Creative influence: LGBTQ+ and music

Exploring LGBTQ+ contributions to music across South East London and beyond.

 

Come and explore the historic and present influence of LGBTQ+ musicians within the local music community and wider musical landscape in London in this Radio Lewisham special ft. Cleo Savva and Margomool.

 

Produced and presented by Radio Lewisham’s Micah and Rita, the show spotlights Queer creatives who are shaping the borough’s cultural landscape today. Through open conversations, personal reflections and stories of community-building, CREATIVE INFLUENCE explores what it means to navigate the music industry as an LGBTQ+ artist, while asking an important question: how can we create more inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and able to thrive?

   

“It was all of us in one room wanting the best for each other.”

 

 

 

      

  

    

 

Come and explore LGBTQ+ contributions to music in the South East and beyond.

 

 

 

As an organisation, we have noticed there a significant lack of Queer representation around South East London, and particularly Lewisham, even though the Radio Lewisham playlist is full of established Queer artists. We created this special radio programme to create visibility for LGBTQ+ creatives around Lewisham Borough by giving them a platform to share their work and their experiences with the local community.

 

For Rita, the programme was also deeply personal. Introducing the show, Rita reflects on their own experience as a Queer and non-binary creative and their desire to learn from others who have carved out their own paths in music and community leadership. Joining Rita in conversation are two artists whose work extends far beyond performance: multi-instrumentalist, producer and community organiser Cleo Savva, and singer, producer and facilitator Margomool.

 

Together, they explore the transformative power of music, not simply as an artform, but as a means of connection, self-discovery and collective care.

 

Throughout the conversation, one theme emerges time and time again: community. Both Cleo and Margomool speak passionately about the people, organisations and creative spaces that have shaped their journeys, highlighting the importance of environments where people can explore who they are without judgement.

    

“Nothing is ever good on your own. Collaboration and collective energy of creating takes you to a space that is so much more beautiful.”

 

 

      

 

 

 

Margomool looks back on their own experiences growing up and the youth arts organisations that gave them a sense of purpose and belonging. 

     

“If it wasn’t for them, I would have been a really sad kid and teenager.”

 

 

Their stories echo Lewisham Music’s belief that music is about far more than developing technical skills. When young people are given opportunities to create, collaborate and express themselves, music can become a powerful catalyst for confidence, wellbeing and connection.

 

The discussion also explores the realities of working as LGBTQ+ artists within the music industry. Both Cleo and Margomool speak openly about the pressure to package identities into something marketable, and the challenge of remaining authentic in creative spaces that can sometimes prioritise labels over people.

      

“I would never separate my identity from the art that I make. My morals and values are a huge part of who I am.”

 

 

   

 

Margomool similarly reflects on the tension between being celebrated for Queer identity and feeling pressured to perform it in particular ways. Together, they challenge the idea that identity should be reduced to a selling point, instead advocating for creative freedom and self-definition.

       

“The beautiful thing about Queerness is that it is a multifaceted, ever-evolving sphere. It’s not this one thing that you are.”

 

 

What makes the conversation especially powerful is its focus on action. Rather than simply discussing inclusion, both artists speak about the grassroots projects they have built to create change. From community choirs and fundraising events to safer spaces for women, trans and non-binary DJs, their work demonstrates how creativity can be used to bring people together and remove barriers to participation.

     

Reflecting on intersectionality and allyship, they encourage listeners to think honestly about their own privileges and the ways they can support others.

     

“Everybody has something to offer. It just looks different for different people.”

 

 

The conversation ultimately becomes a call for deeper connection: between generations, communities and identities. Both artists emphasise the importance of listening, learning and creating spaces where different experiences can meet.

 

For Margomool, that means creating opportunities for conversations that might not otherwise happen. For Cleo, it means co-creation, collective responsibility and recognising that meaningful change starts with relationships.

      

“Liberation for everyone or no one.”

  

      

 

 

  

By the end of the programme, CREATIVE INFLUENCE feels like much more than a celebration of LGBTQ+ musicians. It is a reflection on the power of community-led creativity and the importance of creating spaces where people can be fully themselves.

         

Reflecting on the experience afterwards, Rita captures the spirit of the entire project.

       

“It was all of us in one room just wanting the best for each other.”

 

In many ways, that sentiment encapsulates both CREATIVE INFLUENCE and Lewisham Music’s commitment to creating positive change through music. As an organisation, Lewisham Music believes that every young person should have access to creative opportunities, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances. Through inclusive programmes and community-led projects, we create spaces where young people can develop their skills, build confidence and find a sense of belonging.

 

  

Lewisham Music is an award-winning youth charity, creating positive change in young peoples’ lives through diverse musical opportunities. The charity aims to always create inclusive programmes, keeping things low cost, free, and accessible across all abilities.

 

Radio Lewisham is the borough’s first youth-led station, broadcasting music and shows 24/7 all curated, produced and presented by young people across Lewisham. Radio Lewisham wants to show that cutting-edge curation and youth-driven formats can answer a hunger for fresh, authentic sounds and stories, whilst championing marginalised voices, promoting community engagement, local accountability, and cultural resilience.