How Queer Artists Can Get Booked: A Guide from a Queer Music Agency
For many queer artists, getting booked can feel intimidating or unclear. You make great music and are building a following, yet emails go unanswered, venues feel inaccessible, and the rules of booking seem unwritten.
At Queer Music Agency, we work with LGBTQ+ artists at every stage, from first shows to festival stages, and we see the same questions come up repeatedly. This guide explains how booking works, what venues look for, and how queer artists can position themselves for more opportunities.
Whether you are just starting out or trying to grow, this guide covers the essentials of booking.
What Getting Booked Means
Booking is about trust and risk.
A venue, promoter, or brand is asking:
Will this artist show up professionally?
Can they bring some audience?
Do they fit the vibe of the space or event?
Will working with them be straightforward?
Booking is not just about talent. It also requires clarity, readiness, and relationships.
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Before you pitch yourself, you need a few essential materials.
Your EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
This is your professional snapshot. At minimum, it should include:
A short, clear bio
High-quality press photos
Links to your music or DJ mixes
Performance clips
Social links
Confusing or outdated materials are one of the main reasons artists do not get booked.
Your Live Experience
You do not need a huge resume, but you do need some context:
Have you played local shows?
Opened for other artists?
Played queer parties, community events, or DIY spaces?
Every show counts. Booking builds over time.
Step 2: Understand Inbound and Outbound Booking
There are two main ways to get booked.
Inbound Booking
This is when opportunities come to you, such as:
A venue reaching out
A promoter asking if you are available
A brand finding you online
Inbound booking usually happens after you have built momentum.
Outbound Booking
This is when you or an agent pitch opportunities:
Emailing venues
Reaching out to promoters
Submitting for festivals or showcases
Early-career queer artists often rely on outbound booking.
Step 3: Pitch Clearly
A good pitch is:
Short
Specific
Relevant to the venue or event
Include:
Who you are
Why you are a fit for that space
A link to your EPK
Your location and availability
Avoid:
Overly long bios
Generic copy-paste messages
Sending attachments without context
Booking is relationship-driven. Thoughtful pitches get better results.
Step 4: Know Where Queer Artists Are Booked
Queer artists often start in:
Queer-owned or queer-centered venues
DIY spaces and collectives
Community parties and themed nights
Opening slots for aligned artists
These spaces can be gateways to larger rooms, festivals, and brand opportunities. Many artists QMA works with started in queer nightlife and community spaces before moving into larger venues.
Step 5: Build Leverage
Venues look for signs of momentum. Leverage can include:
Consistent local shows
A growing online following
Strong engagement from a niche community
Being part of a scene or collective
Press coverage, playlist placements, or standout performances
Focus on what is sustainable and realistic for your stage in your career.
Step 6: When to Work with an Agent
Not every artist needs representation immediately.
You may be ready for an agent if:
You are playing shows consistently
You do not have time to pitch yourself
You want access to new rooms, cities, or brands
You want to be more strategic about growth
At QMA, we work with artists in different ways. Some have dedicated agents handling outbound pitching, while others are booked on a commission-only basis for inbound opportunities.
Challenges Queer Artists Face
Queer artists often encounter:
Fewer obvious industry lanes
Tokenization or underpayment
Being booked only during Pride events
Spaces that are not always safe or affirming
Representation, education, and advocacy are important to building sustainable careers. Booking queer artists should be about creating long-term opportunities, not just filling lineups.
How QMA Can Help
Getting booked requires preparation, visibility, and alignment with the right opportunities. Queer artists deserve access, transparency, and fair treatment in the music industry. Knowledge is the first step toward building a sustainable career.
At Queer Music Agency, we work directly with LGBTQ+ artists to help them get booked, grow their audience, and navigate the music industry with confidence. Whether you need guidance on pitching, access to venues and brands, or dedicated representation, we can create a plan tailored to your goals. Contact us today to learn how we can support your career and help you get your next show.