Madame Rap, founded in Paris, France, in August 2015, is a pioneering media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of female and LGBTQIA+ rappers globally.
Its mission is to:
- Increase the visibility of international female and LGBTQIA+ rappers;
- Challenge the perception of rap as inherently sexist and homophobic;
- Promote gender equality and explore the intersections of hip hop and feminism;
- Combat stereotypes, sexism, and homophobia;
- Celebrate inclusive and diverse hip hop that transcends traditional boundaries.
The platform is available in English, French and Spanish, features an interactive map, a database of artists (organized by name and country), articles, videos, interviews, and the Madame Talk podcast.
Beyond its online presence, Madame Rap also engages in grassroots initiatives, including:
- Programming performances by artists from around the world at concerts, festivals, and events;
- Conducting awareness-raising workshops, writing workshops, and rap practice sessions for diverse audiences, such as youth, students, local residents, and emerging artists;
- Providing training courses for professionals;
- Organizing conferences and panel discussions on topics related to women and LGBTQIA+ individuals in hip hop, masculinities, gender equality, and sexual violence.
Madame Rap considers its cultural, educational, and social outreach essential for building connections between hip hop, women, LGBTQIA+ communities, and audiences who might not otherwise engage with these issues. The media platform operates within a broad artistic and humanistic framework that transcends stereotypes and borders, combining popular education with the pursuit of equality.
Éloïse Bouton, the founder of Madame Rap, is a writer, freelance journalist and queer feminist activist.
