MusiCares acts as the safety net for everyone in the music community — inclusive of all professions and people. All of us within the music industry are vulnerable to falling upon hard times. Underrepresented communities, like the transgender community, often have fewer places to turn in times of need.
As we celebrate Inclusivity Month this June, here are some examples of how MusiCares works to support the transgender community year-round.
LGBTQIA+ Music Community Support Group
MusiCares offers free and confidential cyber emotional support groups on a weekly basis to those in need.
In recognition of the unique challenges that the LGBTQIA+ community faces, MusiCares has established a support group dedicated to this community. The LGBTQIA+ Music Community Support Group has been built specifically for individuals in the music industry who identify as LGBTQIA+.
The group is held virtually every Wednesday from 12 to 1 p.m. PT by Adrienne N. Williams, a licensed social worker with a Master's in Education and doctoral candidate at Widener University. Adrienne also has a private practice where she works to dismantle stigmas and shame about mental health and sex in out society.
To participate in the LGBTQIA+ Music Community Support Group, contact Adrienne directly at adrienne@mylifeepiphany.com.
Medical Grants
MusiCares' Health Services Team provides financial assistance to the music community in need during various medical crises. They also offer preventative services including dental and medical screenings, hearing clinics, and assistance obtaining affordable health insurance.
MusiCares recognizes that the transgender community may face challenges when seeking medical treatment as a result of discrimination against their identity. MusiCares has relationships with several medical providers that fully understand the unique needs of the transgender community. MusiCares' medical grants can be used to help with the cost of procedures, such as gender confirmation surgeries, that many insurance companies don't cover.
Visit MusiCares.org for more information about MusiCares' Health Services.
Mental Health Treatment Funding
Mental health services can be extremely costly, even for those who have health insurance. MusiCares has a Mental Health & Addiction Services Team that provides funding to qualifying music industry professionals to receive mental health treatment. This could include therapy, psychiatric care, mental health workshops, and more.
MusiCares' Mental Health & Addiction Services Team consists of licensed professionals who can assess and refer individuals to the right mental health specialist based on their individual, specific needs. MusiCares works with mental health professionals who have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs of the transgender community.
For more information on Mental Health & Addiction Services visit musicares.org/get-help.
Read More: 5 Ways MusiCares Supports Mental Health And Wellness Year-Round
In-Person & Virtual Programming
Dedicated to providing inclusive, holistic wellness year-round, MusiCares has hosted several in-person and virtual programs focused specifically on supporting the transgender community.
SAGE and The Trevor Project have collaborated with MusiCares on several programs throughout the years that address the LGBTQIA+ music community specifically. Past events include "Health & Wellness in the LGBTQ Community" and "Aging Adults and the LGBTQ Community."
To stay up-to-date on MusiCares' upcoming programs, check out our Events page.
In-Person & Virtual Workshops
MusiCares' Health & Human Services Team hosts in-person and virtual workshops throughout the year that address the various needs of the music community.
In partnership with the authors of The Voice Book for Trans and Non-Binary People (Matthew Mills & Gillie Stoneham) and One Weird Trick: A User's Guide to Transgender Voice and The Singing Teacher's Guide to Transgender Voices (Liz Jackson Hearns), MusiCares has hosted vocal health and wellness webinars focused on training transgender and non-binary musical artists and singers.
To stay up-to-date on MusiCares' upcoming workshops, check out our Events page.
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