‘Queer As Folk’ Cast to Reunite at Television Academy’s Televerse Festival for 25th Anniversary Celebration

The Television Academy has announced that the cast and creators of ‘Queer As Folk’ will gather for a special 25th anniversary reunion panel as part of its inaugural Televerse Festival in Los Angeles. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM, and is expected to bring together much of the original ensemble that helped redefine queer representation on television two and a half decades ago .

The reunion will feature a panel discussion with creators Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, alongside cast members Michelle Clunie, Robert Gant, Thea Gill, Scott Lowell, Peter Paige, and Sharon Gless, among others. The panel aims to reflect on the series’ legacy, share behind-the-scenes stories, and discuss the ongoing cultural and social impact of ‘Queer As Folk’ . Fans can anticipate a celebration not only of the show’s groundbreaking narrative but also of the real-world progress in LGBTQ+ visibility and rights that has occurred since the show’s premiere.

Premiering in 2000, ‘Queer As Folk’ was the first hour-long drama in American television history to focus entirely on the lives of gay men and women. The show, adapted from the British series of the same name, was lauded for its unapologetic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, struggles, and triumphs at a time when such stories were rarely seen in mainstream media . Through its five-season run, the series provided nuanced characters and complex storylines, earning a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim for its honesty and inclusivity.

In recent years, the series has been recognized for its role in paving the way for greater diversity and authenticity in LGBTQ+ storytelling. Cast members and creators have often spoken about the profound impact the show had on their lives and on viewers who finally saw themselves reflected on screen .

The Televerse Festival, organized by the Television Academy, was conceived as a platform to celebrate television’s most significant moments and foster dialogue about the future of the medium. The inclusion of the ‘Queer As Folk’ reunion in its inaugural lineup signals the series’ enduring relevance and its role in advancing LGBTQ+ representation .

The festival will also host a series of screenings, workshops, and panels focused on storytelling innovation, diversity, and inclusion. Organizers have emphasized the importance of honoring pioneers who broke barriers and inspired new generations of creators .

News of the reunion has elicited an enthusiastic response from fans and LGBTQ+ advocates alike, many of whom credit ‘Queer As Folk’ with helping to foster greater understanding, empathy, and acceptance in both the entertainment industry and society at large . Social media posts from the show’s official accounts and cast members have been flooded with messages of gratitude and excitement, underscoring the show’s lasting emotional resonance.

As the anniversary celebration approaches, the reunion stands poised not only as a nostalgic gathering but also as a testament to the ongoing power of authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling to inform, transform, and unite communities.

While television and society have changed dramatically since ‘Queer As Folk’ first aired, the upcoming reunion at Televerse Festival serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work yet to be done. The event promises to honor the trailblazing spirit of the series while inspiring new conversations about visibility, equity, and the future of LGBTQ+ narratives on screen.