Alliance for Women in Media’s Post

Do you think creatives can do better to support the under-represented? If so, you’re not alone. And you can vote today to bring that exact discussion to SXSW 2025. There is no area of multicultural marketing, strategy and innovation that isn't being impeded by the industry-wide hush and hesitation around DEI. Yet amid all the concerns about the politicized dynamics, "wokeness" backlash and recessionary budgets, a mountain of data points to the fact that investing in diversity builds the bottom line. So what’s the issue? Our proposed #SXSW panel features speakers LaMecia Butler, MBA, Mack Garrison and Vanessa Gonzales; the discussion would take an honest look at what doesn’t work, so we can determine where to focus innovation and level-up what we considered DEI best practices. So help us bring the discussion to SXSW— as community voting opens today! Vote here: https://lnkd.in/g9em6GhS Anyone can sign up for a SXSW ID account and vote for sessions they find interesting. Public voting runs through August 18th and plays a crucial role in determining 2025 programming. Help us elevate discussion and explore the unexplored – addressing blind spots at all levels of creative industry to find tomorrow's answers.

Examining the impact of banning books on queer parenting in public libraries is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, such actions restrict access to resources that can provide support, representation, and validation for LGBTQ+ parents and their families. Banning books with LGBTQ+ themes or characters can contribute to feelings of isolation, shame, and invisibility among queer parents and their children. We chat with Hank Paul Leading Media Professional Manager with Transgender Victoria about this important area for our webpodast with the Australian Sociological Association Furthermore, censoring materials related to queer parenting reinforces harmful stereotypes, perpetuates discrimination, and hinders efforts towards creating inclusive and accepting communities. It sends a message that LGBTQ+ families are not welcome or deserving of representation in public spaces, including libraries that should serve all members of the community. Understanding and addressing the impact of banning books on queer parenting in public libraries is essential for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. It allows for the recognition of diverse family structures, experiences, and identities, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. By examining the effects of censorship on queer parenting materials, libraries can advocate for intellectual freedom, challenge biases, and promote empathy and understanding among library users.

On March 7, Mia Ong gave an invited talk, “The Double Bind in Physics Education: Systemic Barriers to Belonging for Women of Color,” at the American Physical Society March meeting in Minneapolis, MN, as part of the Forum on Diversity and Inclusion's Intersectionality and Equity panel. Learn more about Mia and her newly released book here: https://hubs.la/Q02ptSZK0

Join our panel for a vibrant chat on the Risks & Rewards of AI in media. Let's explore, question, and envision together! 🤖💡 #AIConversation #MediaFutures 🌟

Check out the latest issue of Watermark!

🎙️ Ignite Change with Susannah Wellford! In this powerful episode, Susannah Wellford, Founder & CEO of Running Start, shares her profound insights on empowering young women in politics. Discover the importance of mentorship, fostering civil discourse, and getting young people engaged in politics. 🔥 Listen now to unlock the potential of the next generation of female politicians! 🗳️💪 https://buff.ly/3u17rPt

At a time when anti-transgender rhetoric and legislation are growing at alarming and dangerous rates, it is crucial that Americans hear from transgender people about their lives and how the current political and cultural climate can be harmful to them. Today, we launched “Here We Are,” a ground-breaking video campaign that shares the real stories of transgender people, in a time when 71% of Americans claim they’ve never met someone who is transgender and when anti-transgender rhetoric from politicians and some in the media continues to rise. Most Americans are exposed to trans issues through media-biased narratives. GLAAD and GROUND Media’s new campaign dispels these misconceptions to introduce Americans to transgender people and their supportive families who showcase that trans identity is real and that everyone deserves to be who they are and live safely. Learn more about "Here We Are" by visiting HereWeAreNow.com

I ❤️ this. Why #inclusion really matters, it changes lives, and if we are lucky enough to be in a position to influence our organisations we really should do everything we can to ensure everyone has the opportunity to belong, be inspired & achieve.. #inclusion #inclusiveleadership #inclusiveculture #diversityandinclusion #diversity #culturechange https://lnkd.in/e9k3eJtT

From Susan B. Anthony to Amanda Gorman, women have made world-changing contributions to politics, science, technology, education, the arts, and so much more through the years. What female figure from history do you most admire? Our pick is Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts...but we’re a little biased! Learn more about the history of Girl Scouts: https://bit.ly/3taVGpl

Such a timely and thought-provoking topic.