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.
The music industry is still an unequal place for LGBTQ+ musicians. The Musicians’ Census LGBTQ+ Insight Report revealed that:
- Discrimination is a barrier to career progression that was reported by almost a quarter of LGBTQ+ musicians.
- 37% of LGBTQ+ musicians have experienced or witnessed discrimination based on sexuality whilst working as a musician yet, only 27% reported it.
- Worryingly over half of trans respondents reported experiencing discrimination based on their gender identity.
- 43% of LGBTQ+ musicians reported poor mental wellbeing.
- 90% of those who reported low mental wellbeing also reported experiencing or witnessing discrimination in some form.
Ensuring the voices of LGBT+ members are heard
In response to the Musicians’ Census LGBTQ+ Insight Report, the MU made 12 recommendations to make the music industry more inclusive for LGBTQ+ musicians. We’ll be working with our LGBTQ+ members, the music industry and will continue to lobby governments to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people can live authentically, free from harassment and discrimination.
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.
Remember, MU members of the LGBTQ+ community can join our LGBT+ Member Network. This 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.