“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” – Maya Angelou, Face of LGBT+ History Month 2021
Following the refreshingly honest and relaxed discussions at the first meeting of The Ivors Academy’ LGBTQI+ Working Group, there was collective agreement for the need to show more proactive support, to promote the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, their histories, lives and their experiences.
These ‘Hidden Histories’ from the LGBT+ community impact music and the arts just as much as any other section of society, with life stories often remaining unowned and invisible. We want to spotlight, celebrate, and discover the powerful contribution that LGBT+ music creators, past and present, have made to society, and try to fully appreciate the positive influence that their music has brought to the world.
CEO Graham Davies writes on behalf of The Ivors Academy Board:
The Ivors Academy celebrates, supports, and champions the rich diversity of songwriters and composers in the UK.
The launch of the Ivors Academy LGBTQI+ Network in LGBT History Month is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the past history of amazing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning and Intersex songwriters, and composers. Our new network enables us to build a supportive community to ensure our rich history continues. All creators should be free to identify as they choose and fulfil their potential without the need to hide or feel intimidated.
Our music industry must embrace and promote difference.
Will Davenport, the Chair of The Ivors Academy’s LGBTQI+ Working Group said:
As a member of the Ivors Youth Council and the Chair of the new LGBTQI+ Working group, I feel incredibly proud to launch this new initiative towards further diversity and equality within the academy for LGBT+ creators. It seems fitting that for a month celebrating the history of LGBT+ lives and culture, the Ivors will also be launching something completely new which I am confident will be here in the future, a place for LGBT discourse and activism. Throughout the month of February, we will be promoting our LGBT+ members, and I would love more members to get involved, whether LGBT+, or an ally, you are welcome.
The Ivors Academy will host an online panel event on 25th February chaired by LGBTQI+ Working Group Chair Will Davenport, with other activity on our social media channels including an inspirational Ivors Academy LGBT+ History Month Apple Music Playlist.
The Ivors Academy is also supporting the activities of Pride in Music throughout the month and promoting their activities to our membership.
Find out more about LGBT+ History Month
Find out more about the Academy’s commitments to championing equality, diversity and inclusion and our 2020-2022 Action Plan.
