Lesbian Film and Television Producers and Directors

There has been much discussion lately about the lack of women in the film and television production industry and the glass ceiling they face in advancing their careers. Interesting, there is quite good proportional representation of lesbian women in this industry relative to overall out LGBTQ individuals. We have been able to identify a sizeable group of respected past and present lesbian film and television producers and directors.

Many of these individuals are well known and have been recognized by the industry for the achievements. Some have received Emmy Awards (television) or Teddy Awards (LGBTQ film), and although none have yet won an Academy Award there have been several who have directed such award winners in their films. Several lesbian filmmakers and producers have been appointed to the Order of the British Empire (Great Britain), have become Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (France), or have received the National Medal of the Arts (United States).

Included are a group of individuals who have produced outstanding films for the LGBTQ community. A list of these films include: I Heard the Mermaid Singing ([[Patricia Rozema, and voted Best Canadian Film of All Time); Desert Hearts (Donna Deitch); and Paris is Burning (Jennie Livingston).

Similarly, many popular television shows have been created and/or produced by lesbian individuals. These shows include: Nurse Jackie (Linda Wallem); Footballer's Wives (Eileen Gallagher); Transparent (Andrea Sperling); True Blood (Angela Robinson); and The L Word (Ilene Chaiken).

A large number of these talented lesbians founded and own their own production companies, and some are also actors in their productions. Perhaps it is these entrepreneurial initiatives that explains their relative prevalence in the industry.

To read their fascinating biographies, simply click on their names: