Stephens has stepped away from their role on the Board to support staff navigating through this transition.
The Board has initiated measures to support organizational solvency and help realign the organization.
We are working to rebuild a higher-quality organization and workplace.
Outfest
Outfest is decidedly pro-union.
The work our organization accomplishes wouldnt be possible without Hollywood unions.
As a nonprofit Board and organization, we believe in empowering LGBTQIA+ storytellers which includes our Outfest staff.
As this is a matter of urgency, a special meeting of the Board is being scheduled.
Those included in the layoffs are Director of Artist Development and Martine McDonald and Senior Programming Coordinator Gabi Grossman.
Gootter was informed of their layoff via email on a day off.
All laid-off staff were told their last day is tomorrow, September 29.
This not only challenges us individually but also jeopardizes the quality and sustainability of our work.
This vote included 12 staff members across the organization whose designations fall below the Associate Director level.
They gave Outfest management 24 hours to respond and another 24 hours at the request of the Outfest Board.
We are working to rebuild a higher-quality organization and workplace.
How the Outfest news will impact that ceremony is not yet clear.
Matthew Carey contributed to this report.
