June 4, 2024
Los Angeles — The Directors Guild of America (DGA) celebrates the start of Pride Month by recognizing the indelible contributions of its LGBTQ+ identifying members to the industry and our Guild and highlighting expanded diversity language achieved in the last round of bargaining that protects them and encourages access and transparency around hiring.
“The creative contributions of LGBTQ+ Directors and Directorial team members to the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. In honor of Pride Month, the DGA is proud to recognize our LGBTQ+ members and the impact of the entire LGBTQ+ community in the creation of exceptional feature film, television, news, sports, reality, commercials, and documentaries,” said President Lesli Linka Glatter.
“This is why our Negotiations Committee fought so hard last year in our contract negotiations to win the broadest, most expansive language possible — language that increases opportunities for all historically under-represented groups. This critical change, which we have been working with the studios and streamers to implement, as well as alerting agencies and managers, was made to ensure that our LGBTQ+ members and members with disabilities are guaranteed the same equitable access to employment opportunities and programs in this industry that are available to members from all other under-represented or marginalized groups. We welcome this opportunity to celebrate and spotlight a contract gain that makes our intentions clear to our members and the industry.
We believe storytelling should be as diverse as the world around us, and that a critical mass of different perspectives on screen is vital for the wellbeing and development of society. By championing inclusivity, nurturing talent, and ensuring accountability, the DGA is proud to celebrate Pride Month and will continue to be a steadfast ally for our LGBTQ+ members.”
Background on DGA Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
Over the past four decades, the DGA has worked to press studios, networks, and producers to be more inclusive in their hiring practices. These efforts include collective bargaining gains requiring television studios to operate TV director diversity programs, ongoing meetings with studios, networks and individual series regarding their hiring records, and publicized reports detailing employer hiring patterns. In addition, the Guild itself has initiated a variety of TV director mentorship and educational programs to support the career development of its members. The Guild’s current focus is meeting with employers regarding expanding greater access and opportunity in feature films.