Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/422151
32 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org Identity Diversity in Entertainment: Experiences & Perspectives of SAG-AFTRA Members. On Sept. 10, the union and Williams Institute partnered with the SAG Foundation for a town hall event, with in- person audiences in Los Angeles and New York and an audience via live stream, to present the results of the study, discuss its findings and determine next steps. The focus of the study was to provide insight on how LGBT-friendly the industry is and isn't, by those working in entertainment. Special guest speaker and Emmy Award-winner Dan Bucatinsky spoke about his personal experience working as an LGBT performer in the entertainment industry. Though the study revealed a concerning amount of discrimination on sets, many of the survey respondents included in the study, as well as Bucatinsky himself, encouraged performers to be their true selves. "It took me several years before I felt comfortable having people in the industry know that I was gay. But in stripping away the layers that mask our true selves, we become more authentic and become better actors," he said. "It made me a better actor. It afforded me opportunities I know I would never have had if I had stayed in the closet." SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard also spoke at the event, expressing his support for the LGBT community and emphasizing that this is only a part of SAG-AFTRA's efforts to make the entertainment industry more inclusive and representative. He mentioned that there is more to come as the union takes advantage of this moment in time when audiences are clamoring for universal stories and diverse content. "How we build on this moment is crucial because it tells us how we can best put the results of our work into practice. SAG-AFTRA is committed to achieving a level playing field for all workers in our industries," he said. Left, SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard and special guest speaker Dan Bucatinsky at the LGBT in Entertainment: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity town hall Sept. 10. Right, L.A. Local Board members Robin Riker, Ana Lilia, Lauri Hendler and National Board and L.A. Local Board member Mimi Cozzens at the Geena Davis Women's Symposium event Oct. 6. VALERIE MACON/SAG-AFTR A Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., to discuss the findings of the study. Visit seejane.org for more information. "The role of women in the industry is ever-present, but still under-represented," said L. Scott Caldwell, national chair of the SAG-AFTRA Women's Committee. "SAG-AFTRA is proud to support the Geena Davis Institute and other organizations that work to bring the role of women to the forefront." SAG-AFTRA also engaged UCLA's Williams Institute for the landmark study titled Sexual Orientation & Gender Click here to view the LGBT in Entertainment: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity town hall.