Who We Are
Our Mission
Big Queer Food Fest is committed to inspiring and educating the queer community, as well as the broader world, about the richness of queer culinary heritage and its lasting influence on America's gastronomic landscape.
Our mission is to honor the past, support the present, and create opportunities for future chefs, culinary entrepreneurs, and purveyors by enhancing visibility and amplifying voices.
Our Team
Big Queer Food Fest embraces the vibrant intersection of the culinary and LGBTQIA+ communities, setting the tables for remarkable food and beverage experiences.
By curating a diverse team of talented individuals passionate about LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and culinary excellence, we aim to serve incredible food infused with love, pride, and celebration. With our inclusive approach and commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, we are working to become a prominent player in the LGBTQ+ food space, satisfying the appetites of food enthusiasts from all walks of life.
[From left to right] Chefs Elizabeth Falkner and Rashida Holmes, BQFF founders David Lewis and Chad Hahne, chefs Tiffani Faison, Crista Luedtke, Jon Kung, and Nik Sharma.
Founders
Chad Hahne
Chad Hahne is an award-winning filmmaker and executive producer with 20 years of experience creating and directing LGBTQ+ and culinary programming. Among his notable production work is the Academy Award-nominated LGBTQ documentary, How to Survive a Plague, about ACT UP and AIDS activism, and the Emmy Award-winning RuPaul's Drag Race. Chad has also directed and produced Transformistas, a documentary exploring the queer community in Cuba. In addition to his work in LGBTQ+ content, Chad is a supervising producer on Alex vs. America and 24 in 24. He has produced TV for the Food Network, including GGG, Tournament of Champions, Superchef Grudge Match, Wedding Cake Championship, and more. He has dedicated his professional life to uplifting the culinary and LGBTQIA+ communities. He resides between Los Angeles and Provincetown with his husband.
David Lewis
David Lewis is an executive producer who works in television and champions the queer and culinary communities. After producing RuPaul's Drag Race and fashion shows for queer designer Marco Marco, he began producing food television programming, including Food Network’s Tournament of Champions, Guy's Grocery Games, and the twice Emmy-nominated digital series Ready, Jet, Cook. He has produced some of the largest names in food television and worked with many notable queer chefs, including Traci Des Jardins, Elizabeth Falkner, and Tiffani Faison. With a commitment to queer talent and inclusivity, David has been a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ chefs. His passion for highlighting their unique stories has led him to BQFF, a space to recognize and celebrate their impact on the industry and the vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community.
Tiffani Faison
Celebrity chef, restaurateur, Food Network host and judge, four-time James Beard Awards finalist for Best Chef: Northeast.
Rashida Holmes
LA-based chef, two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, awarded Best New Restaurant by Eater & Popup of the Year by Esquire.
Anthony Ramos
VP of Talent & Communications at GLAAD, executive producer, GLAAD Media Awards, host & correspondent, Emmy-nominated Producer.
Marsha Molinari
Los Angeles restaurateur, human rights activist, and H.wood Group partner with over 20 restaurants and clubs across three countries.
Arturo Diaz
Strategic communications executive with 15+ years advising global luxury and lifestyle brands. Former VP at Air France-KLM, led PR for Allure, and veteran of fashion brands Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and more.
Marcee Katz
VP Opportunity & Innovation for Chef Works, extensive experience in the planning and production of over 300 food festivals.
Bryan Barbieri
Head of Public Relations + Partnerships North America, EOS Hospitality
Advisory Board
Juan Penalosa
Managing Director of Amare Public Affairs, former Chair of the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, Senior Advisor to Kamala Harris Presidential Campaign.
Non-Profit Partners
Big Queer Food Fest is committed to empowering our community by supporting and amplifying our non-profit organization partners.
Delivers medically tailored meals to chronically ill individuals across Boston, promoting racial and economic justice. Since 1990, they’ve provided over 13 million meals to those with illnesses like HIV, cancer, and diabetes.
Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth supports LGBTQIA+ youth in Boston by providing a safe space, mental health services, and educational programs. Their advocacy and peer support empower young people to thrive.
Researcher of LGBTQIA+ legal, social, and economic issues, including food insecurity. Their data-driven work informs policy, supports advocacy, and promotes equality.
Non-Profit Partners
Big Queer Food Fest is committed to empowering our community by supporting and amplifying our non-profit organization partners.
Delivers medically tailored meals to chronically ill individuals across Boston, promoting racial and economic justice. Since 1990, they’ve provided over 13 million meals to those with illnesses like HIV, cancer, and diabetes.
Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth supports LGBTQIA+ youth in Boston by providing a safe space, mental health services, and educational programs. Their advocacy and peer support empower young people to thrive.
A national leader in advancing LGBTQ advocacy and representation. Through storytelling, media, and programs, GLAAD fosters acceptance, tackles challenging issues, and protects progress, striving for a world where everyone can live authentically.
Researcher of LGBTQIA+ legal, social, and economic issues, including food insecurity. Their data-driven work informs policy, supports advocacy, and promotes equality.