GLAAD COMMUNITIES OF COLOR DEPT. TO PRESENT FINAL SHOWCASE FOR E.M.E.I YEAR 2 MUSIC ARTIST COHORT

Los Angeles, CA — Wednesday, April 9, 2025 — GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced that its Communities of Color and Media Department will hold its final showcase for the 2nd year cohort of its award-winning Equity in Media and Entertainment Initiative (EMEI), supported by Gilead Sciences and in partnership with Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The exclusive industry event will take place on Wednesday, April 16th at 6:00 PM PT at CAA in Los Angeles.

GLAAD’s Communities of Color and Media Department is a division of the GLAAD Media Institute, GLAAD’s training, research, consulting, and industry partnership arm of the LGBTQ nonprofit focused on fair and accurate LGBTQ visibility in entertainment media.

EMEI is a groundbreaking, year-long artist development program created to elevate Black LGBTQ voices across media and entertainment. The 2024 cohort focused specifically on independent music artists, supporting their creative work through professional development, production opportunities, and mentorship. The initiative has been honored with multiple Anthem Awards for its impact in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Arts & Culture, recognizing its commitment to fostering inclusive storytelling.

This year’s featured artists include: 2AM Ricky, Asiahn, Albanus Thierry, DAMEZ, Mylah Muse, Neverending Nina, SHAH, Siaira Shawn, Suni MF, and Victor Jackson

The evening will feature a curated screening of the cohort’s artistic and advocacy journey developed throughout the program, followed by a live artist talkback hosted by Damon Epps, co-founder of the GLAAD Media Award nominated and critically acclaimed Surface Level Podcast. The evening will conclude with a networking mixer, offering guests the opportunity to connect with the cohort and explore future collaborations.

“This second year cohort embodies the brilliance, resilience, and cultural significance of Black LGBTQ artistry that has been supported by Gilead Sciences and GLAAD,” said DaShawn Usher, Senior Director of Communities of Color and Media at GLAAD and Founder of EMEI. “We’re proud to partner with CAA to offer a platform for these artists to share their truth, and to invite the industry to recognize the power of music as a tool for advocacy and visibility.”

The EMEI showcase serves as a rare opportunity for studio executives, producers, music and entertainment industry professionals, and members of the press to engage directly with emerging talent poised to shape the future of entertainment.

Media and industry professionals are invited to attend. To RSVP or request interviews with artists, please contact communities@glaad.org by Friday, April 11th.

About EMEI:
Launched by GLAAD in 2022 and supported by Gilead Sciences, the Equity in Media and Entertainment Initiative (EMEI) is a yearlong pathway program designed to support Black LGBTQ+ creatives in various disciplines including filmmaking, music, and visual arts. The initiative has received multiple Anthem Awards recognizing its innovative and inclusive approach to storytelling, advocacy, and professional development.

About the GLAAD Media Institute:
The GLAAD Media Institute provides training, consultation, and actionable research to develop an army of social justice ambassadors for all marginalized communities to champion acceptance and amplify media impact.