Much of the conversation in the round table last night revolved around how solving issues such as rape and harassment will require us to tackle deep-seated problems with the way human society works. This has to start young, and it has to involve tacking the media. I’m in the process of writing an article about this for my next Bristol 24/7 column, but in the meantime I saw a tweet from my friends at TIGER Bristol today that pointed me to an organization I had not heard of before, but which seems very promising.

The Representation Project is a Bay Area based charity whose mission statement is as follows:

Using film as a catalyst for cultural transformation, The Representation Project inspires individuals and communities to challenge and overcome limiting gender stereotypes so that everyone, regardless of gender, race, class, age, sexual orientation or circumstance can fulfill their potential.

The Project was started by Jennifer Siebel Newsom after she showed this film at Sundance. Obviously, being a media-oriented California charity it is big on celebrity endorsements and fundraising, but it does appear to be trying to be intersectional. Their website includes some interesting infographics, several of which focus on issues of race. I was particularly struck by the fact that only 6 of the top 500 grossing films of all time feature a woman of color as the lead. And of those the top five are all animated.

The project’s latest campaign is getting people to take a pledge as follows: “I pledge to use my voice to challenge society’s limiting representations of gender.” That was pretty much a no-brainer for me, because it is what I do. The video that they produced to support it (see below) contains a mention of Laverne Cox. Also Ms. Newsom’s husband has as good a reputation on LGBT rights as one can hope to expect from a successful California politician. All of which is encouraging.

In any case, I am firmly of the opinion that if we can get away from the hierarchical notion of gender with which we are currently inflicted then much of the opprobrium directed at people who are seen to flout gender norms will evaporate. More power to you, Ms. Newsom. Go kick some Hollywood ass.

Oh, and while I am on the subject I was delighted to hear a few days ago that Geena Davis has started a new film festival that is specifically aimed at highlighting diversity in the industry. I look forward to finding out about new trans-themed films and talented trans film makers.