Dignified with Pride: Steven Braines
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In a call to action, Steven Braines, CEO of The Weird & The Wonderful and HE.SHE.THEY, encourages brands, artists, promoters, and labels to meaningfully support the LGBTQIA+ community year-round.
Brands can start by actively supporting and advocating for policies that protect LGBTQIA+ rights, especially those focusing on youth mental health and anti-discrimination laws. This includes contacting legislators, participating in rallies, and using social media responsibly to raise awareness and challenge misinformation with empathy.
Ongoing community support and mental health resources are also crucial. Brands can partner with or fund LGBTQIA+ organizations that provide mental health services, crisis intervention, therapy, and social support groups tailored for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Authentic and diverse representation is key to increasing acceptance and visibility. Brands should commit to consistent and nuanced inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in media and marketing. Studies show that exposure to LGBTQIA+ characters in media significantly improves societal acceptance.
Educational initiatives and allyship programs are also essential. Brands should provide ongoing education to employees, fans, and audiences about LGBTQIA+ issues, inclusive practices, and how to gently challenge misinformation. Supporting leadership development programs for LGBTQIA+ youth or peer mentoring initiatives can also strengthen the community.
Sustained financial and platform support is another way brands can show their commitment. Rather than one-off donations during Pride Month, brands and artists should integrate LGBTQIA+ support into their core mission, including regular funding for community nonprofits or creating platforms for LGBTQIA+ voices and content in their work or events.
In the realm of bass music, supporting queer and trans artists, particularly BIPOC female and trans/nb talent, is a year-round responsibility. Marking heritage moments like Pride Month is considered important as it honours the struggle for LGBTQIA+ equality, fosters a sense of community, and promotes greater understanding and acceptance.
Steven Braines emphasises the importance of visibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals, stating that the number of places around the world where same-sex activity is criminalized is 64 and in 9 it's punishable by death. He believes that the work of building a fully inclusive society is ongoing and that everyone has a role to play in creating a world where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves.
Resources for learning more and getting involved include Gendered Intelligence (https://genderedintelligence.co.uk), The Queer Nightlife Fund (https://queernight.life/), GLAAD (https://www.glaad.org/), Stonewall Community Foundation (https://stonewallfoundation.org/), and The Trevor Project.
In genres where there is the least LGBTQIA+ visibility and/or where homophobia & transphobia exist, it's even more vital for allies to speak up and support the LGBTQIA+ community. Creating a scene where everyone can feel seen, safe, and valued is a goal for all artists, promoters, labels, and ravers. The work of building equity and inclusion is ongoing, and everyone has a part to play in uplifting queer voices and challenging oppression in all forms.
In order to further demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, businesses could consider allocating a portion of their resources towards financing diversity-and-inclusion initiatives within their industry. This could involve supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations or investing in media content that represents and uplifts underrepresented voices.
Moreover, businesses have the power to advocate for policies that promote equality and business practices that foster diversity and inclusion. By voicing their support for LGBTQIA+ rights, businesses can contribute to creating an environment that is more accepting and inclusive for all.
