AGMA is proud to be a union with incredible LGBTQIA+ members that have helped shape the performing arts (and the world) for the better. Pride Month is a month of education and celebration. But in the past several years, and in particular, in the last few months, we’ve seen concerted and coordinated efforts to roll back hard-fought freedoms, liberty, and dignity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In April, AGMA shared the ACLU’s nationwide tracking system that documents and categorizes anti-LGBTQ bills. At the time, there were 452 bills. Today, not even two months later, there are 491. This wide-scale effort seeks to erase the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals to safely exist as who they are within their bodies.
AGMA once again encourages and implores members and other allies to reach out to their state’s leadership and tell them that everyone deserves the right to live a safe, inclusive, and free life. The ACLU also has a Pledge you can sign here.
This assault takes many forms, and nearly every aspect of this community’s civil rights is under attack. Across the country, LGBTQIA+ individuals are being denied access to life-affirming and life-saving healthcare and access to public accommodations. Schools have banned books and curriculum that affirms and represents the lives and experiences of LGBTQIA+ communities. Our friends and colleagues experience relentless attempts to muffle their free speech and expression. Even large corporations are currently facing boycotts and attacks for the most basic expressions of solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights. AGMA remains a supportive voice for LGBTQIA+ rights and an ally. No one should have to continue to face discrimination, hate, and violence in their daily lives.
One of the most common ways people celebrate Pride is by attending Pride Parades that are hosted by hundreds of cities across America and the globe. AGMA is sharing a link that contains a comprehensive listing of many of the Pride parades and other related events that will be happening this month and beyond.
AGMA joins in celebrating the diversity and fortitude of the LGBTQIA+ community with our members, affiliate unions, and colleagues in the performing arts industry. To all of our LGBTQIA+ friends: the Arts would not be the same without you. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world!
RESOURCES:
- The American Civil Liberties Union, also known as ACLU, defends and preserves individual rights and liberties. It has a network of more than 500,000 members and supporters.
- The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) has a number of resources that offer support throughout the entire year, including social and emotional resources for BIPOC LGBTQIA+ Communities. This links to a national list of organizations that provide a variety of forms of support and resources.
- GLAAD resource list includes links to in-depth resources and organizations.
- The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing LGBTQIA+ crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to young people under 25. Hotline: 866.488.7386.
- The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, the country's first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports older adults, their families, and caregivers.
- The Center offers the LGBTQIA+ communities of NYC advocacy, health and wellness programs; arts, entertainment, and cultural events; recovery, parenthood, and family support services.
- As your direct line to your union, members of AGMA’s professional staff are here to assist you every step of the way. A staff representative and business representative have been assigned to each AGMA signatory company to work with the members to negotiate and enforce the collective bargaining agreement and protect members’ rights. If you believe you are experiencing harassment or discrimination at work, please contact your AGMA representative. Find your rep here.