LGBT+ Musicians

LGBT+ musicians in the UK often face discrimination, harassment, barriers to touring in unsafe countries, and limited representation. The MU supports LGBT+ artists with advocacy, resources, and guidance to promote inclusion and tackle inequality.

Guidance & resources

Statement: MU reaffirms support for trans musicians amid legal definition ruling

The MU stands in solidarity with our trans members following the Supreme Court ruling about the definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010.

Travelling as a LGBT+ musician

What LGBT+ musicians need to consider and look out for before travelling to certain countries.

Screened auditions — orchestras and theatre

A method to promote fairer opportunities for musicians from all backgrounds to earn a position in an orchestra.

Galop

Support for LGBT+ people

Access help if you encounter hate crime, domestic abuse, conversion therapy and other abuse.

Stonewall

Resources for BAME and POC LGBTQ+ Communities

Explore blogs from Stonewall on how to be a better ally, supporting Black-led organisations, and more.

LGBT+ news & features

Small music venue, a band are on stage in front of an audience, all in silhouette against purple lighting.

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Being a Trans Man in the Music Industry

Multi-instrumentalist, freelance events manager and MU member Asher Hoang reflects on identity and presentation in the music industry as a trans man, exploring personal challenges and the power of diverse musical communities.

Published: 19 February 2026

A person in a crowd holds up a handmade cardboard sign reading “Refugees Welcome” in large green letters with a small red heart. Other protest signs are visible blurred in the background.

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

Join the MU at the Together Alliance march in London on Saturday 28 March for a major national demonstration against the far right.

Published: 17 February 2026

Close up of an acoustic guitar in a meadow at sunset.

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Navigating Top Surgery as a Freelance Trans Musician

To mark LGBT+ History Month 2026, folk musician, activist and MU member Maddie Morris reflects on getting top surgery while freelancing — from fundraising and touring to recovery, music-making, and mental health.

Published: 05 February 2026

Wooden steps on a bright yellow back ground, an arrow is draw over them upwards, to represet the concept of personal development and improvement.

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Applications are now open for our new 2026 MU Future Leaders programme, offering underrepresented members the chance to gain campaign expertise, influence union strategy, and build networks across the music sector.

Published: 05 January 2026

MU Statement on Manchester Pride Entering Liquidation

The organisation in charge of Manchester Pride recently confirmed it has gone into voluntary liquidation. The MU will be supporting members affected by cancelled performances, and those affected are urged to get in touch with the regional office.

Published: 27 October 2025

David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There

Ahead of our October drop-in sessions for members interested in exploring the 10-Point Plan for inclusive recruitment in orchestras, RLPO violinist and MU steward David Rimbault shares his personal reflections on why the sector must act now to remain relevant to both musicians and audiences alike.

Published: 30 September 2025

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

The MU has partnered with BLiM and ABO to launch the second year of the Hiring and Recruitment 10 Point Action Plan. The plan aims to drive change for more inclusive recruitment across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors.

Published: 01 September 2025

Navigating Top Surgery as a Freelance Trans Musician

Folk musician, activist and MU member Maddie Morris reflects on getting top surgery while freelancing — from fundraising and touring to recovery, music-making, and mental health.

Representing Unity Within Diversity

ALIA shares their experience as a queer independent musician and how the MU has supported their journey.

The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved

Katmuss, the resident bass clarinettist for Folk Clarinet Quartet, The Tradinettes, shares their experience of dealing with mental health issues and rediscovering a sense of community through the MU and its LGBT+ network.

Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect

Utako Toyama is a multi-award-winning composer and MU member who promotes diversity, equality, and world peace through her music. In this guest blog, she discusses why visibility and allyship is important not just in the music industry, but for society as a whole.

We Can Create a Music World that Truly Represents Everyone

Nate Ethan Watson is a trailblazing artist and advocate, recognised by the BBC as the UK’s first transgender rapper. In this guest blog, he shares his experiences navigating the music industry and reflects on how it can be reshaped for the better.

Representing and advocating on behalf of LGBT+ musicians

Get involved with the MU's work on lobbying for an LGBT+ inclusive education, the end of abuses to LGBT+ people internationally, and a fair and equal representation.

Join our LGBT+ Member Network

Our network is a space where people with shared identities can connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry. The network ensures that the voices of LGBT+ members are heard, and that opportunities for activism and leadership are created.

Join our network if you identify as LGBT+.

Join the LGBT+ Network

Representing and advocating on behalf of LGBT+ musicians

Allyship

Dos and don’ts of working with trans colleagues

Musician, writer and activist CN Lester discusses how you can better support your trans colleagues in the arts.

TUC

How to be a good trans ally at work

A downloadable guide for trade union members and reps on how to support their trans members.

Stonewall

10 ways to step up as an ally to non-binary people

Information and practical tips for everyday trans and non-binary allyship.

TUC

Supporting non-binary workers

An interactive learning module aimed at reps but useful for all, explaining gender identities and how to support non-binary workers.

You don’t need any special skills to support trans colleagues
CN LesterMulti-genre musician, writer, activist

At the MU we lobby on an LGBT+ inclusive music education, the end of abuses to LGBT+ people internationally and a fair and equal representation
John ShortellMU Head of Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion

Art without progression and adaptation stagnates and dies
Patricia YatesProfessional Femme Tenor (she/her)

With MU membership on my side I’m beyond excited for the future
Henry NewburyPride's Got Talent Music 2019 Winner

LGBT+ Musicians

Guidance & resources