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Wednesday 31 March is International Trans Day of Visibility. To mark this, our Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl has said:

“On Trans Day of Visibility, the MU reconfirms our commitment to working towards trans equality in the workplace, in society and in our union, and stands in solidarity with our trans and non-binary members.

“We are committed to tackling transphobia wherever it occurs and to making sure the music industry is a safe place for trans people to work.”

MU articles covering topics of interest for trans people and allies

Sign Stonewall’s petition to ban conversion therapy

Sign Stonewall’s petition to ban conversion therapy on their website. Stonewall says:

“It is still legal for LGBTQIA+ people to be emotionally, mentally abused through so-called ‘conversion therapy.

“Conversion therapy includes medical, psychiatric, psychological, religious, cultural or any other interventions that seek to erase, repress or change the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of a person.

Stonewall’s LGBT in Britain – Health Report found that one in twenty LGBT people (five per cent) have been pressured to access services to question or change their sexual orientation when accessing healthcare services.

“It’s time for conversion therapy to be eradicated. We have an opportunity to secure a full, legislative ban which makes conversion therapy illegal.”

Statistics ignite calls to ensure trans employees are protected and included

The number of trans people who hide their identity at work is increasing, a recent poll from People Management has found.

More transgender people hide their identity at work now than they did five years ago, a new study has suggested, igniting calls for employers to proactively develop policies and practices to ensure trans employees are protected and included at work.

Katie Budd, head of indices and resources at LGBT+ charity Stonewall, described the figures as “heartbreaking,” and said they were a “stark reminder of how far we still had to go for trans people to feel safe to be themselves at work”.

“It’s 2021 – no one should have to hide who they are or feel afraid that they’ll be harassed for being open about their gender identity at work,” she said.

Join the MU’s network of LGBT Members

The MU has an active LGBT+ network of members. Members receive regular updates on our equalities work via newsletters, as well as the opportunity to contribute to MU consultation responses and take part in surveys.

Join an equality network today

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Blue. pink and white transgender flag, being waved at a parade.

MU Celebrates Transgender Awareness Week 2024

Transgender Awareness Week takes place 13 - 19 November and is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. To mark this we’ve put together a guide where you can check out MU resources, revisit related stories from the past year, and view upcoming events.

Published: 13 November 2024

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Close up of vinyl DJ decks.

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

This Black History Month, musician and activist DJ Paulette shares how she uses her voice to help represent the electronic music industry, as well as ensuring that those who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role are heard and considered equally.

Published: 09 October 2024

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Multiple raised hands against a bright, white sky, each holding a piece of a wooden jigsaw puzzle. A teamwork, problem-solving concept.

New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time

Musicians from across the UK recently came together in London for the first meeting of the Union’s new Members’ Assembly, which will explore MU policy issues and campaigns from diverse perspectives.

Published: 09 August 2024

Read more about New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time
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