A new networking organization for Gay women in the entertainment industry announced its formation in an ad in the Oct. 11 "Gay Hollywood" issue of Daily Variety.

The Professional Organization of Women in Entertainment Reaching Up (POWER Up) was started by producer-writer Stacy Codikow, live event and commercial producer Amy Shomer, and publicist-producer K. Pearson Brown (formerly of Washington), who met while working on the Los Angeles installment of the GLAAD Media Awards.

"We realized that there are many successful Gay women in all facets of the industry who could benefit from a support system," Codikow said. "Our goal is to have every Gay woman [in the business] be a member of the organization. There are so many women not united."

POWER Up intends to provide its members with a résumé bank, membership directory, networking events, seminars about the industry, and grants for filmmaking. The group’s founders also hope that it will help women bond and be more accepted in the industry.

The group will officially open its doors after its "celebrity-hosted" launch event in L.A. on Dec. 5. "Until then, we’re working on membership," Codikow said. Readers who want more information may contact the group by sending e-mail to joinpowerup@aol.com or calling (310) 271-4708.