Empowering the Next Generation of 2SLGBTQIA+ Music Artists

You Do You Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering emerging 2SLGBTQIA+, Q-BIPOC and Indigenous music artists through professional mentorship, music education, career development and community-building opportunities. Through structured educational programming, one-on-one mentorship, industry workshops and live performance opportunities, we help artists overcome barriers, develop professional skills and build sustainable careers in the music industry.

What We Do

Mentorship that builds real music careers

Music Mentorship

Personalized guidance from established music-industry professionals.

Education & Career Development

Workshops covering songwriting, production, marketing, business and personal development.

Performance & Industry Opportunities

Artist showcases, networking and connections to music-industry professionals.

By the Numbers

Our Impact at a Glance

Artists mentored since inception

Mentorship hours delivered

Workshops completed

Songs recorded or released

Participants securing professional opportunities

Graduates returning as mentors

0 %

YOU DO YOU FOUNDATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
With Support by TD Bank Group

YOU DO YOU FOUNDATION PRESENTS

Did You Know

Although 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC people are as diverse as the general population in their experiences of mental health and well-being, they face higher risks for some mental health issues due to the effects of discrimination and the social determinants of health. Many are artists who need to create music to express their true selves and improve their overall mental and physical health through art.

All three of these factors continue to impact 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC individuals and communities around the world.

2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC people disproportionately experience stigma and discrimination across their life spans, and are targets of sexual and physical assault, harassment and hate crimes.
Mental Health data shows members of 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC communities face higher rates of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and phobic disorders, suicidality, self-harm and substance use.
The risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is double that of those that identify as heterosexual.
Sexual minority individuals are two and a half times more likely to attempt suicide and are one and a half times more likely to have depression and anxiety than heterosexual peers.