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Things Musicians Don't Talk About

24. Sexuality and relevance in classical music

Trigger warning: discussions around specific homophobic comments
Explicit language is used.


Today we are speaking about recent backlash and online homophobia beneath three posts on Classic FM's social media to celebrate pride month and support the LGBTQ+ community.

We were shocked and saddened to imagine musicians still enduring an environment where to be yourself is to be attacked, even in 2021. The truth remains that to be different or to bring visibility into your music making, in order to end loneliness and stigma, is still a huge risk.

Rebecca and Hattie discuss why visibility within classical music circles is vital, why they may have felt sidelined in the past with various issues and the vibrancy brought through musicians' differences and struggles.


Classic FM's articles supporting pride:

Gay classical composers
LGBTQ music ensembles worldwide
LGBTQ conductors

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