i wanted to share with you what it means to sing in an LGBTQ choir. it is an experience like no other. here is a quote from the 20th anniversary of my choir ...
The world was a different place twenty years ago. Basic gay rights in Ontario had only been passed through provincial parliament in 1986. AIDS had killed thousands, with no good treatment in sight. Coming out could still shock people. Standing on stage and singing as a gay and lesbian choir was an act of defiance, and an opportunity to put a very different face on the community than that seen on the news.Through twenty years of change, Singing Out has been there, protesting, entertaining, celebrating, educating, and changing hearts through music. We’ve shown how very different kinds of people can work together to make something wonderful happen, starting by learning to manage a little harmony.http://www.singingout.com/20th-anniversary/
harmony ... the interlocking of different parts into a singular whole. the harmony of music. the harmony of ideas. the harmony of a group.
“It is a powerful and amazing force with all these voices working towards one purpose and one song.”
singing with a queer choir is a special kind of experience. although it is not me singular identity, being a lesbian means something to me. and to sing with a group of people who "get it" is really important to me. to share my voice with the voices of others who have similar narratives is a way of making harmony.
“It was a completely different way of fighting the culture war, by reaching out rather than striking back. And it was a place I knew I could make a difference.”
our choir chooses songs that have a message. we fight against homophobia, and against oppression by joining our voices together in song. we sing against injustice. we don't hide who we are, we stand proud and strong.
“The most challenging moment as a member of the choir came when, in my first year, I had to sing a song entitled: “I Like Being A Dyke.” I could hardly say the word “dyke” in conversation! To sing it proudly and become comfortable with the word was a definite challenge!”
i am lucky. i shouldn't have to define myself as lucky. but i do. i came out at 17 and was fully supported by my friends and teachers. my family accepted my identity as normal. and i married a woman whose family accepts and loves us for who we are, not for who we love.
it is easy for me to stand on a stage surrounded by queers and identify myself as one. it is easy for me to sing songs with queer content.
the rest of the world ... the rest of the country ... the rest of this city ... the rest of the choir have not been so "lucky" in that they have faced fear, discrimination, and sometimes violence. i shouldn't have to call myself "lucky" ... my story should be the norm. we should all EXPECT that we are accepted, loved, and treated with dignity and respect.
“I have made so many amazing friends in choir, and I love to see them each week. I know that no matter how I am feeling when I walk through the door of rehearsal, I will always leave feeling uplifted and inspired.”
the choir is an extended family. a chosen family. people that we love. people who support us. who are there for us. including the annoying aunt who won't stop talking, the creepy uncle, the opinionated cousins. being in a choir means having a place to go every week where i am accepted for who i am, and as i am. it means having a place to go every week where our voices meet in harmony.
i hope that your life is full of harmony, in whatever way that means for you.
be kind to yourself,
xoxo
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