MU Regional Services Assistant Jenny Simpson (right) with members at last year’s Birmingham Pride. Photo: The MU.
17 May is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). This year’s theme is “At the Heart of Democracy”, emphasising that democratic societies must ensure equity, justice and representation for all, in order to foster inclusion and enable communities to flourish.
Learn how you, your organisation, business or school can get involved in IDAHOBIT 2026.
To mark the day, we’ve brought together a collection of MU blogs and news from the past 12 months for members to revisit, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ voices within our own democratic union and beyond.
A year of LGBTQ+ stories, activism and community
- In a special guest blog for LGBT+ History Month this February, multi-instrumentalist, freelance events manager and MU member Asher Hoang reflected on identity and presentation in the music industry as a trans man, exploring personal challenges and the power of diverse musical communities.
- In our second blog for LGBT+ History Month 2026, folk musician, activist and MU member Maddie Morris reflected on getting top surgery while freelancing — from fundraising and touring to recovery, music-making and mental health.
- In March this year, MU members joined thousands who gathered in London on 28 March for the Together Alliance demonstration — described as the largest anti-far-right march in UK history — in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance to the far right.
- Last October, we published a statement on Manchester Pride entering liquidation and shared that we would support members affected by cancelled performances. We are pleased to learn that celebrations will return in August 2026 and that, under the new direction of Manchester Village Pride CIC, funds raised through the sale of wristbands and passes will help ensure the safe delivery of the Summer Bank Holiday Weekend event while supporting LGBTQ+ charities, grassroots organisations and vital community services.
- Last summer, MU members represented the Union at TUC LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, recognising the value of equality, diversity and inclusion work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.
- And in case you missed it, the MU’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, John Shortell, was named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List.
Ensuring the voices of LGBT+ members are heard
The MU will also be attending various Pride marches over the summer with our LGBTQ+ members and allies. Look out for more details in upcoming emails about how to register.
MU members can also join our LGBT+ Member Network, 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.