Eight organisations championing LGBT+ creatives
In celebration of LGBT+ History Month and the community’s undeniable creative contributions, we’ve collated a list of eight invaluable platforms and spaces for queer creatives and allies. With a range of platforms made for and by the community, in fields such as art, journalism, digital storytelling and socially-engaged arts, there’s a range for you to choose from. Whether you want to try something creative for the first time, find your community or showcase your talents, these platforms are here for you and dedicated to pushing queer arts and culture forward.
1. Exist Loudly CIC
Good for: Digital storytelling and youth events
Founded by activist and youth worker Tanya Compas FRSA, Exist Loudly is an organisation supporting Black LGBTQ+ youth in the UK. Through events, creativity and digital storytelling they’ve become a huge platform that also helps youth with emergency funds and employability. The organisation hosts alternative events such as Queer Black Christmas as well as campaigns centring Black creatives in collaboration with brands such as ASOS and Collusion.
2. AZ Magazine
Good for: Journalism, arts and culture
Since 2015, AZ Magazine has been equally dedicated to platforming Black and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ voices by covering stories and issues faced by those in the same communities. Reporting on everything from the arts to music, culture, news and fashion, they look for stories that capture every aspect of the community’s culture. And being on the constant look-out for writers, there’s a chance to see your stories shared on their platform.
3. Queer Zine Library
Good for: Zines and socially-engaged art
With an increase in zine production and creatives being eager to showcase community talent without big publications, Queer Zine Library are a major helping hand. Described as a “roaming DIY queer library celebrating radical LGBTQIA+ self-publishing,” they collect zines made throughout the UK and tour them, providing access to zines and greater reach for producers. With a focus on showcasing socially-engaged zines, they promote work that goes beyond “art objects which look nice.”
4. Curious Arts
Good for: Performance, youth groups and training
The Newcastle-based not-for-profit is an LGBTQIA+ organisation dedicated to the championing and progression of art and artists throughout the north east of England. Hosting events from cabarets and vogue balls to youth group sessions and LGBTQIA+ awareness training, they are a hub of safety for those in the community and a centre of learning for allies. They also provide opportunities such as residencies and open calls.
5. Homotopia
Good for: Artist development and socially-engaged art
With 18 years in the game, Homotopia is a trusted Liverpool-based arts and social justice organisation. Being a space that supports art and activism, they showcase LGBTQIA artists ranging from local to international, who have a passion for socially-engaged art. Running the Homotopia festival, a year long Queer Core artist development programme and Young Homotopia group for those interested in self-expression, they are perfect for those looking for a safe space to develop.
6. QueerAF
Good for: Mentoring, journalism and media
QueerAF is a community niche. An independent platform, QueerAF look to launch the careers of LGBTQIA+ creatives in media, taking on mentees with a passion for production, journalism and overall content creation. They also have a newsletter and award-winning podcast where they speak on all things queer – all of which help to establish a platform that they believe the media industry should reflect.
7. QUEERCIRLCE
Good for: Arts, culture and resources
From access and engagement opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community to a continuing series of “In Conversation” interviews with queer artists such as Sadé Mica, QUEERCIRCLE are embedded in queer arts and culture. And it doesn’t stop there, with a toolbox section including information, creative debates, community news and resources such as Black LGBT therapy directory.
8. Queer Art Projects
Good for: Art events, performance and workshops
An independent production company based in London, Queer Art Projects specialise in organising events, performances, screenings, plays, exhibitions and workshops. Founded by Tuna Erdem and Seda Ergul who have a number of degrees in film, music and other areas of the arts, they are for the progression of the arts for the queer community. Also founding the Instanbul Queer Art Collective, their years of engaging and working with queer artists is reflected in their programming and outreach.
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Please note that this isn’t an exhaustive list of resources for LGBTQIA+ creatives. We recommend looking at Stonewall’s “What’s In My Area?” directory, as well as their list of QTIPOC-focused organisations for more support.
You can also check out our previous LGBTQ+ community resources article below.