The Board of Queer Screen has announced the appointment of Jessica Liley (she/her) and Mike Whalley (he/him) as Co-Chairs, working with CEO Benson Wu and the team to deliver outstanding queer film festivals and strengthen the organisation’s foundations for long-term sustainability.
“I am passionate about storytelling, people and purpose-driven organisations. I bring both creative and strategic experience, with a focus on stability, leadership and helping teams thrive. I am excited to co-chair with Mike because Queer Screen is such a vital platform for diverse stories and I am looking forward to continuing the great legacy that has been of helping to connect our community through cinema,” said Co-Chair Jessica Liley.
“I am delighted to take on the role of Co-Chair, along with Jess, who is infinitely more knowledgeable about film than I am! I do hope to help continue transforming the organisation to be a leader for our communities and to be a vital resource for queer film and filmmakers in Australia. I am passionate about our communities telling their stories on screen,” said Co-Chair Mike Whalley.
“The Queer Screen Board has been a vital operational force over the years, managing countless responsibilities across the organisation. It’s demanding work, and I’m deeply grateful to see Mike and Jess step up to take on this significant role. I want to thank them for their dedication over the past few years and look forward to working even more closely with them to take Queer Screen to the next level,” said CEO of Queer Screen, Benson Wu.
Queer Screen expresses its deep gratitude to outgoing Co-Chairs Angela Ruchin and Abs Osseiran for their many years of dedicated service, leadership and advocacy. Ruchin will continue as a Director on the Board, providing continuity and guidance.
“I also want to thank Abs and Angela for their valuable insights and the incredible support they’ve given to Queer Screen. They will always remain part of the Queer Screen family,” said Wu.
The organisation also thanks outgoing Board Directors Finn O’Keefe and Saro Mugnaini, who have recently stepped down after making significant contributions to Queer Screen and its mission to champion LGBTQIA+ stories.
With these leadership changes, Queer Screen will soon begin a process to recruit additional Board Directors and Associates to further strengthen governance and community representation. Those interested are invited to email secretary@queerscreen.org.au to be notified when the recruitment process opens.
Queer Screen celebrates the diversity of sexualities and gender identities through queer storytelling on screen, within inclusive and respectful communities full of creativity, inspiration and pride.
Guided by its mission to transform and engage individuals and communities through queer storytelling on screen, Queer Screen looks ahead to a period of creative growth, strengthened sustainability and continued community impact.
Queer Screen’s Mardi Gras Film Festival will run 12 – 26 February 2026. For more information about Queer Screen, visit: www.queerscreen.org.au for details.
Image: Mike Whalley and Jessica Liley (supplied)