LGBTIQ+ List 2025: Dean Reynolds, Ginger Owl

The LGBTIQ+ List 2025 – IQ Magazine’s fifth annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.

The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s fourth Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Read the previous interview with Christopher Tweed-Kent (he/him), VP, Product at Ticketmaster in Los Angeles, California, here.

The series continues with Dean Reynolds (he/him), project manager at Ginger Owl Productions in London, United Kingdom.

I began my career in music management production in 2009, quickly establishing a reputation for my dedication and expertise. Over the years, I have progressed into artist liaison management and accreditation, playing a pivotal role in coordinating talent for some of the industry’s most high-profile events. My experience includes working on prestigious shows such as the BAFTAs and the BRITs, where I have honed my skills in communication, organisation, and relationship-building. With a passion for the arts and a commitment to excellence, I continue to thrive in the dynamic world of entertainment.

Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2025 so far.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of many incredible events, but this year stands out for a couple of standout achievements. First and foremost, returning to the BRIT Awards for the 11th consecutive year has been a remarkable journey. It feels like I’ve grown alongside the show, witnessing its evolution while contributing to its success.

Equally thrilling was my role in the F1 Live 75 at the O2—a monumental privilege to be part of such a groundbreaking event. This was not just any show; it was a unique, standalone spectacle that brought together some of the biggest names in the industry for an unforgettable evening celebrating Formula 1. As the accreditation manager, I had the critical responsibility of overseeing the advance and distribution of over 5,000 passes.

Navigating the complexities of such a large-scale operation was both challenging and exhilarating. Ensuring that everyone – from VIPs to fans – seamlessly had their passes was no small feat. The thrill of seeing the event come to life, knowing that my efforts played a key role in its success, made it one of the highlights of my career. Celebrating the passion and excitement of motorsport made every moment worthwhile, and I can’t wait to see what the future.

Returning to the BRIT Awards for the 11th consecutive year has been a remarkable journey

How do you see the live music business developing in the next few years?
The evolution of the industry since I first entered it has been nothing short of remarkable. One of the most significant transformations has been the rise of music within social media. Platforms like TikTok have completely changed the game, taking songs that once flew under the radar and catapulting them into global hits. It’s astonishing to see how a catchy tune can spark viral trends, reviving tracks that may have been overlooked at the time of their release.

This shift is a testament to the power of nostalgia; people are drawn to the familiar and romanticised sounds of their past. I believe this is the direction we’ll continue to head in, as audiences crave connections to memories and experiences through music. Social media allows for a unique fusion of creativity and commerce, where the right song can ignite a movement and give new life to an artist’s work.

As we embrace these changes, it’s exciting to think about how we can harness this newfound power in music marketing, collaboration, and storytelling. The future is ripe for innovation, and I can’t wait to see how we continue to blend nostalgia with modernity to captivate audiences worldwide!

In terms of challenges in the industry, what’s currently keeping you up at night?
The overwhelming uncertainty of the world we live in today. The entire COVID-19 experience serves as a haunting reminder of how quickly everything can change. The devastation it brought to the live music industry was particularly alarming – venues silenced, performances cancelled, and the vibrant heartbeat of live music muted.

The mere thought of facing such a crisis again is incredibly unsettling. It’s a reality that stays on my mind, often keeping my eyes wide open during those long, restless nights. The fear of what could happen to an industry that thrives on connection and shared experiences is daunting.

Yet, in this uncertainty, I also find a glimmer of resilience. The challenges we faced have forged a stronger, more adaptable community in the music industry. We learned to innovate, to pivot, and to support one another. While the anxiety of potential future upheavals is real, it also drives us to stay prepared and united, ensuring that when the curtains rise again, the music will play on, louder and more passionately than ever before.

“The Saudi experience was a whirlwind of excitement and growth for me”

You were one of the first Owls to go to Saudi Arabia in 2019. What was it like to work in a country where homosexuality is illegal?
The Saudi experience was a whirlwind of excitement and growth for me. Stepping into a culture so vastly different from my own pushed me far out of my comfort zone, igniting a thrilling sense of adventure. Initially, I’ll admit there were concerns about navigating the complexities of my identity in such a unique environment, but I quickly realised that embracing the challenge was part of the journey.

By keeping my head down and concentrating on the task at hand, I found a renewed focus and appreciation for the work I was doing. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to my purpose while respecting the cultural context around me.

Looking back, this experience not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my appreciation for the values and freedoms I often take for granted. It transformed what could have been a daunting situation into an enriching opportunity for personal growth and cultural understanding. Embracing the unknown allowed me to connect with an entirely new perspective, and for that, I’m truly grateful!

What advice could you give to young queer professionals?
Keep pushing forward because it truly gets better! With each step you take, you grow—both in stature and in strength. Your dreams are within reach, and they can absolutely become reality if you stay committed. Never give up on anything that fuels your passion and purpose. Embrace your inner strength, and remember: you have the power to overcome any obstacles that come your way. Stay resilient.

“Embrace new and fresh perspectives, as they breathe life into the world and pave the way for growth”

Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
Continue to believe in the potential of everyone around you, for faith in others can be a catalyst for extraordinary change. Embrace new and fresh perspectives, as they breathe life into the world and pave the way for growth.

Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
Anyone at Mighty Hoopla ha!

Shout out your biggest ally in the live music industry.
Ginger Owl Prouductions – what a powerhouse.

Do you support any LGBTIQ+ causes?
Stonewall – it’s the reason why we continue to fight against homophobia.

How do you like to celebrate Pride?
A lot more chilled these days, I usually have a quiet thought to myself and reflect on everything we have lost and gained.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.