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

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

Be better represented

Join 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. The network is open to all members who identify as LGBT+.

MU at Pride event marching with musicians

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

We are working with recognition of our goals with the full support of industry trade bodies in the UK including the Musicians’ Union amongst many others.
Pride in MusicNetwork for the LGBTQ+ community, artists and allies working within British Music.

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

Pride’s Got Talent shines a spotlight on amazing upcoming LGBT+ artists.
Pride's Got Talent#PrideinLondon

LGBT+ news & features

Explore the updates for LGBT+ music artists.

The BBC HQ, at Portland Place, London. The photo is taken in the sunshine, and people are walking into and out of the building.

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

The MU has written to the BBC to raise concerns about its recent withdrawal from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme.

Published: 23 November 2021

Two young adults playing their guitars in the kicthen, both are holding acoustic guitars as if they are preparing to play them.

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

The recently published report, Creating a More Inclusive Classical Music, reveals the barriers to access that exist in the classical music industry, and sets out a three-year plan of action.

Published: 16 November 2021

Photograph of a woman backstage, she has a concerned expression and is looking into her mob

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

New reports reveal sexual harassment and abuse remain rife in the music industry despite the #MeToo movement. We’re calling on the Government and music industry organisations to protect musicians and other workers from victimisation and harassment.

Published: 03 September 2021

Photograph of the hands of two colleagues in a meeting at work.

MU Signs TUC Letter Calling For Urgent Reset in The Government’s Approach to LGBT+ Rights

Together with over 38 other unions and the TUC, we have written to equalities minister Liz Truss to call for an urgent reset in the government’s approach to LGBT+ rights.

Published: 22 July 2021

Mentoring Training Scheme for Underrepresented MU Members in Scotland Opens for Applications

The MU has successfully secured funding from Scottish Union Learning to provide mentoring training for underrepresented members in Scotland. Participants will achieve a Professional Practice Award in Mentoring (PPAM).

Published: 08 June 2021

Second WITCiH Digital Festival Celebrates Women in Tech

The Women in Technology Creative Industries Hub (WITCiH) – a platform which aims to elevate women and non-binary creatives in technology – will be running its second festival 9-11 June, with online performances, panels and presentations.

Published: 28 May 2021

Next Kill The Bill Day of Action to Take Place on 29 May

A series of organised protests will be taking place across the UK, calling for the Government to reconsider their Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which risks criminalising the right to peaceful protest, increasing discrimination and undermining democracy.

Published: 26 May 2021

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.

Learn more about what we do for LGBT+ musicians and about our Member Networks.

Join our LGBT+ Member Network

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

Find your Local MU Office Contact

Enter your postcode below to find your local Musicians' Union office contact information.

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If you are an existing member, login to contact your Regional office.

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