45 years later, queer choruses still help LGBTQ+ youth find hope

A Washington, D.C. rehearsal in 1981 featured gay men singing publicly despite risks to jobs, families, homes, and futures. The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC was founded June 28, 1981, and five days later early press reports of the AIDS crisis appeared. The chorus grew into a community and refuge and became a record of survival. Decades later, GMCW’s GenOUT Youth Chorus performs with adult members present, demonstrating that queer adulthood and lasting joy are possible. After the 2024 election, over 50 adult members attended a GenOUT rehearsal, spending the first hour listening as youth described fear and political helplessness and adults shared earlier experiences.

Read at Advocate.com