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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility and the AFM

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where every musician feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. One of the strengths of our union lies in the diversity of its members. We are dedicated to creating a space that welcomes, celebrates, and supports musicians of all backgrounds, recognizing the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives in our music industry. We are committed to fighting against all forms of workplace discrimination as reflected in the AFM Code of Conduct. 

  • Commitment to Racial Equity: We stand in solidarity with musicians of all racial and ethnic backgrounds and are dedicated to combating systemic racism and bias within our industry. We support opportunities and resources that advance the success and leadership of underrepresented races in our industry.
  • Inclusion and equity for musicians of all genders and sexual orientations: Our union seeks to create a safe and supportive place for LGBTQIA+ musicians. We are dedicated to supporting workplaces where every member feels included and is free to express themselves authentically, both personally and artistically. We actively challenge stereotypes and barriers that have historically limited women, nonbinary musicians, and other genders.
  • Celebrating musical diversity: The AFM recognizes that music is a universal language expressed through a mosaic of different genres, traditions, and styles. Our union celebrates the vast spectrum of musical expression, from classical and jazz to hip-hop, country, and electronic music. We are committed to welcoming, representing, and advocating for all musicians across all genres.
  • Age equality: We believe that experience and innovation are not limited by age. We actively combat age discrimination, which can affect both younger and older musicians. We recognize that a truly vibrant music industry is one where musicians of all ages collaborate and learn from each other.
  • Accessibility: We are committed to ensuring that musicians with disabilities have full and equal access to all aspects of the music industry and their union. This includes advocating for accessible performance venues, rehearsal spaces, and educational facilities, as well as providing accessible digital resources and communication methods. 

Our commitment to diversity is an ongoing journey. The AFM Diversity Committee is a standing committee of the Convention, appointed by the AFM International President, which continues its work year-round. 

We will continue to listen to our members, learn from their experiences, and take concrete steps to build a more just and inclusive union. Through these actions, we aim to not only serve our members but also inspire a more equitable and diverse music industry.

Learn More about the AFM Diversity Committee and its work.

AFM Diversity Awards

The AFM Diversity Awards were created in 2005 to recognize outstanding examples of diversity within the AFM. Since 2005, every AFM Convention has set aside time for reflection and the presentation of Diversity Awards. These awards recognize the work that AFM musicians and locals have done to promote diversity throughout their communities.

Click for more information on the 2026 Diversity Awards and applications.

 

Creating a Safe Workplace for All

The AFM is committed to workplace equity for all musicians. We actively protect our members from every form of harassment and discrimination. To support this commitment, the #NotMe App was launched to allow musicians to discreetly report instances of misconduct.

 

DEIA in the International Musician