UK
 

Professional DJs To Work With Young Lesbians & Gay Men

Youth Music, the national organisation providing diverse and high-quality participatory music activity for young people aged 18 and under, has awarded a grant to Manchester Pride for professional DJs to work with young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Manchester Pride has been awarded funds for “Wheels of Steel” - a project to provide DJ training for young LGBT people in the run up to the annual festival.

Young people will be trained by professional DJs and workshop leaders to spin their own tunes, and have the chance to showcase their skills on Monday 30 August at 2pm in the Big Top dance tent on site in The Big Weekend festival area.

DJs from both clubs in Manchester’s Gay Village, and from Key 103 ( a major sponsor of the festival), will mentor the young people helping them to improve their skills and develop potential career paths.

“Music is central to young people’s lives”, states Christina Coker, Chief Executive of Youth Music. They define and express themselves through music and, of course, it’s fun. Technology is a vital component in the music of today. It’s great that Plug into Music programme will give young people the chance - not only to listen to and dance to music - but to learn how to get really involved and make and mix music of their own.”

“Young LGBT people have often felt excluded from Pride,” said Claire Turner, Manchester Pride’s Festival Director. “We have received numerous requests from young people, following last year’s festival, for more events that they can get involved with. Research shows that 80% of young LGBT people experience severe isolation problems and projects such as “Wheels of Steel” enable them to take part in a new activity, make friends, gain confidence and could lead to future employment.

Two young people, who already have DJing experience, will also have the opportunity to train as peer mentors and be provided with training in workshop leader skills.

Youth Music’s funding is extremely appreciated and so important for young LGBT people. We are also talking to Greater Manchester Music Action Zone to ensure that those who want to continue with DJing, have an avenue to do so.”

Young people interested in taking part in the project, should email Manchester Pride, call 0161 238 4548 or visit their website