Expressing support for the designation of September 2023 as "National Leading Entertainment and Arts through Diversity Month" or "National LEAD Month", and empowering underrepresented communities to take the lead within the entertainment industry.

National Leading Entertainment and Arts through Diversity Month National LEAD Month Whereas there should be more minority representation on and off the screen, and in main decision-making roles that advance equity across industries; Whereas marginalized communities are defined as communities who experience discrimination and exclusion on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation or identity, age, and ability; Whereas oftentimes, these sectors are erased from conversations, yet their distinctive perspectives and lived experiences become the basis for more authentic storytelling; Whereas women only make up roughly 20 percent of directors and 26 percent of screenwriters; Whereas all minority groups make up 25 percent of directors and 25 percent of screenwriters; Whereas White film directors are more than twice as likely as minority directors to helm a film with a budget of $100,000,000 or more; Whereas roughly 18 percent of films produced by major studios feature LGBT+ stories; Whereas women over 30 make up 29 percent of female characters and women over 40 make up 16 percent of female characters; Whereas 12 percent of television series characters are disabled, and most portrayals are negative; Whereas it is critical to recognize the social and cultural impact of diversity on television and the ramifications of underrepresentation; Whereas allyship campaigns and programs are pivotal to the success of diversity programs, and yet are currently undervalued in diversity, equity, and inclusion training; Whereas diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are impactful tools for establishing and maintaining a diverse and motivated workforce; Whereas 69 percent of executives rate diversity and inclusion as an important issue; Whereas corporations identified as more diverse and inclusive are 35 percent more likely to outperform their competitors; Whereas diverse management teams lead to 19 percent higher revenues; and Whereas adequate representation on television has been overlooked for far too long, and, regardless of industry, we must remain dedicated to inclusion: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses support for the designation of National Leading Entertainment and Arts through Diversity Month (2) supports the purposes and ideals of National Leading Entertainment and Arts through Diversity Month, which emphasizes the importance of increased representation across the industry; (3) promotes efforts to increase allyship awareness campaigns among individuals and organizations in the United States, specifically within the entertainment industry; (4) champions diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including but not limited to, implicit-bias training, common ground training, facilitated conversation, cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and antioppression training in the entertainment industry; (5) supports partnerships with organizations focused on increasing diversity by providing mentorship, granting scholarships, and committing to creating change; and (6) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Leading Entertainment and Arts through Diversity Month with appropriate awareness programs and campaigns for underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry.

Summary: This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Leading Entertainment and Arts through Diversity Month. The resolution further supports the purposes and ideals of such month, which emphasizes the importance of increased representation across the entertainment industry; promotes efforts to increase allyship awareness campaigns within the industry; champions diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; and supports partnerships with organizations focused on increasing diversity by providing mentorship, granting scholarships, and committing to creating change.