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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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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