OutStanding Music Launches to Support 2SLGBTQiA+ Music Professionals Across Canada
The Canadian music sector has a new national home for 2SLGBTQiA+ artists, producers, managers, publicists, educators, and industry workers. OutStanding Music has officially launched to establish dedicated space for connection, mentorship, advocacy, professional development, and visibility across Canada.
While the music industry is filled with creative 2SLGBTQiA+ professionals, navigating career pathways, systemic barriers, and access to resources often presents distinct challenges. OutStanding Music addresses this gap by building the infrastructure, relationships, and opportunities needed for queer and trans artists and workers to build sustainable careers.
Addressing Systemic Barriers Through Dedicated Advocacy
Canada’s music sector currently benefits from supportive organizations like Women in Music Canada, the Indigenous Music Office, and ADVANCE Music Canada. However, until now, no national organization existed specifically to advocate for 2SLGBTQiA+ music professionals.
Executive Director and Board President Bronwin Parks founded the initiative alongside a collective of queer and trans industry veterans. Parks brings over 25 years of industry experience through their company, Feisty Creative, alongside a background as an award-winning creative entrepreneur. Operations Manager and Board Vice-President Natalye Vivian adds more than two decades of experience across live performance, media, production, and artist development.
OutStanding Music focuses on ensuring that emerging and established 2SLGBTQiA+ professionals have a direct voice in decision-making spaces while celebrating the immense contributions queer creative workers make to Canadian culture.
Official Launch Events at BreakOut West in Victoria
The organization’s national debut takes place in Victoria on October 1 during BreakOut West, featuring two key events:
Allies & Actions (World Café Session): Held at the Victoria Convention Centre, this interactive gathering replaces traditional panel dynamics with direct dialogue. Opening with an introduction by artist Kinnie Starr, the session features insights from collaborators—including Women in Music Canada, the Indigenous Music Office, and the International Indigenous Music Summit—followed by roundtable discussions focused on tangible systemic action.
Main Launch Event & Showcase: Hosted at The Vicious Poodle in partnership with Women in Music Canada, the evening event offers performances by 2SLGBTQiA+ artists, speakers, networking opportunities, and a headline performance by Kinnie Starr.
Connecting the Community Nationwide
The October launch marks the start of a long-term strategy to link queer and trans music workers across all provinces and territories. Through ongoing peer mentorship, industry partnerships, and active advocacy, OutStanding Music provides the framework for 2SLGBTQiA+ professionals to find community and advance their work.
For details on upcoming initiatives, visit outstandingmusic.org or follow @outstanding.music on Instagram and @outstandingmusic.org on TikTok.