The Pride months are a time to celebrate the diversity, creativity and communities that make Scotland’s cultural life so vibrant. At Live Music Now Scotland, we’re proud to stand alongside our LGBTQIA+ musicians, audiences, participants, partners, staff and allies—not only during Pride, but throughout the year.
This summer, we’re celebrating some of the many ways our musicians are sharing music, creating welcoming spaces and helping people feel seen, heard and represented. From community Pride celebrations to new musical projects, we’re delighted to shine a light on just some of the inspiring work taking place across our network.
Words from a pride parade by LMNS CEO, Jude Anderson
“It was a glorious day when more than 35,000 people gathered for Edinburgh Pride in a beautiful celebration of diversity and equality. It’s been over 30 years since Scotland’s first Pride march, and I was delighted to join the crowds as we danced our way through the old town to the joyful tune of acceptance and inclusion. It was particularly meaningful for me to march alongside the team at Scottish Adoption and Fostering, who have an incredible 40% LGBTQ+ adopters against the national average of 13%. At LMNS, we will continue to proudly uplift the voices of queer artists as a vital contributor to Scotland’s cultural workforce, and to ensure that audiences across Scotland can see their stories represented in the music that fills their lives.”
Pride in our communities
One of the joys of Pride is seeing communities come together in celebration, reflection and solidarity.
This year, photographer James Kirk captured a wonderful Pride celebration at one of the schools we work with, where LMNS musician Emma Martin shared live music as part of the day’s festivities. Moments like these remind us that Pride can be celebrated in many different ways—from city-centre parades to classrooms, care settings and community spaces where music helps people connect, express themselves and celebrate who they are.
Reflecting on the experience, Emma said:
“When I was at primary school, it was the end of the 80s, start of the 90s. Section 28 was in force so it was illegal for anything queer related to be discussed. The term “gay” was widely used, however it was an insult. This made me feel like there was something very wrong with me.
Being able to see the shift in attitudes, and actually being allowed to play music and march with the primary school students was truly wonderful. And I think it healed a wee spot of inner acceptance. The event was about showing care and love for others and especially with a couple of P7s, you could see how it gave courage to hold specific banners (non binary, pan sexual etc).”
Creating welcoming spaces
We’re delighted to see our musicians continue to play an important part in Pride celebrations across Scotland, creating spaces where people can come together through music and community.
LMNS musician Josie Duncan leads Còisir Cuèir, Glasgow’s Gaelic choir for the LGBTQIA+ community. Welcoming everyone from complete beginners to fluent Gaelic speakers, the choir celebrates both Gaelic language and queer identity through the joy of singing together, creating a welcoming space where people can bring all parts of themselves.
On 11 July, Còisir Cuèir will perform as part of the Burrell Collection’s Pride celebrations—a day of music, talks, family activities and community events celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and culture. It’s free and drop-in; you can find more information here.
