These are just some of the worrying stats in the Musicians’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Musicians Insight report, supported by the charity Help Musicians and record label, Come Play With Me . But it doesn’t have to be this way. With Pride celebrations taking place in Leeds and beyond later this month, LGBTQ+ issues are on everyone’s lips. However, lip service alone is not enough. Although there has been some progress in the industry, organisations should continue to look at how they can become better allies.
comes to mind as an organisation always looking for new ways to support and nurture talent. The MU’s LGBTQ+ Member Network is another good example; it creates a space where artists in the community can connect and advocate for change. Mentoring and networking events are so important as an up-and-coming queer artist; every connection means something, and just one can change your career trajectory.
, jointly with the MU, have created a recommendation list of 12 ways music venues and organisations can become more inclusive for LGBTQ+ musicians. ‘Inclusive’ is the key word here since diversity itself is not enough. Once LGBTQ+ artists are within spaces that they’re invited to, they will only feel properly welcomed and safe if work has been done to make a venue inclusive.