By GALA Expert
November 29, 2023
LGBTQ+ youth need a safe place where they can be themselves. As a group, the youngest members of our community are at high risk for bullying, depression, violence, homelessness and suicide. Belonging to an organized group of peers – especially one with artistic activity, is vital to our young persons’ well-being.
The first North American LGBTQ+ youth chorus was Glass Youth Choir, formed in Vancouver BC in 2001. Glass is no longer performing, but the following youth choruses are active.
Bridging Voices LGBTQ and ALLIED Youth Chorus
Portland, OR
Founded 2013
http://bridgingvoices.org
E-mail: info@bridgingvoices.org
Diverse Harmony
*on haitus due to COVID-19
Seattle, WA
Founded 2002
http://www.diverseharmony.org
E-mail: info@diverseharmony.org
GenOUT Chorus
*currently accepting distanced members for virtual rehearsals
Washington, DC
Founded 2015
https://gmcw.org/genout
E-mail: cpheins@gmcw.org
Major Minors
Nashville, TN
Founded 2017
https://www.nashvilleinharmony.org/majorminors.html
E-mail: majorminors@nashvilleinharmony.org
Omaggio Youth Chorus
*on haitus due to COVID-19
Phoenix, AZ
Founded 2012
https://phxgmc.org/
E-mail: artisticdirector@gcpaphx.org
San Diego Queer Youth Chorus
San Diego, CA
Founded 2019
https://sdpride.org/youth/
E-mail: b.lindseydeaton@gmail.com
SingOUTKC: Pride Youth Chorus
Kansas City, MO
Founded 2019
https://www.fcpakc.org/youth-chorus
E-mail: info@fcpakc.org
THEM Youth Ensemble
Tucson, AZ
Founded 2018
https://www.facebook.com/themyouthensemble/
E-mail: youth@reveillemenschorus.org
Youth Pride Chorus
New York, NY
Founded 2003
http://www.youthpridechorus.org
E-mail: youth@gaycenter.org
Statistics from PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
- 97% of all high school students hear anti-gay slurs daily
- 40% of GLBT students have never seen anyone intervene in anti-gay harassment
- GLBT youth are five times more likely to skip school because they are feeling unsafe on route to or at school
- One out of four youth that comes out to his/her parents is kicked out of the home