a win for authentic trans representation and a testament to the power of LGBTQ+ creators reclaiming their narratives.