Research reveals scale of discrimination and sexual harassment impacting LGBTQ+ musicians

A new report released today by the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians has revealed that musicians from LGBTQ+ communities are facing disproportionate levels of discrimination and sexual harassment, and experience a significant pay gap compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.

The LGBTQ+ Musicians Insight Report is the latest report published using data from the Musicians’ Census, which saw almost 6,000 musicians surveyed last year. It reveals concerns from LGBTQ+ musicians around their physical, mental and financial wellbeing, with, 43% reporting poor mental wellbeing and 30% reporting poor physical wellbeing.

MU general secretary Naomi Pohl said: ‘LGBTQ+ musicians are an under researched community and because of this very little is known about their earnings, experiences and working lives – until now. 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 victimisation. 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.’

This week’s report reveals that over a third of LGBTQ+ musicians (37%) have experienced or witnessed discrimination based on sexuality whilst working as a musician, yet only 27% reported it. Over half of trans respondents reported experiencing discrimination based on their gender identity. Musicians experiencing discrimination of any kind can contact the MU for help and support with legal advice, assistance, and representation.

Almost half of all LGBTQ+ respondents (44%) reported witnessing or experiencing sexual harassment, but only a third reported it. Almost a quarter (24%) of trans respondents reported being sexually harassed and 41% reported witnessing harassment, but only 14% reported it. Respondents said these experiences impacted their ability to work. The MU’s Safe Space service allows anyone working in the music industry to report instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the sector.

The report also finds there is a substantial pay gap (£4,000) between non-LGBTQ+ musicians and those who identify as LGBTQ+. The pay gap is even wider for trans musicians (almost £10,000 less) and over half (55%) of the survey’s LGBTQ+ respondents reported a lack of sustainable income as a barrier in their music careers.

Alongside the report release, the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians announced a new partnership with Come Play with Me (CPWM), a non-profit music development organisation and label that specialises in supporting people from marginalised communities with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ communities.

CPWM director Tony Ereira said: ‘We know that so many people working in music face challenges related to their sexuality or gender identity. Many face even more acute issues as they exist across multiple intersectionalities, but until now we haven’t been able to evidence that with meaningful research or data. This report is crucial as it gives us some excellent insights into how LGBTQ+ musicians identify across the country and where their greatest challenges lie. In some places, the picture is stark, but in others, there is lots of cause for optimism.’