Music streaming service Spotify has launched GLOW, a brand new equity program for LGBTQ+ creators. The initiative aims to ensure “that queer creators, and their contributions to music and culture, are heard and honored year-round.”
The program includes a GLOW hub on the Spotify application that features “sounds from the community” such as LGBTQ+ podcasts, news, and playlists honoring queer pioneers young and old. Some playlists feature only trans artists or Black, queer artists while others are just a vibe: one playlist called Sweat is simply filled with club bangers specifically selected by Charli XCX.
In a broader sense, GLOW promises to amplify 11 LGBTQ+ artists from around the world in the hub, with billboards across the U.S., and “in even more ways” that have yet to be announced. The artists currently selected as a part of the initiative are Bruses, Jean Seizure, Leland, Liniker, Natalia Lacunza, Arlo Parks, Joesef, Pabllo Vittar, Sam Smith, Tove Lo, and Villano Antillano. “We recognize the power of our platform to elevate, uplift, and spotlight voices that have been historically marginalized, and we’re committed to using it to drive cultural change,” said Spotify.
They’ve also launched a 360 program that provides “editorial and partnership capabilities, marketing support, and charitable giving to organizations like QORDS, Astrea, Black Trans Femmes In The Arts, ChamberQueer, Allgo, It Gets Better, Youth Music, and Casa Chama.”
They announced all of this at the Spotify office last night with a celebratory gathering, the conclusion of a songwriting camp led by jesse saint john, JHart, and INK.