Being a lesbian artist within the music industry most certainly has its ups and downs.
I came out at the young age of 14 and have since been given so many amazing opportunities with my musical career, such as performing at London Pride for 3 years running, performing at LGBTQ+ events in and around London and also appearing in LGBTQ+ magazines, but there have been situations that have also been challenging for me as a person, let alone as an artist. I time I remember which sticks to me till this day is when I was told to lie about my sexuality just to be seen as more ‘sellable’.
At the end of the day, we shouldn’t be seen or heard for our sexuality, we should be seen and heard for us as people, as artists and loved for our music.
I remember this clearly because it affected me and started making me overthink things. I remember thinking will I ever be as successful as a straight female artist? Will people be able to relate to my songs? Will people not like me because I’m gay? Will I get hate?
But when I come to think of it now, there are and have been so many amazing successful gay icons within the music industry. Each that have faced their own struggles whether that be with themselves, their career, or just in general.
At the end of the day, we shouldn’t be seen or heard for our sexuality, we should be seen and heard for us as people, as artists and loved for our music.
Of course I would love to be someone’s inspiration, especially a young person who is finding it hard to come to terms with their own sexuality. We need more LGBTQ+ representatives in every workplace as well as the music industry because of this reason.
Taking action
Myself and my girlfriend (Stephanie Collingwood), host our own LGBTQ+ artist events in and around London to give the industry more gay representation. I founded RM Events (Real Music Events) back in September 2021. I started up the events because I believe that there just isn’t enough focus on upcoming talent anymore and there are so many talented individuals creating their own music that need to be heard and be given a platform.
My partner is also my producer which definitely gives me more confidence when it comes to recording and being in the music studio. Image provided by: Ronnie-Martine.
The events not only represent LGBTQ+ artists, but also LGBTQ+ DJ’s. The events have been a great success and have all sold out to each venue's full capacity, so it reflects how in demand these nights are.
My partner is also my producer which definitely gives me more confidence when it comes to recording and being in the music studio. Luckily for me, she provides me with a safe space to record and be myself, but for some people, this sometimes isn’t the case. I also believe that we need more safe studio spaces, especially for women.
Final thoughts
Overall, no matter what people say or what people tell you, you should always be true to yourself and be the person you are because behind every gay artist is a person. A person with a story, a person who has faced struggles, a person who has battled with theirself to realise who they are.
Whether I am likeable or not, I am still the same as everyone else and I am also not afraid to be the person I am.