Unlocking Diversity: IMDbPro's Partnership With GLAAD to Empower LGBTQ+ Professionals in Hollywood

In a significant step towards embracing inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry, GLAAD and IMDbPro have teamed up to empower LGBTQ+ professionals working behind the scenes in Hollywood. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to address the longstanding challenge of finding comprehensive lists of out LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry, paving the way for increased visibility and opportunities for these underrepresented communities.

Amplifying Diverse Voices: IMDbPro and GLAAD's Collaborative Effort

Addressing the Need for Inclusive Representation

For years, GLAAD has been inundated with requests from industry decision-makers seeking lists of out LGBTQ+ actors, writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, and other behind-the-camera professionals. This surge in demand reflects Hollywood's growing interest in hiring individuals from historically underrepresented communities, particularly for projects that center on their lived experiences.

Empowering LGBTQ+ Professionals to Self-Identify

To address this need, GLAAD has worked closely with IMDbPro to develop new policies and product features that allow LGBTQ+ professionals to choose whether to self-identify their sexual orientation, gender identity, and other demographic information. This groundbreaking move makes it easier for industry decision-makers to discover and hire out LGBTQ+ entertainment professionals, as they can now decide whether to display this information on their IMDb and/or IMDbPro name pages and in IMDbPro search results.

Streamlining the Path to Inclusion

"GLAAD knows that it's crucial for out LGBTQ+ professionals working in entertainment to participate in telling stories about our community, and IMDbPro has made it easy for those creators to be found," said Nick Adams, Vice President of the GLAAD Media Institute. This collaboration between GLAAD and IMDbPro represents a significant step towards ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices are heard and their talents are recognized in the entertainment industry.

Navigating the IMDbPro Platform: Claiming Your Page and Verifying Your Identity

To take advantage of these new features, LGBTQ+ entertainment professionals must first claim their page on IMDbPro. This process, whether they have a Premium or Basic (free) membership, allows them to self-identify their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, as well as manage the display and searchability of their personal and professional information on IMDb and IMDbPro.

Unlocking New Opportunities: Leveraging IMDbPro's Advanced Features

For those who upgrade to an IMDbPro Premium membership, additional features become available, including the ability to manage and upload photos, videos, and contact information, as well as access advanced search tools to research agents, talent, and more. These enhancements empower LGBTQ+ professionals to take control of their online presence and maximize their chances of being discovered and hired for projects that align with their unique perspectives and experiences.

Embracing Authenticity: Managing Birth Names and Alternate Credits

Another important feature offered by IMDbPro is the ability for LGBTQ+ professionals to manage the display of their birth name and/or any alternate names associated with their credits. This flexibility ensures that individuals can choose to conceal or highlight this information, allowing them to present themselves authentically and on their own terms.

A Transformative Partnership: GLAAD and IMDbPro's Commitment to Inclusivity

The collaboration between GLAAD and IMDbPro represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable entertainment industry. By empowering LGBTQ+ professionals to self-identify and be discovered, this partnership opens the door to greater representation, diverse storytelling, and the amplification of underrepresented voices. As the industry continues to evolve, this groundbreaking initiative serves as a model for how organizations can work together to champion diversity and representation, ultimately enriching the creative landscape for all.