ALIA for LGBT+ History Month: Representing Unity Within Diversity

In truth, I have only been with the Musicians’ Union for a year or so, but the open arms and kindness within their organisation speaks volumes. Members have the ability to reach out with any concerns, questions or ideas.

I joined in on a discussion last year for the LGBT+Member Network meeting regarding Pride and the Union’s work for the LGBT+ community. John Shortell, the MU’s Head of ED&I and the team were caring, committed and genuinely open to receiving ideas and suggestions from an independent queer artist such as myself.

My day-to-day life as an artist and musician

In my day-to-day world, I am a self-employed artist/musician, I actively pursue ways to incorporate my art and work with/raise awareness on topics and organisations that matter to me; mental health, youth, homelessness, conflict/politics, and LGBT+ issues.

I have only been within the music industry for over two years now. I am currently in a nomad experience in regards to where I am based in the UK, but the past nine years I had spent in and out of London.

In the current midst of life I have many projects on the horizon; a modern psychedelic rock chapter with Mr.Nobody (Steven Young), a debut album that I am humbly a part of, together with a few singles that I myself have written, composed, co-produced and collaborated on, with a variety of artists and producers.

I joined the MU so my art and self had protection

I joined the MU so my art and self had protection as well as information that I felt was necessary, with how this modern world now works for artists - LGBT+ artists especially, as well as self-dependent ones.

It is full of difficult questions that need answering, fraud, and complicated and toxic environments you could work in or with - musicians need the guidance to navigate this industry.

The MU stands up for your artistic rights and fights for all forms of issues. I myself am currently undergoing and facing some difficulties and the MU is generously guiding me and supporting me, educating me on all fronts with my case. I could not be more grateful and humbled by the generosity.

Have your opinions, ideas, questions and issues heard

If I was given the question as to why any LGBT+ musicians should join the Musicians’ Union and engage with this organisation, I would firstly ponder as to how they haven’t already?

You can have YOUR voice heard! Your opinions, ideas, questions, issues … which in today’s world are incredibly hard and complicated to say the least, with being an LGBT+ artist or any form of creative, especially one as a minority.

The MU Committees and democratic processes can empower you, inspire your activism, help maximise your finances, support you with any security problems, and represent you in all your form… it is truly and honestly a community - an equal, inclusive and valuable one. That is very rare to find, and I feel very lucky to have the access that I have with this Union.

It’s time to represent unity within diversity

I will leave with this message: it’s time, more than ever, to represent unity within diversity.

Be proud of who you are, because you are unique, you are worthy and worth the existence you deserve.

You will never be alone and there’s no-one like you out there. It is your human right to be free and be safe in your own environment. You are the love that feeds into the divine.