Pink Triangle Press (PTP) has unveiled a national initiative called Pride in Production, aimed at fostering creativity and innovation by creating more supportive environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals in Canada's film, television, streaming, and gaming sectors. Supported by the Canada Media Fund, the 2SLGBTQIA+ Allyship Skills for Screen Professionals program provides research-informed training and resources to screen industry organizations, helping to establish safer and more inclusive work environments. The launch coincides with Pride Month celebrations across Canada.
Industry Collaboration and Support
The training program was developed with input from a group of influential industry leaders who helped shape sector-specific resources to promote inclusive and creative environments. Collaborators included stakeholders from various organizations, and the program is offered free of charge to screen industry organizations nationwide. Early supporters include Jessica Lea Fleming and Joy Loewen from the Canada Media Fund, Lori Fischburg from Accent Aigu Entertainment, Paige Haight from Shaftesbury, Stuart Coxe from Antica Productions, Julie Bristow from Catalyst, Allison Brough from Blink49, Kate Alexander Daniels from Mothership Meals and the Toronto Film Critics Association Awards, Katie Lafferty from Makers, Alexandrine Torres de Figueiredo from the Canadian Media Producers Association, Katy Harding as Executive Producer, and Alexander Nunez as Actor and Writer.
Research Foundation
The initiative is grounded in findings from PTP's 2024 Pink Paper, one of the most comprehensive national studies on 2SLGBTQIA+ representation and workplace conditions in Canada's screen industries. Additional research by EKOS, Strategic Inc., and Alex Custodio Consulting further informed the training. First presented at the Banff World Media Festival in June 2024, the study revealed that while 93% of industry professionals consider 2SLGBTQIA+ representation important, only 41% believe Canadian media workplaces are inclusive for 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals. Transgender respondents reported feeling the least safe, highlighting the urgent need for targeted action to improve workplace culture across the sector.
CEO Statement
“Our Pink Paper research showed strong industry support for 2SLGBTQIA+ representation within content and a good understanding of why this matters societally. It also highlighted significant gaps regarding lived experiences in Canadian screen industry workplaces,” said David Walberg, CEO of Pink Triangle Press. “Working with industry partners, with their strong commitment, and with the support of the Canada Media Fund, we are pleased to share new tools to support closing the gap and ensuring that 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals feel supported, respected and safe in their day-to-day work.”
