Next Up North is our flagship artist development programme specifically supporting emerging artists of marginalised genders and sexualities, from the North of England. 

“Marginalised genders” refers to gender identities and expressions that are often discriminated against, or excluded in various social, economic, political, or cultural contexts. This typically includes gender identities outside the dominant gender norms, and those who may face systemic barriers because of their gender identity or expression. Marginalised genders commonly include, but are not limited to:

1. Transgender people – those whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
2. Non-binary people – those who do not identify strictly as male or female, and may have a gender identity that is fluid, multiple, or outside traditional gender categories.
3. Gender non-conforming people – those whose gender expression doesn’t align with traditional expectations for their gender.
4. Women – women are often marginalised or treated unequally due to deeply rooted gender discrimination.
5. Two-Spirit, genderqueer, genderfluid, and other culturally specific genders – people whose identities and experiences challenge traditional gender norms and may vary across cultures.

“Marginalised sexualities”refer to sexual orientations that fall outside of heteronormative expectations and are often subjected to social, cultural, legal, or economic discrimination and exclusion. Marginalised sexualities commonly include:

1. Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) people – those who are attracted to people of the same gender (gay/lesbian) or to multiple genders (bisexual).
2. Asexual people – those who experience little to no sexual attraction toward others and may face misunderstandings or erasure.
3. Pansexual and Omnisexual people – those who are attracted to individuals regardless of gender and may challenge traditional categories of sexual attraction.
4. Queer people – those who may identify with a fluid or expansive view of sexuality, challenging fixed labels or traditional orientations.
5. Two-Spirit individuals – in Indigenous cultures, this can encompass unique relationships to sexuality and gender that may differ from Western categories.

While “the North” is very difficult to define geographically, you will be eligible for this programme if you are:

1. Originally from the North i.e. you grew up in the region 
2. Currently based in the North and have been for more than 3 years