The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the past month, IQ published a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Sam Oldham (she/her), venue director of The O2.

The series concludes with Zoe Maras (she/her/they/them), founder and artist services at 97 Joyride Agency.

Zoe Maras is a graduate of a Bachelor of Entertainment Business Management and received DUX of the 2017 prestigious Elizabeth Cass Award for outstanding academic achievement. Since the completion of her studies, she has created her own company, 97 Joyride Agency, specialising in artist management, artist bookings, A&R, touring and events, with over six years of industry involvement within various artist-focused roles across Australia.

Zoe is also the co event-manager for The Courage Collective and has been a mentee for the Women In Music Programme in association with the Australian Independent Records Association and the Australian Government, as well as the Co-Pilot Program, continuing to work toward sustaining and establishing herself as a queer, sober, gender-diverse professional within the music industry.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
Other than being nominated for this, I think the biggest feat that I am most proud of for this year so far was being invited to sit at the TPI Awards’ first-ever sober table earlier in the year. My dear friend and fellow tour manager Joanne Croxford had a vision and brought it to life, fully crowd-funding the table within days, with donations coming from far and wide and from some pretty big industry heavyweights. It is firsthand proof that times are changing and spaces not only deserve to exist but need to exist and I felt really proud being able to represent sobriety in music in such a trail-blazing way, alongside fellow sober roadies and allies. It was made all the more special after over 25 hours of flying to get to London, as that trip was also the first ever international travel I have done both alone and for business. Here’s to kicking goals!

“The biggest challenge is the stigma and nuance people place on a-spec people”

What’s your most pressing challenge in the industry right now?
I think the two most prevalent and urgent things are the effects that the cost of living crisis is having both on our lives personally and also on our industry, as well as there still being a very unfortunate gap in marginalized representation in our tours, venues, workspaces and all around. Community in both aforementioned challenges is key, not just now but always.

Tell us about a professional challenge you’ve had to overcome as a queer person in this industry.
Where do I start? I’ve always had a saying that “marginalized people have to walk into a room and prove themselves not once but twice and then some”. As someone who is openly asexual, my experiences are quite niche, however, generally speaking, the biggest challenge is the stigma and nuance people place on a-spec people and the repercussions this unfortunately has and whether or not people are willing to sit with their discomfort to make space for people like me to exist and create without judgement.

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
Bridge and address both the pay gap and the other gaps that are being still placed on marginalized people by simply existing. Representation matters and one of the easiest ways we can tackle this issue is by applying change in our immediate circle first and foremost.

“They were one of the first venues to welcome me with open arms when I moved to Melbourne and I haven’t turned back since”

Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
There are so many to choose from, but the first artist to spring to mind is Angie McMahon who is playing at one of my favourite Melbourne venues, The Forum, making the show extra special. I’ve always loved words, songwriting and a good lyric and her music, and particularly her lyrics, either put me in a nostalgic awe-filled standstill or make me cry in the weirdest places such as parks, bus stops and on Melbourne trams, just to recall a few places. True story.

Do you have a favourite queer space?
Does my immediate friend group count? If it doesn’t, I’d like to nominate one of my other favourite Melbourne venues which is The Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar. Although it is not marketed to the public as an ‘official’ queer space, it is so implied. I am there regularly for gigs or a pub feed, and the owners Shane and Leanne also recently did the huge thing of saving The Tote which was such a pivotal thing for the DIY punk community not only in Melbourne but Australia. They were one of the first venues to welcome me with open arms when I moved to Melbourne and I haven’t turned back since. Oh, also, shout out to Damien from The Brighton Birdcage in Brighton who I recently met on my travels. Their shop in Brighton is fabulous and so queer-friendly and well worth a visit if you’re into extravagantly queer things.

“I am a firm believer that representation matters”

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
Any queer space making a difference and providing support for their community has my support.

How do you like to celebrate Pride?
I celebrate myself with things such as simple as little treats and mental health check-ins and also within the a-spec and queer communities around me. I feel very privileged to be able to openly exist as asexual and gender diverse thanks to being able to live in Melbourne and if it wasn’t for representation and a safe environment to accompany that, I still don’t think I’d be ‘out’ unfortunately. I am a firm believer that representation matters and that if someone can see it then they can be it so if I can openly present myself as queer (which if anyone has seen me in real life then I definitely present this way ha) then maybe I can help someone else celebrate their pride as well.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Sam Booth (he/him), director of sustainability at AEG Europe.

The series continues with Sam Oldham (she/her), venue director of The O2.

Sam brings a wealth of experience from 20+ years working in venue management. Overseeing all aspects of The O2’s operations, production, guest experience and various contractor management, Sam’s dedication and enthusiasm upholds the venue’s commitment to excellence.  

As the former venue director at The Roundhouse, Camden, Sam was responsible for venue operations, events, visitor experience, sustainability, security, technical and production, special projects and H&S. She also sat on the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group.

Sam’s expertise has cemented her place as a trusted voice within the industry and is often invited to share her knowledge on security, safeguarding and H&S-related panels. Earlier in her career, Sam led operations at Mountain High Ski Resort, California, and was operations director at the National Ice Centre & Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
The work we’ve done around accessibility at The O2 is fantastic and I’m really chuffed that first and foremost, we’re doing it well, and secondly that our staff and partners have wholeheartedly thrown themselves into it. The teams at The O2 have really engaged with this project, and we’ve already had feedback from guests who may have previously been nervous or sceptical about attending a large venue, thanking us for making their experience so seamless. The fact that we are making live entertainment accessible and available to all makes me very proud.

“Diversity and allyship within our industry are so important”

What challenges are you facing in the venue business currently?
Recruitment for hourly event staff remains a big challenge for our industry, in particular in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis and off the back of the pandemic. Our event teams are the face of our business, and having a skilled frontline workforce is absolutely key to us delivering a great guest experience.

How do you see the live music business developing in the next few years?
I would love to see more women and members of the queer community get the opportunity to showcase how incredible they are. Diversity and allyship within our industry are so important, and I hope that in the future we are celebrating even more artists like Madonna and Kylie who for years have been firm champions of the community. 

“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved so far”

How do you promote inclusivity in your workplace and bring together queer employees?
Our Pride Employee Network Group is brilliant at this. I am one of the group’s leads, and over the past few years, we’ve run a range of events geared towards allyship, inclusion and education. From more serious talks and webinars about personal experiences of being in the queer community to our latest Drag Bingo night with Miss Aisles earlier this year (which was epic!), I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and we’ve got lots more to come this year…

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
LIVE does a really good job with talks and seminars and ILMC has some great panels – if more organisations can follow suit we’ll continue to raise awareness and celebrate success.

“I would love to see more women and members of the queer community get the opportunity to showcase how incredible they are”

How do you celebrate Pride?
I might nip into Ye Olde Rose and Crown in Greenwich and sing along to a few show tunes…

Shout out your biggest ally in the live music industry.
Helen McCabe and Jay Bourley. They’ve both been fierce allies to me throughout my career and have really had my back. 

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
Stonewall. They’re an amazing charity who I try and support in any way I can. They’ve played such a huge role in shaping the history of our community and continue to influence hearts and minds across the world. So inspiring.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Ross Patel (they/them), CEO, board director, consultant, talent manager, and DJ for LIVE, Whole Entertainment, RossPatelCo, MMF, UMA Ent, and Polyamoross.

The series continues with Sam Booth (he/him), director of sustainability at AEG Europe.

Sam Booth started his career as an event producer working on wildly diverse projects, from Adidas fashion shows in New York to floating wine bars on Clapham Common. However, he’s always been concerned about the environmental impact of the work he was producing, so during the pandemic he studied at the Cambridge Institute of Sustainable Leadership to help provide more rigor to the decisions he was making. This opened his path to working first in sustainability consulting, and then at AEG, where he can happily bring together my two big passions – events and sustainability.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
Developing and leading the launch of the world’s first carbon-removed arena shows at The O2 with The 1975 is definitely the highlight so far! The intention of these shows is to work with all stakeholders at an event (from catering through to the artist and fans) to raise funds which will be used to remove the equivalent amount of carbon generated by the shows from the atmosphere. These aren’t usual offsets but genuine, science-based techniques that durably store carbon out of harm’s way and are key to achieving global net zero. It could be a real game changer and we’re so excited to see how the model develops! 

“I’m a huge believer in the power of education to break down barriers”

What’s your next big sustainability project at AEG Europe?
This year is all about firming up our path to net zero. We need to undertake some detailed work around our gas usage, figure out our approach to dealing with fan travel and continue working with brand partners to address the emissions of the products we sell in the arena. We’re also rolling out training to all our employees to ensure they know how to make more sustainable choices in their day-to-day roles. 

You’re a member of the PRIDE group at AEG Europe, what kinds of things do you get up to?
The PRIDE group covers a lot of ground – from queer history walking tours of Soho to trips to ABBA Voyage and drag bingo. Allies are welcome to join any of our activities and we’re keen to bring more education and awareness-raising sessions into the business too. 

“Each and every member of the community continuing to live proudly and loudly makes that equitable future ever closer”

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
I’m a huge believer in the power of education to break down barriers. This can take many forms, from publicising the stories of industry leaders from diverse backgrounds to in-depth seminars or discussions on a particular topic like trans rights. Also, each and every member of the community continuing to live proudly and loudly makes that equitable future ever closer, every day! 

Shout out your biggest ally in the live music industry.
This has to go to my boss, the COO of AEG John Langford. He campaigned for a sustainability role at AEG, supported my onboarding and consistently champions the causes of the LGBTQI+ community and sustainability. A leader to look up to! 

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
Although not a specific LGBTQI+ cause, I volunteer with SHOUT, a mental health text support service. We regularly get members of our community texting in during their times of need, and it’s a real pleasure to help them when they need.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Rivca Burns (she/her), director of From the Other and acting head of music at Factory International.

The series continues with Ross Patel (they/them), CEO, board director, consultant, talent manager, and DJ for LIVE, Whole Entertainment, RossPatelCo, MMF, UMA Ent, and Polyamoross.

Ross Patel is a CEO, founder, board member & consulting advisor with 15+ years of diverse experience in music, media, entertainment, sustainability & tech. Passionate about strategy and talent management, creating platforms to launch and support creatives, talent, brands, and events with social impact at the heart. 

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
I’ve been sitting on the Live Green steering committee for a couple of years now as a representative for the Music Managers Forum 1500+ membership. It’s been great to see the group grow and build momentum as everyone shows up and makes their contributions. Recently I’ve had the pleasure of leading an initiative with the brilliant Carol Scott (Live Green Chair/Tait) and a fantastic and diverse working group of stakeholders from across the industry to draft sustainable clauses for live booking contracts. Carol, myself and Tom Schroder (who has been instrumental in getting the clause to the major agencies) presented the work on a panel at the GEI conference. That felt pretty significant. The climate issue has always been and will always be one of intersectionality so I’d like to think this work means a better future for everyone and a more conscious approach to our business. It feels like it could have some real lasting impact.

“Culturally, we need to increase awareness around the various privileges we all hold in order to allow us to act in a way that uses them to help others”

As a manager, what’s your most pressing challenge in the industry right now?
I feel like I’d need a while to fully cover this off! In an attempt to keep it brief… I’d say rising costs across the board in the industry plus the more general cost of living crisis plus mega stars taking all the money and giving very little back comparatively and having a UK government that doesn’t care for the arts has put the majority of people in the industry in a very hard position… *and breathe*. I’d like to see the work that’s going on with ticket levies (stadiums and arenas to contribute a small portion of sales to local grassroots music organisations) get over the line. This would help massively with creating economic buoyancy and a more sustainable business model in the live sector, while also helping to address a necessary shift in the culture and perspective of giving.

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
Putting the effort in to view things through an intersectional lens as often as possible feels like a great place to start. There is still a lot of education that needs to happen around this. Culturally, we need to increase awareness around the various privileges we all hold in order to allow us to act in a way that uses them to help others. We’re lucky enough to have brilliant organisations tackling certain ‘isms’ such as Attitude Is Everything which is committed to improving access for those with access needs in the industry, She Said So which is helping to increase femme representation, the Trans Creative Collection which works with creative trans (+ allies), the Black Music Coalition etc. The list goes on! It’s amazing to see these groups making a difference in their organisations and delivering ‘bottom-up’ change. Now we need tangible ‘top down’ systemic change to protect those most vulnerable in society and to create a culture where everyone feels safe and can thrive.

“Everyone deserves a chance of living happily”

Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
I can’t just name one… so much amazing talent out there… Jess Hands and I are playing B2B at QYSP Festival in London – can’t wait for that. Chloe Cailet, Jake Sheers, Kim Petras, Grace Sands, Absolute.

Do you have a favourite queer space?
I have a few! This year I took on the talent-buying role at Club Love in Bristol. It’s an incredible event with a wonderful team led by Tam who puts their heart and soul into every detail of decor, production and play spaces without compromising on the music and DJs. The same can be said for Pinky Promise, Joyride and Body Movements that I’ve had the privilege and pure joy of DJing at in the past… and hopefully will get invited back again in the future. I also love the vibe at Howl and am looking forward to going to Quench soon. I’ve heard nothing but good things! Would also recommend Trash, Riposte and Riot.

“This sense of Pride is something I’m learning to cultivate and nurture within myself on a daily basis”

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
I was involved in a fundraiser for Jess Hands which raised money to pay for vocal cord surgery. It was incredible to see the difference the surgery made in this wonderful person’s life and was a reminder of how powerful and essential gender-affirming healthcare is. Everyone deserves a chance of living happily. I think we have a duty as conscious beings to strive to make that possible for as many beings as possible. Any LGBTIQ+ organisations that are working towards that goal get my vote. But also more than specific causes, I would encourage anyone to support marginalised groups and/or people directly. This can be through gofundme campaigns or by ensuring that intersectional diversity and inclusion are always being considered. Platform and pay fairly people in marginalised groups. Hopefully one day we won’t need the organisations that currently work in these spaces!

How do you like to celebrate Pride?
Quietly… and sometimes loudly! This sense of Pride is something I’m learning to cultivate and nurture within myself on a daily basis. The more I’m able to, the more I feel like I’m becoming a better, more compassionate, more whole person. It’s something that I like to think I bring with me everyday, quietly, when I show up, however I choose to or feel comfortable with on any given day. I also like to go all out when the opportunities arise. Last year I really did lean into the pride celebrations. My pride started at Outloud Festival in West Hollywood, LA. An incredibly well-programmed event by a good friend, Sam Hiller and the JLA team. I also went to Brighton, London and my first Manchester Pride with Absolute and Demi Riquisimo. This year’s pride months will be starting with the Mighty Hoopla in London followed by Brighton Pride. Who knows where else from there… perhaps some readers will hit me up with recommendations!

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Rhys France (he/him), corporate and private events booker at CAA.

The series continues with Rivca Burns (she/her), director of From the Other and acting head of music at Factory International.

For the past 15 years, Rivca Burns has been a freelance creative programme producer. More recently, she’s worked as director of From the Other, home to the nearly 20-year-old new music festival Sounds From the Other City in Salford, Fat Out Fest, and music residency program Samarbeta. Having programmed and produced Festival Square for Manchester International Festival since 2019, she is also currently the acting head of music at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International.

She also co-chairs the Greater Manchester Music Commission and sits on the board of Manchester Music Cities, as well as holds the reigning title of Manchester’s Cultural Hero, as voted for by BBC Introducing and City Life.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
Stepping into the acting head of music role has been huge, not only following the inimitable Jane Beese but also stepping into a building that has so much potential and opportunity for artists, audiences and the city – it’s a real honour. Having spent my whole working life calling Manchester home, the Music City that encompasses its borders is greater and more exciting than ever before – especially in its grassroots – and this venue is another step to solidify that as artists can now play in Manchester at every step of their career.

“The industry needs to recognise that misogyny in music is very much still a thing”

What’s your most pressing challenge in the industry right now?
There are a number of things: from supporting the grassroots, funding to artists from streaming services, ticket prices and audience behaviours, through to equality and diversity in the industry. There are so many things I could pick on but I’m going to focus on something very close to me, and that is that the industry needs to recognise that misogyny in music is very much still a thing. Following the damning report at the start of the year, that in my opinion has not had enough action or follow on attention, there are some huge issues to tackle to make a change. 

There is still a huge gender pay gap, unequal childcare set ups and nowhere near enough women in positions of power, there are not enough women in backstage areas in technical roles, or in A&R or label positions shaping the artists we hear daily and crucially there are not enough women in mixing and mastering positions. Until these scenarios change and become more meaningfully equal then nothing will change and women will still be at risk in this industry, it requires much more acknowledgement and action.  

Tell us about a professional challenge you’ve had to overcome as a queer person in this industry.
Being taken seriously. I think because I look so young due to my androgynous looks and the way I dress as a queer person, it’s sometimes hard to get taken seriously and get the right attention in ‘the room’. But I continue to be authentically me, live by my values and support those around me to be the best they can be.  

“This year is full of incredible queer icons performing live”

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
Copy the football set-up and create an independent body that can collect a nominal ticket levy from large arenas, and a percentage of profit from large streaming suppliers and labels to create a self-supporting industry fund that can support the grassroots; from artists to venues to labels and everything in between. 

Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
There are so many; from the haunting beautiful vocals of Anohni & the Johnsons to the legendary Beverley Glenn Copeland through to the much-anticipated return of queer powerhouses Gossip and the superstar that is Janelle Monae; this year is full of incredible queer icons performing live. I’m also really excited about trying to see Alice Longyu Gao again as well, such an amazing live set, and it’s been far too many years since Serpentwithfeet performed in the UK. Sorry that was six!

“I continue to be authentically me, live by my values and support those around me to be the best they can be”

Do you have a favourite queer space?
Islington Mill in Salford is a queer hub/mecca of Greater Manchester that has been operating as a venue since the mid-noughties and has seen so many people come through its doors from Grimes, Christeene, Peaches, Hunx & his Punx, Ssion even Bjork. The main club space is currently being run by Partisan Collective and there are so many upcoming and underground queer nights and artists starting up there. It is a proper Queer Utopia. 

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
Mermaids are doing some incredible work for trans youth who have my full backing, alongside charities such as the Proud Trust, George House Trust and the LGBT Foundation who all continue to do such important work for different humans in the queer community. 

How do you like to celebrate Pride?
Pride is a protest, let’s not forget, so the parade for me is always at the heart of a Pride celebration. Community groups and charities are so important to queer culture; to provide support and community when people often feel left without one and this is so clearly visible in the diversity of groups you see marching year in, year out. But also it’s about friends and raising people up and providing platforms, so I spend a lot of time doing just that and do the rounds of many of the alternative pride events that happen across Manchester.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Priscilla Nagashima (she/her), VP of engineering at DICE.

The series continues with Rhys France (he/him), corporate and private events booker at CAA.

Rhys France is a member of the Music Brand Partnerships team at CAA, serving as the corporate & private events booker. He works across a diverse music roster, from legendary icons to new emerging talents. Originally from Australia, Rhys began his career in Shanghai, China. There, he spent five years as a music promoter, booking artists for performances across Asia. Eight years ago, he relocated to London where he has since collaborated with hundreds of artists on thousands of shows across the world while working in the live music touring industry. Additionally, Rhys is one of the leaders of the CAA LGBTQ+ Alliance, contributing to annual Pride events, charity partnerships and yearly programming.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
Connecting with client Kim Petras backstage at her sold-out Apollo show earlier this year about the impact she has had on me personally and the queer community was pretty special. In that moment I was proud to work for an agency that represents such influential LGBTQ+ talents.

Tell us about a professional challenge you’ve come across as a queer person in this industry.
Learning to integrate my queer identity into my professional life has been a challenge. I’ve always tried to be proudly and unapologetically myself, in all spaces at all times. But when I was younger, I felt pressure to conform to heteronormative expectations to be taken seriously in a professional setting. Over time I learned the power and strength of my own authenticity – that this is what made me unique – and the sky was the limit.

“[Feature] more queer, trans and non-binary artists prominently in campaigns, playlists, line-ups and award shows”

You’re involved with CAA’s LGBTQ+ Alliance. What do you hope to achieve through the alliance?
Being a leader of the Alliance at the CAA is a complete privilege. As a group, we aim to achieve an inclusive work environment for all LGBTQ+ colleagues and foster a safe space for everyone. We meet regularly and through open dialogue and discussion, our Pride Panel event aims to amplify queer voices and stories and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that queer artists/professionals bring to the table. Our panel last year was filmed and shared worldwide with thousands of colleagues.

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
I’ll always be pushing for more queer visibility and representation in all aspects of the industry. Featuring more queer, trans and non-binary artists prominently in campaigns, playlists, line-ups and award shows, as well as ensuring more opportunities for queer artists to showcase their talent and reach wider audiences. We have a lot of progress to make in these spaces.

“Over time I learned the power and strength of my own authenticity – that this is what made me unique – and the sky was the limit”

 Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
One is going to be impossible. One client on this list is Durand Bernarr, an absolute vocal powerhouse, who you can catch at We Out Here. Fellow Aussie, Troye Sivan, at Wembley will be iconic, Charli XCX’s arena show at the O2, queer icon Kylie Minogue at BST, and shout out to Mighty Hoopla – my favourite weekend of the year where I’ll be excited to catch Gok Wan & Jodie Harsh to name a few. 

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
We previously partnered with Stonewall Housing, which provides specialist housing advice, advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They do amazing work.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Pembe Tokluhan (she/her), founder and CEO of Petok Productions.

The series continues with Priscilla Nagashima (she/her), VP of engineering at DICE.

Priscilla Nagashima brings over 18 years of expertise in product, engineering and AI/ML across music, marketing, ticketing, payments and mobility systems. As an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and diversity in STEM, she drives inclusive initiatives within her product and engineering team at DICE. She holds an MSc in Software Engineering from the University of Oxford and is recognised for her strategic tech leadership and extensive public speaking engagements at global events like TEDx.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
It was so cool working behind the scenes with the team at DICE to see some massive events selling out so quickly and smoothly on our platform – Primavera Sound, Sónar and several Boiler Room shows to name a few.

What’s your most pressing challenge in the industry right now?
Competing with bots, touts and ticket scammers. DICE has always focused on how we fix ticketing for fans with features – like our Waiting List and mobile tickets locked to smartphones – that are hassle-free for fans but a nightmare for touts. It breaks my heart to see people selling through unofficial channels, sometimes to their detriment. With the evolution of AI and more sophisticated software, the fight must continue.

“I am proud that my engineering leadership team at DICE has a majority female representation, with most coming from diverse backgrounds too”

Tell us about some of the work you’ve done in DICE’s Pride 365 Employee Community Group.
I have proudly and actively championed LGBTQIA+ inclusivity at DICE as the executive sponsor of our Pride 365 ECG (Employee Community Group). The group focuses on LGBTQ+ issues, policies, events, product features and community-building, with incredible people promoting inclusivity within the company and beyond. My work with them has been on coaching, supporting initiatives and pushing for change, helping make company-wide policies or product features happen faster to benefit our community.

How do you ensure engineering leadership reflects a mix of gender identities, neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA+ representation?
I come from a diverse background, having been born and raised in Brazil to a half-Brazilian and half-Japanese family. Being a queer woman of colour in tech also means I have fought, throughout my career, to do whatever was necessary to bring more diversity to the table in whatever position or company I worked for. I am proud that my engineering leadership team at DICE has a majority female representation, with most coming from diverse backgrounds too – whether in terms of gender, race, sexual orientation or neurodiversity. But as much as I have championed it and made it a topic for our agendas, the truth is that this was only possible by working closely with other teams, pushing for diversity in our talent pool and putting provisions in place to guarantee inclusivity and fairness throughout the hiring process.

“We all agree that bringing more representation and different voices to the table is wonderful, but very few out there are walking the walk on that”

How do you see ticketing technology developing in the next few years?
With the cost of living crisis, people are becoming more picky about how they spend their disposable income. Going out is expensive so it’s a matter of finding the right things at the right price. This is where I think the commoditisation of AI will thrive and become more popular but only the companies that think of fans and have amazing user experiences will stand out.

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
Invest more actively in the education and employment of people in disadvantaged communities. Overall, we all agree that bringing more representation and different voices to the table is wonderful but very few out there are walking the walk on that.

Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
Billie Eilish. Brownie points if Lana del Rey joins her on stage for a duet, just like at Coachella.

“Being a queer woman of colour in tech also means I have fought, throughout my career, to do whatever was necessary to bring more diversity to the table”

Shout out your biggest ally in the live music industry.
Corrie McLean, DICE’s head of artist development programmes. A legendary human being, an endless fountain of energy and the real queen of queers at DICE.

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
Massive shout out to Goal Diggers FC, a non-profit women’s and non-binary football club in East London that makes football accessible regardless of ability. I have been part of the club for over a year and can say it’s such an inclusive, open and supportive community, embracing people from all backgrounds. The club has its regular night out event in Hackney called Murder On Zidane’s Floor (MOFZ) – you’ve gotta look it up!

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The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Paul Lomas (he/him), booking agent at WME.

The series continues with Pembe Tokluhan (she/her), founder and CEO of Petok Productions.

Pembe Tokluhan is a multidisciplinary backstage creative specialising in live audio, stage, production and tour management. She has a background in youth work, public speaking and diversity consultancy. 

She is the founder of Petok Productions, a production company recognising women, trans and non-binary people working behind the scenes, screen and lens. In 2022, Petok introduced Petok Academy, its training division dedicated to providing shadowing, mentoring, and training opportunities for individuals from marginalised communities.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
In Q1 of 2024, Petok Productions received over £30K+ to develop and grow the business. We have a very exciting year ahead of us that we can’t wait to share with you all! 

What’s your most pressing challenge in the industry at the moment?
The gender imbalance and lack of diversity is something that’s really apparent in the industry and needs to change. It’s important to see representation, the only way we will attract more diverse people into industry is by hiring diverse people. 

“Give new people an opportunity to get their foot through the door, don’t just hire your mates”

How do you see the live music business developing in the next few years?
Hopefully by seeing more diversity and representation in all sectors. 

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
Give new people an opportunity to get their foot through the door, don’t just hire your mates. 

Shout out your biggest ally in the live music industry.
A massive shout out to the legendary Joanne Croxford (and a few other amazing people out there calling things out – you know who you are!)

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
Raze Collective. The Common Press. The Outside Project. The Cocoa Butter Club.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Luke Mulligan (he/him), director at Circa 41.

The series continues with Paul Lomas (he/him), booking agent at WME.

Paul Lomas is a booking Agent at WME, having previously worked at X-ray Touring, Festival Republic and Eventim Apollo. He currently lives in Hackney with his boyfriend and their three-year-old dog named Melon. He’s lived in London for the best part of 16 years after coming to university in 2008 to study media and cultural studies. He enjoys live music and festivals, dining out, travelling, and dog walks on the weekend.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
Watching clients I work with take huge steps in their careers. One of my acts Somebody’s Child went from playing Omeara in Feb 2023 to selling out their biggest headline show to date at Heaven in April. Seeing that growth from 300 to 1,100 people in the space of 14 months was really amazing for me and I’m very excited for the next album and what’s to come. I work on Cigarettes After Sex alongside my boss Josh Javor and to watch their rapid rise over the last 18 months has been incredible. Three sold out nights at Eventim Apollo last year and now two nights at The O2 later this year. They are a great band that I love working with.

“Diversity and inclusion are becoming a massive part of working life in general and it’s great to see it being taken seriously”

What’s your most pressing challenge in the agency business right now?
I wouldn’t say it’s pressing but I think managing expectations for new artists is important. As much as we’d all love to get every festival slot and a big tour support for our developing acts in the first year, it’s not as easy as that, so I think it’s important to be honest from the get-go with any new artist you start working with on what is possible in the early stages and not make too many promises. There are certain things you should work towards rather than rush into right away. Also not taking on too many artists too quickly. It’s easy to get caught up in a buzz act that everyone is after and want to sign everything, but if you end up with too many at the same level you end up competing with yourself. 

 Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
I think as an industry, the live world is doing pretty well. This IQ Pride List is a great example! Diversity and inclusion are becoming a massive part of working life in general and it’s great to see it being taken seriously. At WME, we have dedicated colleagues who work on inclusion and advocacy and have inclusion programmes you can sign up for where there are organised events and conversations on an ongoing basis. It would be great to see more companies do this.

“It’s important to support anything that has to do with mental health or homelessness due to issues with coming out and not being accepted by family and friends”

Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
Chappell Roan! Her album has been on heavy rotation since it came out last year and I’ve watched loads of videos of her playing on talk shows, live sessions and her Tiny Desk performance – she’s just amazing and so much fun.

Shout out your biggest ally in the live music industry.
Maddie Arnold at Live Nation (who was on this list in 2021!). We met at university in 2008 and have been best friends ever since. It’s great to have such a close friend doing the same thing as you and it’s a pleasure to watch her do so well and I have no doubt that she’ll be one of the top promoters in the country in no time!

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
MindOut and akt are great causes that stand out to me that are helping people in need. It’s important to support anything that has to do with mental health or homelessness due to issues with coming out and not being accepted by family and friends.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

The LGBTIQ+ List 2024 – IQ Magazine’s fourth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on yesterday’s interview with Joona Juutilainen (he/him), booking assistant at Fullsteam Agency.

The series continues with Luke Mulligan (he/him), director at Circa 41.

Luke Mulligan is an experienced Australian professional with over 20 years of experience in audio engineering, tour and production management, artist management, and travel services. Originally from Tasmania, Luke is now based in Sydney. He has built an impressive client list, including a handful of Australian music artists with international success, both past and present, such as Empire of the Sun, Pnau and Angus & Julia Stone. In 2013, Luke co-founded Circa 41 with James Foster, focusing on tour and production management. They have extensive experience in international touring, working with a wide range of artists, companies, festivals, and events. In 2019, Luke and James launched a successful in-house travel agency to service their current touring clients. Luke’s broad experience in the music industry led to a natural progression into artist management.

 Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2024 so far.
In 2024, I was thrilled to have coordinated tour management and production management services for Empire of the Sun’s headline DJ set at the Formula One Rolex Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne. Collaborating with Mandylights, we crafted custom staging and design for the show, ensuring an impeccable experience for both the audience and the artists.

“Australia’s music scene is incredibly diverse and vibrant”

 Australia’s music industry is facing a myriad of challenges at the moment, including the dissipation of festivals. What’s the most pressing issue for your business?
One of the most pressing issues for Circa 41 is the concentration of the local music industry, driven by large worldwide companies entering the Australian market and acquiring businesses. While this trend has its pros and cons, the inability of our tour and production management clients to tour and make a profit due to factors like the concentration of the local music industry, the cost-of-living crisis, and post-pandemic uncertainties can have a direct impact on Circa 41. Although it’s generally up to the management or agents of our clients to navigate these challenges, we must be prepared to adapt our strategies and offerings to support them in overcoming these obstacles and ensuring their continued success in the industry.

How is 2024 looking for Circa 41?
After a busy start to the year, we’re enjoying a slightly quieter period at Circa 41. However, we have some exciting things on the horizon. Some of our management clients are gearing up to release new music and embark on tours. Additionally, some of our big touring clients are planning new music releases and international tours later in the year. Overall, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us, with a focus on supporting our artists’ success and bringing diverse music experiences to audiences worldwide.

“This kind of representation not only celebrates our achievements but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of the Australian music industry as a whole”

Your nominator said Australian representation on this list is important. Why do you think that is?
Australian representation on the IQ Magazine LGBTIQ+ List is valuable because it recognises the contributions of arts workers in our industry. Australia’s music scene is incredibly diverse and vibrant, and being included in global platforms like this list provides a unique opportunity to showcase our talent and creativity on an international stage.

Australia’s music industry is ranked as the tenth largest in the world (IFPI Global Music Report 2024 – State of the Industry) and is an outstanding cultural export with a long list of artists who have achieved massive success globally. Being recognised on this list opens up doors for collaboration, exposure, and growth. It helps to amplify our voices and stories, attracting attention from audiences and industry professionals worldwide. This kind of representation not only celebrates our achievements but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of the Australian music industry as a whole.

Name one thing the Australian industry could do to be a more equitable place.
Actively promote and support artists, workers, and leaders from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians and LGBTQIA+ individuals. This can include providing equal opportunities, mentorship programs, funding, and cultural exchanges, as well as fostering diverse representation in leadership, implementing cultural awareness training, engaging with communities, advocating for media representation, and supporting policy changes. These efforts can help create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all.

“[Circa 41 co-founder] James’s dedication to our vision and commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment has made him an invaluable partner”

 Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
I am excited to see Sumner perform live this year. Sumner is a Tasmanian electronic duo consisting of Chloe Wilson and Jack McLaine, and they are among our management clients. I am thrilled about their recent signing with Etcetc, which promises some exciting performances and releases this year.

Shout out your biggest ally in the live music industry.
A shoutout to my business partner, James Foster, who has been my biggest ally in the live music industry. His consistent support and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in our shared successes. James’s dedication to our vision and commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment has made him an invaluable partner. I’m grateful for his friendship and unwavering support.

Shout out any LGBTIQ+ cause(s) you support.
BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation and Pride Foundation Australia.

How do you like to celebrate Pride?
While I’m often working during Pride celebrations, I enjoy spending quality time with my partner, dog, family, and friends. I also find fulfilment in supporting my LGBTQIA+ colleagues working on events such as Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. This, to me, is a meaningful way to celebrate and show my support for the community.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.