Feature_LGBTIQ+ LIST 2021
DANIEL BROWN
Pronouns: he/him Event Producer/Programmer, Birmingham Pride, Nightingale Club, Hare & Hounds, Hooker Club, Disco P*ssy, Glittersh*t Based: Birmingham, UK Linkedin.com/in/daniel-brown676ab3187/ Tell us about a personal triumph in your career. A personal triumph for my career was becoming the programmer for Birmingham Pride in 2018. Seeing your plans and ideas that you created in your mind in real life: there’s nothing like it. Being able to make Birmingham Pride one of the most diverse lineups in Europe is the goal for me and I think we are getting there, seeing all these amazing queer artists being their true authentic selves and seeing the reaction of the crowd, in awe that they finally have people that represent them on stage. What advice could you give for young queer professionals? If you see a gap that needs filling, don’t wait for someone to fill it. Get your friends together and create that space that you need, you will be so surprised how many people feel the same as you. But also keep at it! The amount of parties and events I have created that have had 20 people attend – if you take it personally, it can knock your confidence. But your next event could be your best, always remember that. Tell us about a professional challenge you often come across as a queer person in the industry. Being taken seriously, especially in heteronormative environments. Many people stereotype the sort of work you can produce or want to produce just because you are queer. I’ve spoken with events and venues in the past, who, when I mentioned collaborating, basically laughed in my face. But it lit a fire under my arse to make sure I will prove them wrong! How could the industry build back better, post-pandemic? More grass-root nights taking front and centre! I think people now will be so much more excited to see local talent! A more community-based vibe is what I want to see post-pandemic! Name some causes you support. Emerge, in Birmingham, is a youth group for 13-19-year olds who are trans or questioning their gender, identify as trans and/or non-binary. Young people are offered the unique opportunity to support and be supported by their peers. They provide a safe space for conversation, learning and support. Rainbow Migration (Rainbowmigration.org.uk) supports LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system. It provides practical and emotional support for those seeking asylum to help improve their confidence and self-esteem and reduce isolation. It also provides legal advice and information to LGBTQI+ people who want to live in the UK with their partners.
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RAUHA KYYRÖ
Pronouns: she/her/hers Head Promoter, Fullsteam Agency Based: Finland rauha@fullsteam.fi Tell us about a personal triumph in your career. I definitely can’t take the credit for any of the production work required to make it happen, but in 2018 we built a 60-metre stage and a 30-truck production for the most popular Finnish artist, Cheek, on top of a lido located basically in a deep pit at the bottom of a ski-jumping stadium, and let’s just say that it was not uncomplicated. But the artist got what he wanted, and we sold out 60,000 tickets. What advice could you give for young queer professionals? When you notice a problem in your workplace, whether it is racism, discrimination or inequality of any kind, cis/heteronormativity, assumed monogamy, or anything that you are not comfortable with, speak up and ask for change. And if they don’t want to listen to you, start your own company – or come work for us! Tell us about a professional challenge you often come across as a queer person in the industry. I think people often have challenges with what they don’t understand. For example, they might judge you for your life choices and therefore not treat you with respect or give you what you deserve even if what you are doing has nothing to do with your work. When someone takes the risk to be open about their gender identity, sexuality or number of partners, etc., in an environment with so many fucked-up norms, it is usually not a phase. What one thing could the industry do to be more inclusive? To start with, we could easily stop using binary and cisnormative language in all our communication. Hearing “Ladies and Gentlemen” these days makes me almost as sick as “Dear Sirs.” And what’s the deal with binary toilets still around at festivals and venues? Just make all the toilets unisex, that’s the easiest thing you can do to be more inclusive to trans people, and it helps with queues too! A cause you support. Questioning norms. What does the near future of the industry look like? Busy. How could the industry build back better, post-pandemic? In my experience, people in the live music industry have been nicer, more understanding and patient during the pandemic. Let’s keep that up. Nobody should have to be intimidated because of a gig.
