Geena Davis Institute

As a member, you help shape what the next generation sees — and who they believe they can become.
Join now at the link in our bio. Offer ends Dec. 4, so don’t wait to make a difference. 💚
#seeitibeit #GDI

For the next 48 hours, you can join the Geena Davis Institute for $150 (normally $250!) and help fuel inclusive stories that reflect our world as it truly is: inclusive of all genders and races, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities, people over 50, and all body sizes. 🎬

This #GivingTuesday, support more inclusive storytelling — and help bring underrepresented communities center stage.

“Paper Bag Plan”: A Blueprint for Authentic Disability Storytelling “Paper Bag Plan” delivers authentic disability representation, heartfelt performances, and lived-experience storytelling. Here’s why the film is resonating so deeply.

In “Paper Bag Plan,” every piece comes together: lived-experiences, authentically cast actors in fully-realized roles, and a narrative about independence, caregiving and being seen. 🎥

Read more from our conversation with the film’s cast and creator: bit.ly/4pqUc1I

The indie film “Paper Bag Plan” isn’t just a touching story—it’s a blueprint for authentic disability storytelling. GDI research shows that only 3.9% of TV characters have a disability, but in this film, disabled characters take center stage with complexity, depth, and nuance.

But in real life, women make up nearly half of the STEM workforce! The stories and characters we see on screen should represent the real world — and the inspiring women shaping it. 👩‍🔬💻🔬

Read more about representation of women in STEM: bit.ly/49einbQ

#GirlsLeadSTEM #seeitbeit #PortrayHer

Iconic characters like Cristina Yang and Dana Scully may come to mind when you think of women in STEM on screen — but here’s the twist: only about a third of all STEM roles in film and TV are played by women.

So excited to join @thewrap.com’s Power Women Summit, presented by STARZ #TakeTheLead, on Dec. 2 in LA! Join Madeline Di Nonno and Wrap Women by registering with code PWS20 to receive 20% off at thewrap.com/pws. See you there!

This Native American Heritage Month, let’s continue pushing for more Indigenous representation so every child can see themselves as the hero of the story.

#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #SpiritRangers #seeitbeit

Representation matters — especially for kids.
Yet just 1.4% of characters in new children’s programming are Native American.

Shows like “Spirit Rangers” on Netflix are helping change that — created by and starring Indigenous voices who bring Native stories, language, and culture to life on screen.

So grab your bat, car keys, red phone, or Handbook of the Recently Deceased, and show us which Geena you’re channeling this Halloween.

Which Geena are you this Halloween? 🎃👻
From famous outlaw to first female president, we want to see your best Geena-inspired look!

✨ Dress as your favorite Geena character
📸 Post your pic and tag @geenadavisorg with #MyGeenaHalloween
📗 You could win a signed copy of Geena’s book!

What Should a Woman President Wear? Season 3 of “The Diplomat” is here, complete with many, many pantsuits.

How do these fictionalized portrayals impact our real-world assumptions about women’s political leadership?

Meredith Conroy, VP of Research & Insights at GDI, spoke to the NYT about how fictional portrayals of women in leadership help shape our cultural expectations of who can lead. bit.ly/48Ledei

When Geena Davis famously portrayed President Mackenzie Allen in the series “Commander in Chief,” there were very few female presidents on screen. It's still uncommon, but there’s a new fictional female president in town on “The Diplomat,” played by Allison Janney.

This Halloween, let’s celebrate the women who prove that age is anything but a limitation.

Which film icon are you dressing up as?

#HarryPotter #seeitbeit #MaggieSmith

It’s spooky season, so here’s a scary stat: Women over 50 are twice as likely to be cast as villains than as heroes on screen. 🎥

That’s why characters like Professor McGonagall are so iconic — powerful, wise, and unapologetically heroic. 🧙‍♀️

Are the Kids All Right? Portrayals of Mental Health in TV Watched by Children and Teens Explore the portrayal of mental health conditions and issues on TV watched by children and adolescents.

Read more in GDI’s report on our website: bit.ly/3VpWMYb

When therapy and mental health issues are reflected in shows we watch, it helps normalize the idea that everyone can benefit from support. Shows like ”Shrinking” remind us that seeking help is something to be celebrated, and normalizes mental wellness for all ages, genders, and life experiences.

A study from @pewresearch.org found that women are more likely to reach out to a mental health professional than men, and our research shows that this is reflected on screen too.

Now, moms are back on screen, but often as single parents who do it all alone. It’s progress, but still limited.
Support stories that show real family life: shared care, complex parents, and love in every form.
#SeeItBeIt #GilmoreGirls

‘Tis the season for a visit to Stars Hollow ☕🍂 One of our favorite fall shows also highlights a bigger trend on TV: Moms are portrayed as single parents far more often than dads.

For years, many narratives relied on the “missing mom” trope — stories where mothers were gone so the hero could grow.

When kids see role models who look like them saving lives on screen, it reinforces that they have a place in STEM too. 🩺✨ Read more in our report, “Portray Her 2.0.”

#WomenInSTEM #GirlsLeadSTEM #GreysAnatomy #seeitbeit

STEM characters played by women of color have a measurable, positive impact on young viewers. Look at Dr. Miranda Bailey from Grey’s Anatomy — a surgeon, mentor, and trailblazer who shows resilience and leadership in every episode.

Barbie can be anything – even an Olympic rugby player. 🏉 We’re celebrating the release of the #Mattel #IlonaMaher Barbie, recognizing her talent on the field and her commitment to authenticity and owning her confidence. 💪
#seeitbeit #IlonaMaher #Barbie

Speak On It | Girls Who Code Girls and nonbinary youth: the future of AI needs your voice. Speak On It is a movement to spark conversation and action around AI. Share your perspectives and help shape inclusive, ethical AI for e...

How do young people really feel about AI? @girlswhocode.bsky.social is asking the question in their new campaign, Speak On It. Check it out: speakonit.ai

🎟️ 4 VIP tickets to a live Wheel of Fortune taping
🎤 Meet Andy Cohen + 2 tickets to Bravo Watch What Happens Live
🧠 4 VIP tickets to a live Jeopardy! taping
Don’t miss your chance to win unforgettable moments AND make an impact. 💫

Bid now: bit.ly/4o2mpLw

Place your bid now for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences—all while supporting the Geena Davis Institute’s mission to advance representation across entertainment media!

Tom Hanks and Geena Davis in the celebrated mixed hand signals scene in A League of Their Own.

I love this movie.

Truly, "Geena Davis has an adventure with sentient vermin" is one of the richest and most verdant lands of contrast in all of cinema

Seeing characters like Marlee Matlin’s Joey Lucas in “The West Wing” break barriers and challenge the narrative shows audiences that disability and professional excellence are not mutually exclusive.
#DisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #DisabilityRepresentation #seeitbeit #TheWestWing #MarleeMatlin