Music Publishers Association

The MPA is committed to creating a working and learning environment which is inclusive of and accessible to LGBTQIA+ people. We want to ensure that our LGBTQIA+ colleagues are treated with dignity and respect and are given the support they need to thrive. We want to listen to and learn from the needs, concerns and experiences of our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and our members and take informed action to be more inclusive and supportive. To demonstrate our commitment, this year we have celebrated LGBT+ history month in February and PRIDE month in June. We have also liaised and consulted with our LGBTQIA+ colleagues to understand how we can improve working environments so that everybody feels that they belong. We know that LGBTQIA+ people can face a variety of challenges in the workplace and this network will help us to address and mitigate them.

What is it about and who can join?
Some of the key issues to be covered by the Network will include:

• Understanding and celebrating LGBTQIA+ (including organisation of LGBT+ History month activities).
• Providing a supportive, open environment to network and socialise with LGBTQIA+ colleagues.
• Providing a safe place for members to raise issues and concerns about LGBTQIA+ issues.
• Raising awareness, sharing knowledge and contributing to the understanding of LGBTQIA+ matters within the Music Publishing sector.
• Promoting a positive image and visibility of LGBTQIA+ employees and their contributions to diversity and inclusion within the sector.
• Challenging homophobic, biphobic, transphobic and acephobia attitudes and behaviours.
• Working with the Champion for BeYOU and MPA Head of DEI to advance LGBTQA+ inclusion.
• Promoting and contributing to Stonewall Workplace Equality Index submission.

The Network is open to all MPA Member employees, including those of us working at the MPA who identify as LGBTQIA+. It is also open to allies.

How is the Network hosted?
The Network is hosted on Microsoft Teams, where members can have conversations on Channels, share files and resources and host meetings online. The Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Team are on hand to help, and to take forward any issues raised by the Network.

The Microsoft Teams site is a private group and though there is some degree of visibility when you join (other members can see who you are), we request that members maintain strict confidentiality about its membership and contents.

This Network is supported by the MPA DEI team, but it is not our Network: it is yours. We hope that the Network will be led by you for you. We are currently gathering ideas on how members want to run the Network and what you want to get out of it. Colleagues will have the opportunity to contribute in a variety of ways: for example, through Team Meetings online, Channel discussions via Teams as well as by email or phone.

 Who should I contact if I wish to join the MPA BeYOU Employee Network?
Helen Choudhury
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07513 700785