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 and other podcasts
- 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