A Statement from the Fenix Theatre Collaborative Board:
2021 was the most deadly year on record for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people and, in 2022, at least 21 trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals have already lost their lives to violence.
Fenix Theatre Collaborative condemns transphobia in all its forms and unequivocally supports the full inclusion, protection, and celebration of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals everywhere, but particularly in the theatre community and our theatre company. There is no place in our company or on our stages for bigotry, hatred, or bullying.
Across the country (and world), bigoted, mean-spirited, and deadly laws are being written and enacted that are specifically designed to exclude trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals from wide swaths of everyday life that other communities take for granted—including antiquated bathroom policies, limiting or denying access to gender-affirming health care, and exclusion from athletic competitions. Beyond being damaging policies in and of themselves, they increase the unreasonable and unfounded stigma of and fear towards the trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming communities which, in turn, increases the potential for bullying and violence in communities already plagued by daily violence and trauma.
We also recognize that trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people have intersectional identities that affect their access to opportunities and safe spaces and that white voices are frequently centered in the theatre community, further creating barriers for BIPOC trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals.
As a theatre company, we keenly recognize that more work is needed to make the theatre community at large a genuinely inclusive environment for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming artists and are dedicated to doing that work. We have already committed to working with trusted gender consultants as we plan our seasons and shows; normalizing the identification of pronouns universally; rethinking how we conceive and write casting breakdowns; creating more gender-inclusive spaces; and proactively seeking out opportunities to work with and support trans artists. We also keenly recognize that our work is only beginning, and we will provide updates and information on our actions and efforts as we move forward.
As part of this commitment, 20% off all concession sales will be donated to The Center.
