skip to main content

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

The theme for this year's IDAHOBIT, which takes place on Saturday 17 May, is “The Power of Communities”.

Published: 16 May 2025 | 12:34 PM Updated: 17 May 2025 | 9:00 AM
MU members and staff at one of last years Pride marches, waving MU flags and banners during the event.
The MU will be attending various pride marches over the summer with our LGBTQ+ members and allies. Image credit: © The MU.

IDAHOBIT is celebrated annually on 17 May. It is a global initiative that aims to raise awareness about discrimination, violence, and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

This year, we reaffirm our support of and solidarity towards trans, nonbinary and intersex musicians, music industry professionals and trade unionists.

Everyone has a right to live and work free from discrimination and harm

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) describes this year’s theme “The Power of Communities” as a call to reflect on the pluralistic and intersectional backgrounds, identities and experiences of LGBTQIA+ communities. The theme recognises the role of collective solidarity in supporting human rights and liberation – which resonates deeply with us as a trade union and our history of collectivism towards change.

Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, reflects: "It’s a difficult environment for trans people in particular right now, and we want trans musicians and music industry professionals to know that the MU stands with you.

“As a union movement, we recognise everyone’s right to live and work free from discrimination and harm, and it will take collective solidarity across the music industry community to help ensure this for musicians and others working in music.”

Ensuring the voices of LGBT+ members are heard

Since this time last year, when we shared findings from the the Musicians’ Census LGBTQ+ Insight Report, we have used this data to raise motions to the TUC and STUC to address inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ musicians, and held discussions within the music industry on safety on tour and while gigging internationally at WOMEX and I Know a Place, working with our partners Come Play With Me.

The MU will also be attending various pride marches over the summer with our LGBTQ+ members and allies. Look out for more details of how to register coming soon.

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.

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