When life collides with work, too often pregnant women are left on their own to navigate the ins and outs of employment, seeking employment, asking for adjustments in employment, or – as some whispers indicate – facing termination of employment.
While we hope to put an end to the discrimination of pregnant people in the performing arts – the harsh reality persists that discrimination against pregnant women happens on our modern age – even in the best of circumstances when employers are engaged, willing, and accommodating, pregnant people still are left isolated, alone facing the question: who guides the conversation? When the obligation to initiate the conversation falls to the pregnant person, where do they turn for guidance, help, and resources? When the obligation to initiate the conversation falls to the employer, who monitors the consistency of treatment and provides awareness and sensitivity training? The range of variables even in when offered accommodation can overwhelm the boldest of pregnant workers and paralyze the kindest of employers.
The performing arts is an ancient profession. The act of pregnancy, even older.
That the performing arts does not yet have a PDF Handbook for Pregnant Performance Artists in this technologically rapid age of information exchange is beyond unacceptable.
So we’re here to change that.
Starting with Actors and Stage Managers, Parent Artist Advocacy League is seeking out stories, requests, tips, and needs to begin cultivating a nationally applicable, relevant document for pregnant performing artists. We are collaborating with some brilliant, passionate women in other organizations who will be championing this cause, and we couldn’t be more excited to get the ball rolling.
First, we want to hear from you:
If you could have had a Pregnancy Handbook as an auditioning/interviewing/working Actor or Stage Manager, what would you want included?
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What do you wish you knew when family planning/getting pregnant/becoming pregnant/reaching the end of your pregnancy?
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What do you wish employers knew or provided when you were family planning/getting pregnant/becoming pregnant/reaching the end of your pregnancy?
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What are your questions you wish someone could answer if you are currently in the stage of family planning/getting pregnant/becoming pregnant/reaching the end of your pregnancy?
Respond in the comments below or comment on the thread/PM us on Facebook! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Xo,
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