We can't solve a problem if we don't fully understand it or realize it exists. The below are anonymous experiences from people in the industry that we've chosen to highlight as a way to bring a light to people's perspective within the live entertainment industry.
We were working on booking a big show. The agent and marketing rep came in for meetings and then went to golf with our VP of Booking. When I asked why I wasn’t invited, the answer had nothing to do with golfing. It was that it was a guy thing. So how is a female supposed to get ahead and develop relationships if they aren’t included in “guy things”?
Anonymous
We had a hip hop show at an arena and I was hosting a suite. The majority of the guests were Black males. The next day I got a call that damage had been done to the suite and someone from security had made the assumption it must have been the guests. Later it came out that instead it was white male employees from the arena that were in the suite later in the evening.
Anonymous
A customer requested that their complaint be escalated to a manager onsite. I was called. After I greeted the patron, they then reiterated that they requested “a manager” & wanted to speak to someone else. At that point, I realized that I had been profiled – uncertain if it was due race, gender or a combination of the two but it was quite unsettling.
Anonymous
Now is the time for change. My experience has been that diversity was always an afterthought, but that is changing. People are ready for the revolution and to fight for each other's rights, in society and in the workplace.
Anonymous
I was disagreeing with a male colleague. My male boss told me that I should “soften up” and to “stroke his ego.” Why is it that a strong female is told to soften up?
Anonymous