In March 2021 D’Orjay the Singing Shaman participated in a panel with Tami Neilson about representation in the country music industry that I hosted at the University of Ottawa. She spoke about the need for building new tables, new spaces, new paths within the music industry for the BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled artists in country, Americana and roots music scenes.
There are many groups doing incredible work to promote and advocate for BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled artists, creatives, and fans of country, Americana, and roots musics. Check out their websites, read about what they’re up to, and get involved!
Black Opry – a home for Black artists and Black fans of country, blues, folk, and Americana music.
Country AnyWay – an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers in country music.
Country Everywhere – a directory and community hub BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled voices in country, Americana and adjacent genres. Are you a member of one of these communities? Make sure to sign-up now!
Country Soul Songbook – an artist-driven media platform and production team that amplifies the voices, experiences, and stories of BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists in Country, Americana, and American roots music.
Country Music Against White Supremacy – a group of BIPOC and white musicians, fans, and industry representatives committed to fighting white supremacy in country music. Take the #ChangeCountry Pledge.
Adobe & Teardrops podcast and blog
Gay Ole Opry and the Queer Country Quarterly
Rainbow Rodeo newsletter and Queer Country Zine
Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities – a group amplifying disability culture, promote inclusion, and advocate for accessibility with the music industry.
Diversify the Stage – a network of industry professionals, and community engagement organizations collectively working to build a culture of accountability to establish more inclusive hiring practices and greater access to equitable opportunities in live music, events, and touring industries.
Discover new artists through Apple Country Radio
- Color Me Country hosted by Rissi Palmer
- Proud Radio hosted by Hunter Kelly
- Record Bin hosted by Kelly McCartney
- View from 615 – a podcast on Nashville pop culture by TJ and Tanner
- Country Clippings – history, memes and other nonsense by Jalina
Support artists
- Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund to support artists of color in country music
- Rosetta Fund to support the next generation of BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled journalists, podcasters, documentarians, and other media creators
- Rainey Day Fund to support artists of color, artists with disabilities, artists in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the roots music sphere.
- Donate to Rainbow Rodeo