Celebrating 20 straight years of queer cinema, the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival opened Thursday evening with a chic reception, red carpet entrance to Tampa Theatre and the first of nearly 100 movies to be shown from now through Oct. 18.

That's Princess Di and me with the red carpet's effervescent emcee Sterling Powell, doing his usual fabulous job making everyone feel like honest-to-goodness stars. Di is practicing her Madame Toussaud's pose, just in case. (Thanks to my buddy Bob Shackelford for the shot)

Twenty years is a long time to make anything happen these days, especially an event like the TIGLFF that began in much less tolerant times. It was a theme and a time often mentioned by a series of pre-movie speakers -- including Tampa mayor Pam Iorio, who got a standing ovation and loud encouragement to run for governor.

A few choice comments -- political, nostalgic and humorous -- from of the evening:

"Who would have thought there would come a time when things like Will & Grace is a part of history? You see it on late-night television now in reruns. It really speaks volumes to the courage that those people had 20 years ago, to start this event and bring it all this way... Tonight is not the end of the journey; it's just a pinpoint on the journey, one that will take us well into the next 20 years". -- Chuck Henson, TIGLFF executive director.

"We claimed a place at the table. We made clear that were are absolutely determined to be a part of the fabric of the community, and to participate vigorously in political, social and cultural life... It has now been two decades since we planted a rainbow flag in this majestic theater." -- Keith Roberts, co-founder of the festival, speaking about the festival's origins.

"Who was here 20 years ago? You'll remember the (Ku Klux) Klan outside on the mall in full regalia. We made fun of them because their belts did not match their shoes." --  Mark Puig, co-founder of the festival.

"So many people have dreams and high hopes for our community. I'll share one of those with you tonight:

"When we celebrate our 25th anniversary (of the festival) that whole entire row is going to be filled with elected leaders embracing this film festival. By our 35th anniversary, we'll have at least the first three rows filled with public officials embracing our community. By the time we reach our 50th anniversary, this whole entire theater will be filled with public officials, the gay community, the straight community embracing the diversity this community and this film festival brings...

"May we continue to grow into a more accepting community where each individual will be respected and honored for the person that he or she is, and not any other characteristics." -- Hillsborough County commissioner Kevin Beckner

And the evening's best joke:

"Drag is when gay men wear what lesbians won't." -- Steve Kmetko, entertainment reporter and host of the anniversary tribute.