LGBT+ Musicians

LGBT+ musicians may face particular issues because of their sexuality or gender. Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, being asked to conceal their sexuality or gender, difficultly touring in countries that are hostile to or that criminalise LGBT+ people and lack of representation are issues that LGBT+ musicians may face.

Guidance & resources

Working abroad

Travelling as a LGBT+ musician

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

Orchestras & theatre

Screened auditions

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

Mentoring opportunities

Look out for mentoring opportunities the MU provides with partner organisations.

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

LGBT+ news & features

Explore the updates for LGBT+ music artists.

Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Silhouette of two sound engineers, in front of empty stage at a mixing desk.

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

The report findings show significant improvements in the areas of gender and ethnicity, but also highlights areas where more progress is needed, such as breaking down barriers for people from working class backgrounds.

Published: 19 June 2024

View from the back of the room of all hands raised in a support of our motion at the LGBT+ Conference.

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

The MU sent a delegation to this year’s STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference in May, where our motion on tackling transphobia, ensuring culturally relevant mental health provisions and improvements to the Equality Act passed unanimously.

Published: 17 June 2024

MU members and staff at one of last years Pride marches, waving MU flags and banners during the event.

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2024

The theme for this year's IDAHOBIT, which takes place on Friday 17 May, is “No One Gets Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”.

Published: 16 May 2024

12 Recommendations to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Musicians

The Musicians' Census' LGBTQ+ Musicians Insight Report revealed multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more diverse and inclusive. Here we look at the recommendations we think can make that happen.

Published: 07 February 2024

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

New findings from the Musicians’ Census show that LGBTQ+ musicians are disproportionately impacted by discrimination and sexual harassment, particularly for trans musicians, having a more widespread impact on their careers and ability to work.

Published: 07 February 2024

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

As 2024’s Seat at the Table report finds that the representation of women on UK music trade association boards has now risen to 52%, find out what the MU is doing to improve diversity in our own committees.

Published: 02 February 2024

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

Member's Voice

Dos and Don’ts of Working with Trans Colleagues

Musician, writer, 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

Stonewall

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

TUC

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