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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 | 4:23 PM
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.
John Shortell, pictured front centre, attends various Pride marches with MU members and colleagues each year. Photo: ©The MU.

The LGBTIQ+ List 2025 – IQ Magazine’s fifth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, and the MU is delighted to congratulate our Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I), John Shortell, on being recognised for his work.

Those on the list were nominated by IQ Magazine readers

The 20 individuals featured on the LGBTIQ+ List 2025 – nominated by IQ Magazine readers and selected by an esteemed steering committee – have all gone above and beyond to champion an inclusive and progressive music industry.

Each pioneer is profiled in a full-length interview, and John’s feature is now available to read online.

In his conversation with IQ Magazine, John discussed the MU’s work supporting marginalised musicians through initiatives such as our Safe Space scheme, an opportunity for individuals to share experiences of sexism, sexual harassment, and abuse within the music industry. He also highlighted his role as a member of UK Music's Diversity Taskforce and expressed pride in joining the board of trustees at Homotopia, a Liverpool-based queer arts and activism organisation.

John also raised concern over the global rollback of EDI efforts and urged the UK music industry to lead by example. He called for greater accessibility for disabled musicians and the dismantling of class barriers across the sector.

John is an industry leader and we are proud to have him working on behalf of musicians

Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, said: “John is an industry leader, driving forward equality, diversity and inclusion policy as well as delivering concrete change. He has a focus on building partnerships, for example working with Black Lives in Music to make recruitment in orchestras more inclusive.

“We are proud to have him working on behalf of musicians and know he's a great advocate for marginalised groups; he is sure to platform and amplify underrepresented voices rather than pushing himself forward. He has played a crucial role in many key initiatives, including the Musicians' Census, our Access Rider, and partnership with the REMEL project, which uses research to tackle inequalities and promote a more transparent, equitable licensing model for live music."

Learn more about the LGBTIQ+ List 2025, read John’s full interview, or find out more about the MU’s work for equality, diversity and inclusion in the music industry.

Representing and advocating on behalf of LGBT+ musicians

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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
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