BIZ PRIDE LINDSAY UNWIN
As COO of hot management house SALXCO—home to The Weeknd, Swedish House Mafia, Diddy, Metro Boomin and more—Lindsay Unwin oversees the company’s global operations. The exec has been with CEO/founder Wassim “Sal” Slaiby since 3the company started and was its first employee. She has played an outsize role in the overall growth of SALXCO and has also earned kudos for her advocacy on behalf of women in the biz. Which makes it all the more amazing that she agreed to answer our annoying questions.
What does Pride mean to you? How has your own story informed your approach to this issue in your work?
For me, Pride signifies the celebration of diversity, resilience and a call to action for equal rights and representation. Pride provides vital opportunities for people to come together with others who share their experiences to find solace, visibility and support. It’s important for individuals and companies to recognize the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and work to create inclusive, encouraging environments. My understanding of the significance of representation and visibility stems from my personal journey of self-realization and acceptance and it has profoundly influenced my approach to this issue in my work. It’s intensified my commitment to fostering inclusivity, supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and advocating for their rights in all aspects of life.
SALXCO’s roster is home to several artists who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. What unique challenges and opportunities do you face in helping them advance their careers?
Artists who identify as LGBTQIA+ face unique challenges in the music industry. Despite the progress made toward greater representation and acceptance, we find that discrimination and prejudice—the fear of being pigeonholed and stereotyped based on identity—continue to be obstacles. However, I firmly believe these challenges can also serve as opportunities for LGBTQIA+ artists to utilize their experiences and perspectives to create impactful art that resonates with audiences. SALXCO recognizes its vital role in supporting and uplifting these artists while continuing to advocate for greater representation and inclusivity in the industry. We strive to provide an inclusive environment where LGBTQIA+ artists can express their authentic selves and create art that contributes to positive change.
From your perspective, where do you see the most strides made in communication surrounding issues of equality and representation? Where do you see the most opportunity for growth?
While there has been progress toward greater communication and understanding of issues related to gender and sexuality, attacks on the transgender community are a concerning setback. There’s a dire need for more education and awareness. Policy changes at an institutional level are crucial to protecting the rights of trans individuals and ensuring greater representation and inclusivity. Opportunities for growth lie in continuing education, advocacy and policy reform protecting and uplifting the rights and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community.
How can our industry do a better job of authentically supporting the LGBTQIA+ community?
We need to prioritize diverse representation and insclusivity at all levels of the industry and provide resources and support for LGBTQIA+ artists. It’s important to take a proactive stance against discrimination and hate speech to foster a culture of acceptance and respect.
