The Diversity and Inclusion Committee highlights Indigenous and LGBTQ performers in the latest panels
 
UBCP/ACTRA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee has continued its critical initiative designed to amplify the conversation surrounding diversity in entertainment. The latest roundtable discussions feature Indigenous and LGBTQ performers including Canadian Screen Award winner Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN) and Vancouver-based actress Luvia Petersen (Continuum, Ghost Wars) among others.
 
UBCP/ACTRA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s Roundtable Series invites performers from marginalized or equity-seeking groups to discuss their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Their stories demonstrate their perseverance against all odds in the film and television industries. These inspirational conversations are for all performers and any underrepresented person pursuing their dreams.
 
“We realize that the entertainment industry is extremely competitive for everyone, but even more so for those in marginalized communities,” says Angela Moore, Chair of UBCP/ACTRA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. “Listening to these diverse artists speak candidly about their experiences as Indigenous and LGBTQ performers in the entertainment industry has truly been inspirational and illuminating.”
 
Indigenous Roundtable Members Include:
Michelle Thrush (Blackstone, Arctic Air)
Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN)
Carmen Moore (Arctic Air, Blackstone)
Nathaniel Arcand (FBI: Most Wanted, North of 60)
Trevor Carroll (Outlander, Van Helsing)
 
LGBTQ Roundtable Members Include:
Veena Sood (THE BIG YEAR, 50/50)
Adam Beauchesne (YOU ME HER, TUCKER AND DALE VS. EVIL)
JayR Tinaco (Another Life)
Luvia Petersen (Continuum, Ghost Wars)
Nelson Wong (The Good Doctor, Arrow)
 
The UBCP/ACTRA Diversity and Inclusion Committee advocates for equitable representation for historically underrepresented performers, including, but not limited to LGBTQ+, Racialized, Indigenous, Elder, and People with Disabilities. The volunteer committee is made up of UBCP/ACTRA Members striving to create an inclusive environment and to right historical inequities within Canada and British Columbia’s recorded media sector.
 
Ongoing work of the committee includes hosting industry panels, providing mentorship programs, shining a spotlight on accomplishments of performers from these communities, and lobbying government and industry officials to ensure more equitable hiring practices. UBCP/ACTRA works to encourage industry leaders and government-based funding agencies that support Canadian films to take action and build a more diverse storytelling landscape here in BC and throughout Canada.
 
You can watch the latest LGBTQ+ and Indigenous roundtable discussions here. Past roundtables can be viewed here.
 
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Press Contact:
Maya Sarin
Jive PR + Digital
818-422-2248
maya@jiveprdigital.com
 
About UBCP/ACTRA
The Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP/ACTRA) is an autonomous branch of ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada.
 
UBCP/ACTRA’s more than 7,000 Members are an integral part of the approximately 25,000 Performers who have come together to build ACTRA, the strongest Union of cultural workers in Canada.
 
For more information please contact UBCP/ACTRA communications at info@ubcp.com