Discussion will cover experiences in the industry, support networks, representation in film and TV, what LGBTQ+ Editors can bring to projects..

Welcome to the BFE “DEI” zone.

While you may previously have heard of Diversity, I’m pretty sure a vast majority of you won’t be aware of the more current Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion acronym.

This refers to organisational frameworks which seek to promote "the fair treatment and full participation of all people", particularly groups "who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination" on the basis of identity or disability.

To start the conversation, the first thing I'd ask you to do is to try and reset thoughts you might already have on the subject of DEI. Wanting Inclusion isn’t a new thing, it’s not a woke thing. People have consistently yearned for and indeed deserved Inclusion.

For most of human history inclusion was limited to a minority of the population. Two and a half centuries ago, the lack of it, despite burdensome taxation, sparked a significant event known as the American Revolutionary War.

Even the working-class men, who as always bore the brunt of such conflicts continued to be denied the right to vote. Just think about that, you were sent to fight (and die) for your king and country, but you had no say in how your taxes were spent or the laws that were created by those you were fighting for.

It wasn't until 1867 when The Representation of the People Act extended the vote to urban working men meeting a property qualification!

Still this progressive woke change faced opposition from the privileged ruling class, who lamented the perceived upheaval it would bring. Unfortunately, throughout history, whenever a segment of society has aspired to be "included," those already included, with positions of power, have often questioned the need for change. A pattern that persists to this day. Inclusion has been denied to citizenry not just based on class, but on gender, religious belief, sexuality, neurodivergence.

In the realm of suffrage, women—regardless of social class—had to wait until 1918 (UK) to join men in exercising their voting rights, thanks to the new Representation of the People Act. However, full inclusion for women over the age of 21 was only achieved in 1928 less than 100 years ago.

Inclusion extends beyond the ballot box; it has a profound influence on how people are perceived and represented in the world. As editors we are story tellers (in the quadrant of Producers, Directors, Writers) shaping the narratives and content that reaches the audiences. In recent years we have all become more aware of the movement to be more Diverse.

Unfortunately, the word diversity can trigger defensive reactions from some individuals who question its need. They ask, "Why do we need diversity?" In an ideal world, everyone would be automatically included so such a question would be unnecessary. Personally, I’m all in favour of adding the terms “Inclusion“ and Equality for their grammatical clarity and power.

The desire for inclusion is a basic human longing. People yearn to be included in the workforce, in the stories they consume, and in the conversations that shape our collective understanding.

 In our profession, cultivating a more Diverse, inclusive and Equal workforce means welcoming voices that bring unique experiences to the table. A slight commentary or ADR rewrite based on such feedback might create a more inclusive viewing experience for our multifaceted audiences.

 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion brings in experiences of race, disability, gender identity, sexuality and generational knowledge (at BOTH ends of the age spectrum).

 People just want to be included. In employment, in the stories they see and read, in the conversation. Let’s explore and celebrate the power of Diversity, Inclusion and Equality and let conversations begin...

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