For 20 years, the Geena Davis Institute has been at the forefront of championing equitable representation in media. Our commitment to building a better world extends beyond gender, encompassing the interconnected identities often marginalized in the media. Through our ground-breaking research, we understand the life-changing impact of representation, and have devoted ourselves to pioneering new pathways within entertainment and media.
Our mission is profound—to break barriers, challenge norms, and bridge gaps in representation. Our goal is to reinvent, transform and inspire how global content creators and media tell stories through authentic portrayals of the population in entertainment.
We lead with knowledge, conducting and sharing groundbreaking research on the state of inclusion and representation in media. Our insights guide the industry toward a more diverse and inclusive future.
We collaborate with media producers, executives, advertisers, and content creators, providing active guidance to create systems that amplify diversity both in front of and behind the camera.
We develop thought leadership and resources that empower the world to apply lenses of inclusion and representation to the production and consumption of media.
For two decades, the Geena Davis Institute has been a powerful catalyst for inclusion in media and entertainment. Our research, insights, and advocacy have transformed how creators, studios, and storytellers think about representation—across gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQIA+ identities, disability, age, and body type.
A 2024 survey of our partners and collaborators shows the measurable influence of our work:
94.5% believe the Institute has been impactful in promoting inclusive representation globally.
79.2% have used GDI research to inform their work in entertainment and media.
97.5% would recommend our resources to others working toward inclusive storytelling.
From rewriting scenes to recasting characters and rethinking production practices, GDI’s work has inspired creators to:
Reimagine characters with more diverse, authentic backstories.
Revise scripts and storylines to reflect lived experiences.
Prioritize inclusion in casting, hiring, and creative leadership.
Our data has helped studios identify systemic gaps and commit to building more equitable content ecosystems.
More than 80% of our members and partners actively engage with GDI’s work—using our research to guide content development, marketing, and internal decision-making. Nearly half of respondents who work in entertainment said they integrate GDI insights into over 50% of their projects.
The Geena Davis Institute is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. TAX ID# 86-1943473. Please contact Elizabeth Kilpatrick via email for more information.
The Geena Davis Institute is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. TAX ID# 86-1943473. Please contact Elizabeth Kilpatrick via email for more information.
Weekly highlights on diversity, equity, and inclusion in media
© 2024 Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. All rights reserved. The Geena Davis Institute is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. TAX ID# 86-1943473
