Thomas Seffernick with Z Marc Productions said he didn't want the Queer Creative Lounge to be like other networking events.
"I found that a lot of networking events are either 'clique-y' or there's just not enough of interaction," he said. "I feel like this event is going to be something different where you just come as you are, you have a drink ... and just kind of interact with people just in a regular social setting."
The Queer Creative Lounge will take place August 26 at Wil's Martini Lounge in Andersonville. Seffernick said it's an opportunity for creatives in the LGBTQIA+ community to meet and collaborate.
The event is also a fundraiser for Z Marc Productions' award-winning LGBTQIA+ Latinx short film "Castaway."
"What it would help is to be able to pay the crew a wage. It would be able to help us secure post-production funding," he said. "Doing this fundraising event while incorporating it into the LGBTQ+ community, I think it's going to help show that films like ours and similar to ours can be successful."
While the event is geared toward LGBTQIA+ creatives, Seffernick said everyone is welcome no matter how they identify.
He said during a time when LGBTQIA+ artists are facing increasing challenges in securing funding, it's more important than ever that there are curated spaces for them.
"We're kind of needing to rethink how to make your films," he said. "I really think building from the grassroots up in your film, in your production, getting people excited and telling them about it, especially if you have something that you truly are passionate about, I think that's the way to go."
Ultimately, he said, he wants people to have a good time and to create a safe and welcoming space that supports the independent LGBTQIA+ art and film community in Chicago.
"I hope people can come and attend and just enjoy themselves without pressure of actually networking and just kind of bonding over queer love and cinema," he said.
