OUT Music Awards
From PinkApproved
The OUT Music Awards
OUTMUSIC is the premier 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to honoring, supporting and advocating on behalf of under represented openly (LGBT) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Recording Artist & Performers. The organization was founded by life partners Dan Martin and Michael Biello over 18 years ago to provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBT recording artists & performers.
The mission of OUTMUSIC is to ensure that underrepresented OUT artists/entertainers have equal and inclusive presence in the mainstream entertainment industry; an industry that has fostered the silent “don’t ask don’t tell” policy. This policy has perpetuated the stigma of homophobia & discrimination in the entertainment industry,the military and the work place. OUTMUSIC works to put an end to homophobia in the entertainment industry and the world we live in. We educate, advocate and raise awareness with the goal of bridging the gap between the mainstream and LGBT entertainment industries. By creating this alliance, we believe that we will be able to create quality programs and broaden the audience base to create equivalent exposure for aspiring under represented openly LGBT recording artists and performers.
Some openly gay recording artists and entertainers like Melissa Ethridge, George Michael, Elton John, Neil Patrick Harris, K.D. Lang, Ellen DeGeneres, Michael Stipe of R.E.M, Lance Bass, Wanda Sykes, and Rosie O’Donnell endured under the silent “don’t ask don’t tell” policy. Their courageous move to come OUT, has proven that it is your talent and the content of your character that determines your ability to be the best you can be. After coming OUT these celebrities have maintained their status and their careers have soared even higher! The success of openly Lesbian and Gay celebrities represent the infinite possibilities for many more aspiring openly LGBT recording artists & performers if given the equal opportunity. OUTMUSIC is continuing along side these entertainers to eventually end the need to come OUT!! “Freedom Of Expression IS OUTMUSIC.”
