LGBTQIA+ Opera Network
OPERA America’s LGBTQIA+ Opera Network is an action group of opera professionals from all sectors of the field dedicated to advancing LGBTQIA+ equity in the industry.
Founded in 2023, the Network responds to the rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and sentiment across the country that endangers the livelihood of opera’s artists, administrators, and audiences. The Network works to:
- Encourage collaboration, resource-sharing, and opportunities to support a more equitable field.
- Ensure LGBTQIA+ visibility and affirmation through networking and relationship-building.
- Create spaces for dialogue, learning, collective action, and support for LGBTQIA+ people and allies.
We acknowledge that certain communities and identities have been historically neglected or harmed by racism, transphobia, sexism, poverty, xenophobia, ableism, and other forms of discrimination. This includes LGBTQIA+ people who are Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), transgender, non-binary, living with HIV/AIDS, disabled, and immigrants. We remain committed to serving all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Get Involved
Participation in the LGBTQIA+ Opera Network is open to anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ or allies affiliated with the opera industry and supportive of the Network’s goals.
For additional information, contact us at Membership@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5248.
Resources
Increasing Inclusivity
There’s work yet to be done, but resources for transgender and nonbinary singers are continuing to multiply.
Building Gender Inclusivity Into Opera
A webinar discussing how to create safe and inclusive spaces for gender-diverse people working in our industry.
LGBTQIA+ Opera Network Steering Committee
Dorian Block
Board Member, Opera Canada Board of Directors
Megan Elk
Executive Director, Windy City Performing Arts/Director; Marketing & Communications, Chicago Federation of Musicians
Jaime Martino
Executive Director, Tapestry Opera
Jaime Sharp
Program Manager, Grantmakers in the Arts
Keith A. Wolfe-Hughes
General Director, Opera Birmingham
Danielle Wright
Artistic Director/Founder, Opera MODO