As Spotify’s head of artist & label partnerships, LatAm, one of Roberta Pate’s goals is to have LGBTQIA+ artists represented in every music initiative. From Spotify’s Global Pride campaign to its emerging artist program, RADAR, launched in 2020.
“The industry has to reflect culture and culture is what people (creators and audiences) are talking about and living in their lives,” says the Miami-based executive, who’s been at Spotify for eight years. “Diversity and inclusion are becoming part of the core values of companies. Diversity is not a campaign, it’s a value we need to live by.”
In celebration of Pride Month, Pate — who was featured as one of the industry-shaping LGBTQ professionals in our 2021 Pride List — talks about the importance of having a sense of belonging and how coming out can help change society.
How did the decision to come out impact your professional life?
How you feel in your work environment has a huge impact on your actual work. In my case, I was lucky enough to be working at a company (Sony Music Brazil) that was encouraging employees to be themselves. The sense of belonging and inclusion has a direct impact on how you engage with your job, colleagues, and general purpose. I’ve been at Spotify for almost eight years now and what I experience is a non-discrimination workplace that creates a real safe place for minorities in general.
Did you ever have an LGBTQ+ idol growing up?
I grew up in Brazil and I can clearly remember the power that Cássia Eller had over my generation. She was a rock idol, a strong woman, a mother, and happened to be lesbian. In the end, what makes an LGBTQ+ artist become an idol for the cause has everything to do with authenticity and attitude. This is the reference that we need to provoke social changes.
Would you say the industry is more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community compared to when you first started your career?
Absolutely yes. The industry has to reflect culture and culture is what people (creators and audiences) are talking about and living in their lives. Needless to mention, all the campaigns that happen during Pride months, and on top of that what I’ve been observing is that diversity and inclusion are becoming part of the core values of companies. Diversity is not a campaign, it’s a value we need to live by.
What would you say to new artists or anyone in the music industry who are unsure about coming out?
Coming out is an attitude that doesn’t need to be a flashy moment in your life, but depending on your life context it might become a bigger thing than expected. I think that coming out is your private choice but it’s also a revelation that might also have an impact on your surroundings. If you’re a public person or not, you will influence people with your attitude and this is a good thing. It will help society to change.
Any up-and-coming LGBTQ+ artist you’re excited about?
Liniker is one of my favorite up-and-coming artists from Brazil. She is a transgender woman, so talented and true to her artistry. The music video of the song “Zero” had a huge impact on the industry. Brazil is ranked first among the world’s deadliest countries for the trans community and the presence of an artist like Liniker is a resistance act above all.
