QMU Becomes First Scottish Venue to Sign the Keychange 50/50 Pledge

The Queen Margaret Union (QMU), a students’ union at the University of Glasgow, has become the first live venue in Scotland to sign the Keychange 50/50 pledge – committing to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in their performers by 2022.

International programme Keychange – which initially focused on performers and artists – has recently expanded its initiative to include “any music organisation seeking to achieve a better gender balance in the industry.”

This 50 percent target includes all women, trans and non-binary performers. Over 250 music organisations have committed to the pledge so far.

QMU sees signing the pledge as a significant step forward for gender equality. A fitting move for a venue with a long tradition of promoting equal rights – from playing a part in the suffragette movement to being the first building on campus with gender neutral toilets.

Creating a long lasting, sustainable culture change in the music industry

MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Official, John Shortell, welcomed the news:

“The MU fully supports the PRS Keychange campaign and are excited that this now includes conservatoires, orchestras, broadcasters, concert halls, agents, labels and any music organisations.

“Broadening out the scope of Keychange will help create a long lasting, sustainable culture change in the music industry and change our working practices significantly.

"Keychange not only helps focus attention on issues of lack of representation, it highlights other areas that may present barriers to creating a gender balanced music industry.”

The MU is committed to achieving Equality for all members. Find out more about the MU’s Equalities Committee, and their work to celebrate diversity in the music industry whilst raising awareness of Equality issues.