The Canadian media industry has launched a new push to provide inclusive and innovative workplaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals across the country’s film, television, streaming and video games sectors.
Pink Triangle Press’s Pride in Production initiative has major industry support and aims to increase acceptance for queer, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people working in screen sectors in Canada. This initiative comes on the heels of a Pink Triangle Press report and poll conducted in June 2024, which found that 93 per cent of industry professionals surveyed appreciated LGBT and trans representation on screen, but only 41 per cent believed workplaces in the Canadian film, television, streaming and gaming industries were inclusive.
Trans people working in Canadian industry report feeling the least safe. “Working with industry partners, with their strong commitment, and with the support of the Canada Media Fund, we are thrilled to share new tools to support bridging the gap and ensuring 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals feel supported, respected and safe in their daily work,” David Wahlberg, CEO of Toronto-based Pink Triangle Press, said in a statement.
The Pride in Production initiative will see online courses and training offered to industry professionals and organizations to improve the day-to-day realities of workplace inclusion, safety and culture for the LGBT community in Canadian media and entertainment. The potential benefits of more inclusive workplaces are that 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals are better positioned to develop and produce diverse Canadian stories to more accurately reflect multicultural audiences at home and around the world.
The Canadian industry has already made gains with groundbreaking television series such as the gay hockey romance series Hot competition And non-binary comedy Kind of. Pride in Production’s efforts come as the Canadian media industry continues to promote diversity, equity and inclusion to transform its workplaces, just as Hollywood is pulling back on DEI programs and US President Donald Trump is cracking down on “woke” policies.
In the wake of the 2020 killing of George Floyd, whose death sparked protests for racial justice, the Canadian film and television industry, supported by government funding and tax breaks, has first committed itself to greater diversity of creative voices, including new talent from the country’s Black, Indigenous and people of color communities.
The Pride in Production initiative is supported by the Canadian Media Fund, the largest funder of Canadian television, and representatives from major independent producers such as Shaftesbury, Antica Productions, Catalyst and Blink49 Studios.
“Creating 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive workplaces isn’t just about fairness. It’s helping Canada’s screen industries do their best work. When people feel comfortable at work, it leads to more creativity, and stronger stories. This toolkit is a useful resource to help make that happen,” said Mathieu Chantelois, executive vice-president of communications, strategy and public affairs at the Canadian Media Fund, in a statement.
