Allyship in Action: What It Means to Support Queer Artists
DJ Fruity.
Allyship isn’t just something you say - because really, anyone can do that - it’s something you do. It’s something you do in the everyday and not something you need to scream and shout about either. Because giving queer artists that deserve to be heard a platform should be the norm. It’s about actively supporting voices that deserve to be heard, celebrated and sustained. Nowhere is that more powerful than in the arts.
At The Old Market, allyship means championing queer artists, not just during Pride season, but all year round. Because queer creativity doesn’t exist just over pride month and neither should support for it.
Why Supporting Queer Artists Matters
Queer artists have always been cultural trailblazers. They’ve pushed boundaries, challenged norms and told stories that expand how we understand the world, look at some of the most famous ones; Frida Kahlo, Elton John & David Bowie. The modern would be a truly different place had these queer performers and artists not been given a platform.
Supporting queer artists means:
Helping create safer, more inclusive creative spaces
Amplifying voices that have historically been marginalised
Ensuring queer stories are told by queer people
Recognising that representation is essential
And crucially, it’s about sustainability. Visibility is powerful, but support - ticket sales, commissions, paid opportunities, long-term relationships - is what allows queer artists to keep creating. And become the next big thing!
Why This Matters So Much in Brighton & Hove
Living and creating in Brighton and Hove comes with a rich legacy of queer culture. Our city is known for its openness, activism, nightlife and artistic experimentation, but that doesn’t mean queer artists here are immune to the wider challenges facing the sector.
When we support queer artists locally, we’re investing directly in the cultural heartbeat of the city keeping Brighton & Hove bold, curious and creatively alive.
Why TOM Loves Supporting Queer Artists
For us, this isn’t about box-ticking or one-off moments. Supporting queer artists is woven into who we are.
That’s why our programming regularly centres queer-led work whether that’s through comedy, music, theatre, cabaret or experimental performance. We aim to create an environment where queer artists can share their creativity, feel supported and connect with audiences who are ready to listen.
What Allyship in Action Really Looks Like
If allyship is the goal, action is the work. That means that you, the local community also need to do your bit to show support for the amazing queer artists we have in our space. You can do this by:
Buying tickets to events and bringing friends
Listening, learning and evolving
And for our bit, we’ll continue to:
· Make our venue welcoming and accessible
· Programme with intention, not tokenism
Looking Forward
Supporting queer artists isn’t a trend. It’s something that enriches our stages, strengthens our communities and makes the arts more honest, vibrant and reflective of the world we actually live in.
At The Old Market, we’ll keep doing what we do best: creating space for brilliant artists, championing queer creativity and inviting audiences to experience work that is bold, heartfelt and unmistakably alive.
Because allyship doesn’t live in words alone, it lives in action. We’re proud to be part of that action, right here in Hove.