LGBTIQ+ List 2025:
John Shortell | Musicians’ Union

"I’d love to see true diversity and representation across all sectors of the music industry. There are some big conversations happening, but we need those conversations to translate into action."

By IQ | 18 June 2025

He/him Head of equality, diversity & inclusion, Musicians’ Union Liverpool, England linkedin.com/in/john-shortell-17a55b84 – [email protected]    John Shortell is Head of equality, diversity & inclusion at the Musicians’ Union.

John works with musicians from underrepresented and marginalised communities and the wider music industry to tackle non-inclusive and discriminatory behaviours and promote inclusive practice.

 

As part of his role, John works on the MU’s Safe Space service that provides a space for musicians…

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LGBTIQ+ LIST 2025:

Mika Christoffersen

Roskilde Festival

"Book more equitably. Dare to give the mic to women, queers, minorities and use your platform intentionally to showcase talent from all walks of life."

Glyn Fussell

Mighty Hoopla / Fifth Floor Mgmt

"When the world gets more scary and fucked up us queers really dig our heels in and push forward – we always have and always will."

Jane Chen

Live Nation

"Live music is becoming a true global melting pot, and I think we’re just getting started. It’s only going to get more global, more diverse, and more connected in the coming years."

Allie Gaylon

WME

"It’s my responsibility to make sure that my clients feel comfortable and safe on the road."

Shaq Milli

UTA

"I live by the famous quote from RuPaul: 'If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?'"

Christopher Tweed-Kent

Ticketmaster

"Given how technology, and now AI, is changing our everyday lives, I think that live music is only going to become more essential as a way for people to connect with what makes us human."

Dean Reynolds

Ginger Owl Productions

"Stepping into a culture so vastly different from my own pushed me far out of my comfort zone, igniting a thrilling sense of adventure."

Melissa Ferrick

Paladin Artists

"Access enables learning, learning creates knowledge, and knowledge fosters equity."

Anouk Ganpatsing

Friendly Fire

"We need to start creating safer spaces for underrepresented voices. And not just on stage, but behind the scenes as well."

Paul Kemp

Brighton & Hove Pride

"Don’t let ego spoil your creativity. Don’t be afraid to take risks and if you fail, it’s all part of the learning process. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!"

Nicki Macleod

DF Concerts & Events

"Don’t feel you need to be stereotyped into behaving a certain way – your sexual orientation is only a small part of who you are."

Ryan Cameron

Wasserman Music

"Authenticity is key to finding the corner of the industry where you can be yourself, while also being an asset to those around you."

Chris Jammer

Pri0r1ty Ai

"The live music business has to evolve from what it was, as in many cases, the model that once existed is now broken."

Kiana Rodriguez

The Zoo XYZ

"Find your people. Build community not just for support, but to collaborate and create real change together. Don’t shrink yourself to fit the room. Your identity is your strength."

Ben Tipple

Co-op Live

"Seeing Co-op Live grow from an early team often to emerging as one of the most-celebrated live entertainment destinations in Europe has undoubtedly been the pinnacle of my career to date."

Katie Cavanagh

AEG Presents

"The industry needs to truly prioritise diversity and representation, creating opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard."

Amy Hylands

CAA

"I’m proud of the growth I’ve experienced and of becoming a reliable voice in rooms where I never expected to be heard so soon."

Judith Ritz

FKP Scorpio

"So many people are working hard to change the status quo in terms of diversity, equality and sustainability. Still a long way to go but I can’t wait to see even more progress."

Oliver McGillick

Rock for People/O2 arena Prague/Czech Philharmonic

"While “everything is possible” is definitely the essence of the live industry, I think it’s always important to remember that every single person involved in the process is still just and only human."

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