Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1157135
sagaftra.org | Summer 2019 | SAG-AFTRA 17 A coalition of national LGBTQ groups is backing SAG-AFTRA in its fight against IMDb for member privacy. The groups, which include the National LGBTQ Task Force, the country's oldest national LGBTQ advocacy group; GLAAD; the Transgender Law Center; the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund; Transcend Legal Inc.; and Equality Federation, have signed on to support SAG-AFTRA in the fight against IMDb profiting from performers' private information. The groups joining the case are concerned with IMDb's continued publication of the birth names of transgender performers and others in the entertainment industry without their consent. SAG-AFTRA has been fighting for enforcement of California's anti-age discrimination law known as AB 1687, which requires subscription-based entertainment casting databases such as IMDbPro and IMDb.com to remove paid subscribers' date of birth information upon request. In February 2018, a judge stopped enforcement of the law. SAG-AFTRA and its allies are currently appealing that ruling and expect an oral argument date in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals by the end of the year. The LGBTQ groups join a growing list of supporters backing SAG-AFTRA in the ongoing legal proceedings, including AARP, L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and Berkeley Law Professor Catherine Fisk. LGBTQ GROUPS JOIN SAG-AFTRA IN IMDB APPEAL SAG-AFTRA ROLLS OUT SPANISH- LANGUAGE PODCAST F ollowing the successful release of the SAG-AFTRA podcast in February, SAG-AFTRA has released a Spanish-language podcast catering to Spanish- speaking performers around the world. Hosted by voiceover actor Sylvia Villagran and actor and influencer Ana Carolina Grajales, the new show isn't just a translation of the English version; it's crafted specifically for Spanish-speaking performers, including those who are members of Latin American sister unions, since they often work under SAG-AFTRA contracts or for producers in the United States or in their home countries. Like its English counterpart, the hosts interview industry movers and shakers and go in-depth on the issues that matter most to listeners. "The ability to be of service and interview guests that inspire, inform and prepare our Spanish-speaking union members is truly exciting," said Villagran. "I am honored to be a part of SAG-AFTRA's groundbreaking commitment to the Latino performer." "The SAG-AFTRA podcast in Spanish is an amazing learning experience that is allowing me to learn and share every little bit of it with other artists," said Grajales. "Meeting individuals so passionate about what they do has inspired me to keep fighting for what I love to do, no matter what. I must say that being able to work with such a dedicated and loving team makes this project an unforgettable experience." The podcast launched June 18, with the first episode focusing on the negotiation of the historic first contract with Telemundo. Other topics have included sexual harassment, how to launch and monetize a music career, what producers are looking for in Spanish- speaking actors and more. The first season of six episodes is out now and may be found on your podcast platform of choice, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts and TuneIn, as well as at sagaftra.org/podcastespanol. M ore than 100 Atlanta area dancers showed up for the latest installment of the Knowledge Is Power series, which featured a free master dance class. Curated and produced by members Dacia James and Lindsey Ducos, the June 9 class was taught by member Josh Smith, who is Chris Brown's choreographer and creative director. The event concluded with a spirited oration from the members that was pro-community organizing, contract adherence and pro-union. SAG-AFTRA has been working closely with the dance community in the Atlanta market, particularly professional dancer leaders who have spearheaded community organizing around the music video contract and continue to actively work music video jobs. James and fellow member Saidah Nairobi have been tireless advocates for their colleagues, including their fellow union members, in an effort to improve working conditions in the market. Both James and Nairobi remain dedicated community organizers with the Atlanta community of Dancers Alliance, which is comprised of future and active union members. MEMBERS LEAD THE WAY IN ORGANIZING DANCERS From left, members Saidah Nairobi, Josh Smith, Lindsey Ducos and Dacia James. TO LISTEN CLICK HERE