As Pride Month unfolds, we’re spotlighting those who make space for queer voices to rise, thrive, and be heard. One of those changemakers is Velvet Code, an electronic music artist, producer, and founder of the You Do You Foundation. With a mission to empower 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC youth artists, Velvet launched the foundation to provide mentorship, mental health support, and access to creative resources in the music industry. We sat down with Velvet to learn more about the foundation’s powerful work, the challenges queer artists still face today, and the global anthem campaign set to unite communities through sound and solidarity.
Can you tell us a bit about the You Do You Foundation? What inspired you to start?
The You Do You Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC youth artists by providing mentorship, mental health support, and access to creative resources, particularly in music. I launched the Foundation in 2021 by developing programs that combine artistic development with wellness support, aiming to create safe, inclusive spaces for marginalized artists to express themselves authentically. In 2022, we officially kicked off our mentorship work by supporting our first mentee, Ugandan artist and activist Brayo Bryans, who was rescued by Rainbow Railroad.
Through these efforts, the Foundation helps address the systemic barriers that many queer and racialized youth face in creative industries. The inspiration to start the You Do You Foundation came from my personal journey as a queer artist, as I experienced discrimination, mental health hurdles, and a lack of representation. For years, I struggled to find a space in the music industry where I could be fully myself, where vulnerability, diversity, and authenticity were embraced. I created the You Do You Foundation because I didn’t want others to feel as isolated and unsupported as I once did. You Do You is about turning that pain into purpose and building a platform that uplifts others, giving them the tools, community, and confidence to thrive as their true selves.
The foundation places a strong focus on supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC musicians. What unique challenges do these communities face in the music industry today?
As 2SLGBTQIA+ or QBIPOC musicians and artists, we face a range of unique and systemic challenges in the music industry that can make it significantly harder to build sustainable and fulfilling careers. One of the biggest issues is underrepresentation, which we are seeing across the Canadian mainstream music industry, particularly at award shows like the Juno Awards. Queer artists are often overlooked by major labels, booking agents, and media outlets, leading to fewer opportunities for exposure, touring, and funding. When they are given a platform, they may be pressured to conform to industry norms that don’t reflect their identities or experiences, stifling their creative expression. We aim to help break those barriers.
In addition to professional barriers, these artists frequently encounter discrimination, tokenization, and unsafe working environments—from homophobic or racist comments to more subtle forms of exclusion. Many also face mental health challenges compounded by social stigma, financial instability, and a lack of access to affirming support systems. For queer and racialized musicians, being open about their identities can be both empowering and risky, especially in environments that prioritize profit over authenticity. These intersecting obstacles make the role of organizations like the You Do You Foundation essential, creating spaces where these artists can thrive on their own terms.
Credits: Call and Response
Can you tell us more about the upcoming anthem campaign and what message you hope it will send during this critical time for queer communities?
Absolutely. The upcoming anthem campaign is called “MUSIC SAVED MY LIFE”, and it is one of the most exciting and meaningful projects we’ve ever undertaken at the You Do You Foundation. We’re bringing together prominent queer and trans voices from around the world, alongside artists and producers from our own programs, to create a powerful, unifying summer Pride anthem for 2026. Our goal is to craft something that resonates across borders, cultures, and communities—ultimately becoming a global Pride theme song played at festivals and gatherings everywhere. We want it to become a major movement.
At a time when queer communities are facing increasing challenges and pushback in many parts of the world, this anthem is meant to shine a light of resilience, celebration, and solidarity. It’s about showing that we are thriving, creating, and lifting each other up through the power of music. We hope the song will remind people everywhere of the strength and beauty of queer expression and inspire unity, pride, and visibility in a world that needs it now more than ever.
How does the You Do You Mentorship Program combine music creation with mental wellness support? Why is this combination important?
The You Do You Mentorship Program is built on the belief that creative expression and mental wellness go hand in hand, especially for 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC music artists navigating systemic barriers. The program offers emerging artists not only access to professional-grade music production resources and mentorship from experienced industry professionals but also wraparound workshops to help guide them through life. This includes access to affirming spaces to process personal experiences while they create.
This combination is essential because many of the artists we work with face challenges that impact both their emotional well-being and their creative potential. Discrimination, trauma, and isolation can make it difficult to fully show up in artistic spaces or sustain a career in music. By integrating mental wellness into the music-making process, we’re nurturing individuals and giving them the tools to heal, express themselves authentically, and build lasting confidence in both their personal and professional lives.
Credits: Call and Response
How can people outside the music industry (e.g., fans, allies, and brands) best support the mission of the You Do You Foundation?
For allies and brands, you can offer funding, platforms, and partnerships that spotlight emerging queer and trans artists—either by sponsoring an artist or program, sponsoring our annual Fierce and Fabulous Expo, or making a financial contribution to the organization through our website at https://www.youdoyoufoundation.org/donate. Supporting our mission means recognizing that creative freedom and mental wellness are basic rights, and helping us ensure that marginalized artists have access to both.
Another way to help is by actively engaging with and amplifying these artists’ work. Stream their music, share their stories on social media, attend their shows, and introduce their art to new audiences. Visibility is powerful, and every act of support helps shift the industry toward greater inclusivity.
Cover Photo Credits: Rina Morningstar
