Here at Coca‑Cola Ireland - we pride ourselves on living the values of inclusion and allyship. We believe music has the power to bring people together, as we celebrate incredible talent from the LGBTQ+ community.

Coca‑Cola Ireland believes that music has the power to bring people together and really make a positive impact. That’s why we’ve teamed up with GAY TIMES to create ‘Breakthrough’ with COKE STUDIO™ – an ongoing campaign that gives unsigned LGBTQ+ musicians the opportunity to gain the recognition and wider support they deserve across Ireland and the UK.

GAY TIMES is the leader in creating LGBTQ+ cultural conversations. Reaching 300 million people globally, it is at the epicentre of the queer community and the #1 LGBTQ+ publisher on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. Across five decades, a global community and an ever-changing culture, GAY TIMES has led the conversation, creating extraordinary cultural moments that drive global engagement and influence positive change.

We know the music industry can be a challenging space, particularly for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Coca‑Cola and GAY TIMES are committed to supporting diversity, inclusivity, and self-expression, and we believe that helping talented independent musicians is a vital part of that.

‘Breakthrough’ seamlessly connects our calendar of exciting events together with COKE STUDIO™, our platform for emerging talent to partner, create and deliver moments of musical magic to new audiences. You don’t have to wait months to discover who our four ‘Breakthrough’ COKE STUDIO™ artists are, however, and we’re delighted to introduce them here:

Celaviedmai (aka Mai or Cela) is a Galway born artist who has become one of the most exciting names in the Irish hip-hop and rap scene. Celebrated for defying genres, she combines English, French and Irish in her lyrics, while paying homage to her Ivorian roots.

Keanan is an up-and-coming LGBTQ+ singer, songwriter and rapper who has already been recognised as ‘BBC Radio 1Xtra STEP UP Artist’ and ‘GAY TIMES Artist To Watch 2023’.

Lleo is on a mission to bring what is quickly becoming known as ‘bipolar pop’ to the masses. Their work aims to open the conversation around mental health by sharing their experiences of someone living with bipolar and has already drawn praise from BBC Radio 1 and Apple Radio, with more to come.

Callum Crighton is the full package, and this London-based DJ and queer music artist has already modelled and entertained crowds around the globe. Expect to see far more of Callum over the coming months. 

By helping artists from all backgrounds and identities to gain visibility and recognition, and get paid for the experience, we hope to help open doors for musicians and create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all.

Coca‑Cola will create a long-term collaboration with each selected act to ensure genuine impact for the talent involved in the campaign. This long-term partnership will be critical in supporting independent musicians to build sustainable careers and achieve lasting success. In the coming months all four will be enjoying valuable paid festival and Pride experiences across Ireland and the UK including Longitude. 

We are looking forward to coming together with other organisations and community groups to share amazing experiences and elevate the voices of the unsigned.  Coca‑Cola Ireland supports LGBTQ+ programmes and organisations through a number of initiatives including the Coca‑Cola Thank You Fund.

Further afield, we are also spreading a message of inclusion, diversity, and optimism globally by supporting EuroPride 2023 in Malta, which follows on from our successful partnership with EuroPride 2022 in Belgrade, Copenhagen 2021 and WorldPride.

Coca‑Cola Ireland LGBTQ+  Inclusion Network

Coca‑Cola Ireland is consistently driving awareness and engagement for internal LGBTQ+ events in our office spaces. We recognise, value, and support employees from the community not only during the annual Pride celebrations, but all year round.

Last year, we launched an internal European LGBTQ+ Inclusion Network for employees, and their allies. Through networks such as this we aim to increase feelings of belonging, safety and inclusion within the company, while providing an open environment where everyone is welcome – and can learn, ask and grow together.  

This year, we’re proud to be working with myGwork, the business community for LGBTQ+ professionals, graduates, and inclusive employers. It is the perfect safe space for members to connect with us, find jobs, mentors, professional events and more.

Keep up to date with Coca‑Cola's Summer of Music and Pride announcements on @cocacolaGBI #CokeStudio #RealMagc