skip to main content

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2024

The theme for this year's IDAHOBIT, which takes place on Friday 17 May, is “No One Gets Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”.

Photo ofJohn Shortell
By John Shortell Published: 16 May 2024 | 4:24 PM
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.

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.

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

Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Read more about MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals
View from the back of the room of all hands raised in a support of our motion at the LGBT+ Conference.

MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024

The MU sent a delegation to this year’s STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference in May, where our motion on tackling transphobia, ensuring culturally relevant mental health provisions and improvements to the Equality Act passed unanimously.

Published: 17 June 2024

Read more about MU Motion on LGBTQ+ Musicians Passed at STUC Conference 2024