IQ Magazine Launches Sixth Pride Edition, Showcasing Global LGBTQ+ Leadership in Live Music

On June 15 2026, IQ Magazine rolled out its 145th issue—titled Pride—marking the sixth year it celebrates LGBTQ+ presence in the live‑music sector. Backed by AEG Presents, the issue positions itself as a definitive reference for executives, artists, and allies working to broaden diversity and inclusion across the industry.

At the heart of the publication is the LGBTIQ+ List, a feature that names 20 executives worldwide who are driving measurable change in international live entertainment. Readers nominate candidates, and a steering committee vets the entries. Each profile in the issue is paired with biographical detail, career highlights, and a discussion of how the individual is shaping policy, programming, and community outreach.

Editor Lisa Henderson steers the Pride content and sits down with Peter Taylor, co‑founder of Cuffe & Taylor and a 2022 finalist for the LGBTIQ+ List. Taylor talks about building one of the United Kingdom’s leading promoters and recounts securing a high‑profile performance by Britney Spears at Scarborough’s Scarbados venue during the height of her career.

The issue also features a Loud & Proud section that spotlights LGBTQ+ artists who are strong candidates for festival bookings. Talent agencies from around the world contribute to the segment, curating a list of performers whose visibility and booking potential align with current festival programming trends.

Beyond Pride‑specific material, the magazine offers a range of industry features. Adam Woods profiles Spanish promoter Pino Sagliocco, tracing his journey from the streets of Italy to becoming a key architect of Spain’s live‑music scene. On the 60th anniversary of the Montreux Jazz Festival, Gordon Masson reflects on the festival’s evolution and its adaptation to the 21st‑century live‑music landscape.

Lars Brandle delivers the first dedicated market report on New Zealand’s live‑music business, providing data on venue capacity, touring patterns, and consumer behaviour. Derek Robertson offers an inside look at Zucchero’s extensive European tour, while James Hanley marks two decades of the Great Escape festival.

Columns from industry stakeholders add further depth. Silent House Studios president Alex Reardon outlines three cost‑saving strategies for mid‑level artists that maintain production quality. Take That’s manager Chris Dempsey discusses the revival of The Circus Live, offering insights into the logistics and creative direction of the touring show.

The issue concludes with a roundup of the latest industry movers and shakers, new signings, and emerging releases, giving readers a snapshot of current trends across the global live‑music market. Full content is available in print and digital formats. Readers who wish to explore additional features will find them online in the coming weeks. Subscription options are available through IQ Magazine’s website, and the full issue can be accessed on the dedicated IQ page.

The release of Pride underscores IQ Magazine’s role as a leading voice in the live‑music industry, providing factual reporting and analysis that informs executives, promoters, and artists about the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion.