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

6 hands each holding jigsaw pieces up to sunlight to reflect all fitting together.

MU Members’ Assembly Elects Chair Team For Two-Year Term

Sarah Sayeed and Ben Lunn have been elected as Co-Chairs of the MU Members’ Assembly for a two-year term.

Published: 09 October 2026

A black placard being held high in a crowd. The design is of a fist being raised powerfully in solidarity holding a piece of paper in bright blue and pink. The text says

MU to Join Together Alliance Northern Summit on the Role of Arts and Culture in Challenging the Far Right

The MU will be represented at a major anti-racism and community organising event in Manchester on 17 October. The Together Alliance North Summit will bring together trade unionists, activists and community leaders to develop practical strategies to challenge the growth of the far right.

Published: 08 October 2026

MU Member Wins Trades Union Congress Activism Award

Congratulations to Lynn Henderson, who won the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Youth Awards at Congress 2026!

Published: 29 September 2026

A big group of people from various unions holding up flags and placards with 'Labour Unions' and 'Solidarity Forever'

Labour Unions Share Messages of Solidarity With Trans Labour Members

The 11 trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party published a statement of support with the trans and non-binary community.

Published: 28 September 2026

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Pride in London 2026: Standing Proud with MU Members

MU members joined staff and fellow trade unionists at Pride in London on Saturday 4 July, celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility, solidarity and the importance of standing together in support of equality and inclusion.

Published: 09 July 2026

Peter Raistrick: Why Musicians and Trade Unionists Must Stand Against the Far Right

In this opinion piece, Peter Raistrick, London Regional Committee member and Young Members' Network activist, reflects on the responsibility of musicians and trade unionists to defend creative freedom, workers' rights and an inclusive society in the face of the growing threat of the far right.

Published: 29 June 2026

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