April Is National Gender Diversity
In Music Month
National Gender Diversity in Music Month (NGDiMM) is here to shine a spotlight on the need for Gender Diversity in the music industry and the importance of intentional inclusivity within our space. We’re calling all of the girls, gays and theys to the front of the line– The music industry has been led by men for too long and we’ve had enough!
By recognizing early trailblazers in the recording music industry, those who continue to pave the way for equality in terms of opportunity, and by providing educational resources for all allies alike, we are boosting visibility into our gender-diverse community, and call industry leaders to help evolve the conversation on gender inclusivity in the workforce.
While music creates an environment where everybody can take up space and speak their truth, there is a disproportionate amount of gender diverse representation compared to our cis-gender colleagues. Our community is DIVERSE, PROUD, AND BEAUTIFUL! The music industry should reflect that and GBTRS believes that we all have more work to do. We want to help foster a more equitable and inclusive environment in music while breaking stigmas, building a community to uplift, and empowering gender-diverse individuals who are making an impact in music.
This year our theme "Dare to Be____" challenges music industry leaders and our community members to be bold in their decisions to fight for the gender equality our industry truly needs. And in our daily lives, we want our community members to be authentically themselves, to follow their passions and to change our industry for the better. We Dare to Be GBTRS.
more, more, more!
According to an investigated report performed by The Creative Independent…
Nearly 70% of musicians reported that in shows they attended or performed, less than 25% of the performers were people of color.
83% of industry professionals reported that more than three-quarters of their company’s leadership positions were held by white people.
41% of musicians reported that at shows they attended or performed at, less than 25% of performers were cis-women, non-binary, or trans.
70% of musicians reported that at shows they attended or performed at, less than 25% of performers were people of color.
Source: “MUSIC INDUSTRY INVESTIGATION REPORT” - https://thecreativeindependent.com, 2020 (Link)
National Gender Diversity in Music Month
has three main goals
Elevation
We know there are trailblazers, leaders, and those in the industry already doing the work and paving the way towards inclusivity! Said icons deserve their recognition for their hard work while serving as an exemplary influence for the gender diverse community in music.
Education
In order for gender diversity and inclusivity to rise to equal levels, we have to shed light on the opportunity gap of cis-gender and male counterparts. We want to create and provide resources for companies, community leaders, and anyone with a willingness to learn.
Additionally, providing resources to educators and parents, we hope will get these conversations started earlier. More young people across the gender spectrum are stepping into the industry year after year– we want them to know they are welcomed, valued, and that their goals and aspirations within the music career are possible.
Equity
It’s time for the music industry to make diversity and inclusion a priority. In order for this to be possible, we need record labels, indie shops, and individuals to be educated and change. When we encourage and accept diversity, we uplift and empower our Trans and Gender Diverse siblings. We all deserve to be seen, heard, and represented. Dare To Be!