Musicians' Union Census Shows LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Face Discrimination and Harassment

The figures were particularly upsetting for transgender musicians, who experienced worse outcomes than other LGBTQ+ musicians across most categories

The UK's Musicians' Union (MU) recently released the data from its annual Musicians' Census, with figures deriving from 2023. The findings reveal that LGBTQ+ musicians are still disproportionately affected by issues such as discrimination and sexual harassment.

According to the data, almost a quarter of LGBTQ+ musicians reported discrimination as a barrier to their work. More than a third (37%) have experienced or witnessed sexuality-based discrimination in the industry — but only 27% felt able to report it. The figures were worse for transgender musicians, with more than half of respondents reporting discrimination based on their gender identity.

In addition, nearly a third (32%) of LGBTQ+ respondents have witnessed sexual harassment in the industry, with those numbers rising to 41% for trans respondents. LGBTQ+ musicians also reported higher rates of poor mental and physical well-being, with 43% of respondents saying that discrimination has contributed to poor mental well-being.

"High levels of unreported incidents of discrimination and sexual harassment could well be linked to a lack of reporting mechanisms, a lack of trust and confidence that reports will be dealt with appropriately, and a fear of victimization," said MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl.

"Our aim is for the findings of Musicians’ Census LGBTQ+ Musicians Insight Report to act as a catalyst which encourages the UK music industry to work together to tackle discrimination as a matter of urgency, and ensure that the music industry is a safer and more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ musicians."

"Together with Help Musicians and our partnership with Come Play with Me, we’re committed to expediting change to see the industry become a more diverse, truly inclusive place to work, which is equitable for everyone," said Jonathan Shortell, MU Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

"We hope that this report encourages more organizations and individuals in the music industry to work together to remove the barriers that LGBTQ+ musicians face, and ensure that everyone, regardless of background or identity, can thrive."