GenOUT Chorus Provides Empowerment and Unity for LGBTQ Youth

As June wraps up and Pride Month festivities wind down in Washington, D.C., it's a good time to remind ourselves that supporting and advocating LGBTQ+ rights shouldn't be confined to just one month. There's a dedicated organization in D.C. that makes sure LGBTQ youth have year-round opportunities to explore and express their identities.

The journey and influence of Washington's Gay Men's Chorus

Now let's talk about something truly powerful—the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington (GMCW). It's not just one of the biggest LGBTQ choral groups out there; it's a cultural force. Imagine over 300 members and more than four decades of history! GMCW began back in 1981, inspired by a performance by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus at none other than the Kennedy Center. It started with 18 gay men and one wonderful ally, Marsha Pearson. Over time, this group has grown, hosting a variety of concerts and events each year that promote equality and inclusion.

GenOUT: A voice for LGBTQ youth

Let me introduce you to GenOUT, one of GMCW's standout initiatives. It's all about giving LGBTQ and allied youth, aged 13-18, a space to express themselves and connect. Officially launched in 2015, GenOUT kicked off as the first LGBTQ youth chorus in Washington, D.C., but it started brewing back in 2001. C. Paul Heins, the director, shared some insight about the program's journey: "This is my 11th season with GenOUT," he said. "We started rehearsals in January 2015 with just nine brave singers. Since then, we've brought together over 150 young people from more than 80 schools across the DMV area." One inspiring member is Aisla Ostovitz. She joined in 7th grade, back in April 2022. Initially shy, she found her feet by stepping into leadership roles. She asked herself, "What do I want from my leaders?" That thought propelled her to become a section leader, growing her leadership skills far beyond just music.

Expression through music and community

Every year, GenOUT shapes its activities around themes that aim to inspire. Their recent theme, "Make Them Hear Us!: Empowering LGBTQ+ and Allied Youth Through Music, Media, and Community," was all about the power of storytelling and self-expression. They had singing and dancing workshops, creative writing sessions, and open discussions about identity, giving youth a platform to truly express themselves. Heins highlighted the importance of such experiences: "GenOUT nurtures young voices, helping them speak meaningfully. Singing in the chorus lets them share their truths, surrounded by understanding peers." Ostovitz agrees, saying that GenOUT provides a key space for empowerment. "Being in the chorus shows that we're not alone in discovering who we are," she explained. "Music is a powerful way to express our feelings and stories."

Cultivation of future leaders and meaningful relationships

But GenOUT's impact goes beyond music. They also offer mentorship opportunities with GMCW members. Ostovitz talked about how this helps youth explore careers, identities, and educational goals. "Connecting with GMCW members helps us work on our future, whether we're focused on our queer identities or what we want to achieve overall," she said. This year, they even added media engagement to the mix, including field trips to places like WAMU and NBC Washington, plus conversations with LGBTQ advocates from the Washington Blade. It broadens participants' views on storytelling through different mediums. Heins noted, "GenOUT links young people to the bigger community and LGBTQ history, giving them the courage to share their stories with the world."

A joyful and transformative experience

For Ostovitz, GenOUT offers a welcome break from the often complicated journey of identity exploration. "Rehearsals give us a needed pause from school and social pressures," she says. "It's comforting to be surrounded by peers who share our dreams of acceptance and empowerment." Heins added, "We sing for those who can't, those who aren't free to be themselves. It's incredibly powerful." Performing with GMCW, especially at iconic venues like the Lincoln Theater, fuels pride and inspiration for both Heins and the young singers. "Last year, GenOUT performed 22 times, proving their dedication and talent," Heins said proudly. "It's amazing to think these young voices will continue shaping the future."