In a celebration of artistry, identity, and advocacy, GLAAD’s Communities of Color and Media Department, in partnership with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and supported by Gilead Sciences, hosted the culminating event for the second cohort of the Equity in Media and Entertainment Initiative (EMEI) at CAA’s headquarters in Los Angeles on April 16th, 2025.
Held at the iconic 2000 Avenue of the Stars, the exclusive industry event drew creatives, executives, and changemakers together for an evening dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black LGBTQ+ artists reshaping the entertainment landscape.
Now in its second year, EMEI is a five-time Anthem Award-winning artist development program designed to elevate emerging Black LGBTQ+ creatives. This year’s focus on independent music artists brought powerful storytelling to the forefront through a curated multimedia experience.
The 2025 cohort features ten trailblazing musicians — 2AM Ricky, Asiahn, Albanus Thierry, DAMEZ, Mylah Muse, Neverending Nina, SHAH, Siaira Shawn, Suni MF, and Victor Jackson — each bringing unique perspectives to the intersection of sound, identity, and social change.
Attendees were treated to a compelling screening chronicling the artists’ journeys over the course of the program, offering insight into their creative evolution and advocacy work. Shot in Palm Springs, California, the screening showcased each artist being able to relax and purely focus on connecting with each other and reflection outside of the glitz and glamour. Emphasizing that some of their most connecting moments was being behind the scenes and in the middle of the creative process together. Throughout the documentary, audiences had the opportunity to get a taste of not only each cohort members personalities and passions, but also had the chance to feel the genuine chemistry shared amongst the group. The evening continued with a dynamic live Q&A hosted by Damon Epps, co-founder of the GLAAD Media Award-nominated Surface Level Podcast, providing space for the artists to reflect on their work, growth, and aspirations.
The event concluded with a vibrant networking mixer, where industry leaders and attendees engaged with the artists to explore future collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities for representation. As GLAAD and CAA reaffirm their commitment to equity in entertainment, the 2025 EMEI showcase made clear: these artists are not just the future of music; they are the future of culture. And that it’s time to support Black, Queer, and independent Artists now more than ever.
Check out some of the projects these artists dropped during their time with the cohort below!
