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PrideMusicBelonging
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Singing OUT! is one of those communities that lives in fulfillment of its mission statement (PRIDE-MUSIC-BELONGING) by bringing energy and excitement to all communities through the gift of music. At each performance we try to reflect the tastes and dreams of a great cross section of the greater community dramatically and intentionally illustrating our long history of tolerance and respect for diversity. In the midst of it all, perhaps what is most important, is that we have been able to laugh at ourselves and enjoy being who we are – good people – fun people – musical people – an ‘acronymed’ people. Above all we are a group of people who are attentive to the needs of our members and those beyond our membership. We have a long history of meeting needs in many more ways than simply through music and are rightfully proud of those accomplishments.
If you have come to this site looking for community, we have one for you. Looking for an opportunity to sing quality music, we have it for you. Looking for a safe environment to express your identity, we have one for you. Looking for a lot of fun, we have it for you. Looking to work hard and sing well, you can do it with us. Looking for listening pleasure – you will love us!
What Singing OUT! means to me…
At the end of each practice, we all join hands and sing a variation on Holly Near’s song “Singing for our lives”. The first time I heard it, I almost cried.
Joining the chorus seemed a natural thing to do…my partner (now wife) was in the chorus and also on the Board of Directors. Caring for our special needs son was why I had not joined earlier, but now that he was in a special boarding school during the week, that reason was gone. Still, I had to think about it.
My life is a duality…out for most parts, but in the closet for other parts. You see, I could get fired, even now with all the rights and advances that have been made, from my “weekend” job. Knowing that my “weekday” job is secure (I am out, nobody cares, and I am protected from being fired on the basis of orientation) makes it easier. At least our livelihood would not be impacted. Still, thinking about standing up in public and singing as a member of a predominately LGBT chorus was enough to make me pause for a brief moment before joining. Yet, I am so glad I did join. Here I have found a community of caring characters (we are not a boring group) that has given me a place to sing where I am not hiding who I am. It is a freedom that I have not had before.
I somehow doubt that my Bishop will ever be on this website to read this entry, but if he is and wants to use it to take action against me, I would be angry, but not destroyed. My world will continue with the support of Singing OUT! and all the friends I have made there.
Julia Ford