skip to main content

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Photo ofJohn Shortell
By John Shortell Published: 08 July 2025 | 4:35 PM
MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025
MU delegates Toby Corton, Katie Manasse, and ALIA, along with MU Head of ED&I John Shortell and Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush. Photo:© The MU.

On 3 and 4 July, MU members ALIA, Toby Corton, and Katie Manasse represented the Union at the annual Trades Union Congress (TUC) LGBT+ Workers' Conference in London. 

The MU delegation moved a motion—which passed unanimously—on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, calling on the TUC to lobby the government to intensify efforts to end the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people worldwide. The motion also urged the TUC to:

  • Launch a strategic campaign highlighting the moral and economic value of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) work.
  • Promote greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ sensitive health and safety issues.

MU member ALIA, who moved the motion, spoke about the experiences LGBTQ+ musicians face when touring. Read their full speech to Conference below.

"We are told that music is a universal language, that it crosses borders, that it transcends difference. But I am here to tell you even music cannot silence the hate that follows you through airports, sound checks, visa applications and fear.

"I am a singer. A composer. A nomad in and around London— not by accident, but because it is the only way I can stay close to the field that is my calling. My joy. My home. But even in that home I have been treated differently. Not because of the notes I write—
but because of who I am.

"Because I am not straight, because I am not cisgender, because I am not easily palatable. For years I hid who I was. Not just to feel safe, but to survive in a field that made it clear:
To be different, was to be less. Less bookable. Less relatable. Less safe. And I am not alone.

"According to the Musicians’ Census, LGBTQ+ musicians are more likely to work internationally, and yet we carry more risk.

"We are sometimes asked to share our gifts in countries where our very existence is criminal.
Where we are told: Your voice is welcome, but your truth is not.

"I have seen colleagues crumble under that pressure. Brilliant artists dimming their light, toning themselves down, turning themselves into someone else just to be allowed on the stage. Just to come back alive.

"Let me say this plainly. No artist should have to choose between their safety and their soul and yet, that is the impossible choice so many of us face.

"When touring becomes dangerous, not just logistically, but existentially. When visas can be denied based on gender markers, when hotel rooms can be unsafe, when hate follows us like baggage, how can we talk about “diversity” if we won’t talk about danger?

"Let’s also not pretend the backlash is “over there.” It’s not just in the United States. We feel it here in the UK.

"The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on trans rights made it loud and clear:

"Even here—
Even now—
Equality is not guaranteed.

"So I stand here, not just to share pain but to demand action, because safety is not a privilege. It is a right.

"For all workers.
For all artists.
For all people.

"Imagine, for a moment, a world where LGBTQ+ musicians didn’t have to hide. Where passports didn’t become traps. Where every soundcheck came with security, not just of body, but of identity.

"We can build that world. We must build that world.

"Not just with policy, but with intention. With courage. With healing. With love.

"Love, not as a soft word, but a radical one. A justice word. A solidarity word.

"Let that be our music. Let that be our movement."

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

Continue reading

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Read more about UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act