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The foundations of electronic music have been fundamentally intertwined with the rich history of LGBTI+ culture since the very beginning. House and Techno were genres initially born out of the dance scenes in New York and Chicago, where clubs like Paradise Garage, Studio 54 and The Loft created revolutionary spaces for the members of the gay community to express themselves, soundtracked by forward-thinking music that would come to change our culture.

While electronic music has naturally evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of sounds, the same is equally true of the LGBTI+ community. From Hip Hop to Breaks, Country to Soul, few genres remain untouched by a new generation of producers and musicians refreshing or recapturing the principles of community, collaboration and experimentation that inspire freedom.

This Pride month, freedom is worth considering more than ever. Here at Loopcloud, and in the wider Beatport Group, we believe that LGBTI+ rights are fundamental. Internationally, members of the LGBTI+ community continue to face political and social resistance. Regardless of gender or orientation, Pride gives us each the opportunity to imagine a new world rooted in tolerance and equality. For many, the work continues beyond this month as well as far beyond the dance floor.

In this vital time in the fight for human rights, dignity and justice, Loopcloud and all brands within The Beatport Group would like to highlight the great initiatives of two organisations we are proud to be working with.

Kaleidoscope Trust

Kaleidoscope Trust is a charity focused on helping to create a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) people can live free, safe and equal lives everywhere. Founded in 2011, Kaleidoscope works across the Commonwealth and beyond, connecting activists, organisations, and human rights defenders with those in power so they can advocate for themselves and their communities. Their ILGA-Europe Rainbow map continues to rank the legal and policy situation for LGBTI people in all 49 European countries.

ILGA-Europe

ILGA-Europe is the leading European organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) rights. Working alongside over 700 member organisations throughout 54 countries in Europe and Central Asia, ILGA-Europe advocates for and monitors LGBTI+ inclusive law and policy at the highest levels of the European institutions, ensuring the spread of equality continues at pace across the continent and beyond. Most recently, they have been providing funding for advocacy groups in Poland and raising particular awareness of intersex rights within the EU.

This Pride month, if you are in the financial position to do so, we ask our community of producers and DJs to consider donating To one of these two organisations in order to assist with their work. We feel proud of what we can do together to continue to remain educated, informed and build a better electronic music culture that’s inclusive to everyone.