Stepping out of the dark with a surprising harmony of voices

By Mary Kay Roth

Sopranos, tenors, baritones … you couldn’t tell which person was singing which part.  But when those gorgeous voices blended into Queer Choir Lincoln, all that mattered was their harmony, richly blended into a dazzling rainbow of gender affirmation awash in gowns and beards, suits and sequins.

Gay.  Lesbian.  Asexual.  Bisexual.  Drag queen.  Pansexual.  Gender queer. Transgender.  

For a few precious moments this weekend, when the curtains lifted on a program at the Johnny Carson Theatre called Coming Out of the Dark, each and every choir member on stage was standing in their own truth and light – safe, affirmed, celebrated. 

For a few precious moments, those sacred voices managed to drown out the cacophony of vile, toxic words spewing from dangerous, misguided legislation spreading across the country, bills that target the LGBTQ community and particularly transgender young people.

A neighbor who sings in the choir had invited everyone along our street to attend the weekend concert, and I headed for the theatre that evening mostly as a way to support our trans community.  But as those beaming choir members started marching onto stage, one by one – a group of people marginalized and bullied by too many members of our Legislature – their joy was infectious.

These people were not beaten down, their lovely songs ringing out with pride and courage and splendor, their tunes entwined with social justice.

“This is overwhelming, I look around this auditorium and see the beauty from this community – the joy and beauty and sparkle in the room tonight,” Nebraska State Sen. Jen Day said, taking the stage briefly.  

“We love you, you belong in Lincoln,” Day, who has been fighting hate-based legislation in Nebraska – told the choir.  “Thank you for sharing your gifts, thank you for sharing who you are. I really needed this.” 

And, she added, turning toward the audience, “We all need to work to stop these awful bills.” 

Indeed, in the last few years a wave of discriminatory state laws has attacked LGBTQ rights, terrifying families and hurting kids who are not hurting anyone. The year “2023” is shaping up to be historically bad. 

In Nebraska, Omaha Sen. Kathleen Kauth introduced a ghastly bill that would criminalize the act of providing gender-affirming therapies for minors.

So, enter Trans Day of Visibility this weekend with rallies, posters, protests held throughout the country – and the Queer Choir Lincoln’s spring equinox program in support of our transgender friends. 

Choir director Juju Tyner started the musical group a year ago, marking this latest concert as a milestone for their first trip around the sun. 

She explained that Queer Choir Lincoln’s heart and soul relate to a quote from John Lewis, a black civil rights leader and activist, when he said: “Speak up, speak out, get in the way.  Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”

Hence, the choir’s two major goals: 

• To entertain.
• To stir up some good trouble in this town.

And the time is definitely right for some good trouble.

Legislation now under consideration at the Nebraska Unicameral intentionally attacks trans children, according to Nebraska State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh. “It is legislating hate. It is legislating meanness. The children of Nebraska deserve to have somebody stand up and fight for them.”

Earlier this legislative session, explaining her decision to filibuster as many bills as possible, she said: “If this Legislature collectively decides that legislating hate against children is our priority, then I am going to make it painful — painful for everyone. I will burn the session to the ground over this bill.”

In fact, the current attacks on trans youth are only the latest tactics in nonstop anti-trans assault intent on legalizing discrimination against LGBTQ people – despite solid expertise that decries such efforts.  

Professional medical organizations have released statements condemning these waves of anti-trans bills – with every leading medical institution stating that transition-related care is necessary medical care.  The American Academy of Pediatrics says these bills have the “sole purpose of threatening the health and well-being of transgender youth” – underlining that doctors and parents warrant the right to decide which prescribed medications their young people need, not politicians.

“It’s not enough to talk about how unjust the world is, we need direct action,” Queer Choir director Tyner explained, noting that gay choruses first originated as safe spaces for artistic expression – but also to sing out for basic human rights. 

There is power in our voices, Tyner said, amplified and unified, making space to tell our stories and step out of the darkness.

So, of course, the very first song the group belted out at that glorious weekend performance: 

Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo … 

Here comes the sun and I say … 

It's alright.  It's alright.

And, for a few precious moments, it was.

As a sold-out crowd embraced the choir with standing ovations, I could feel the long dark winter finally lifting, right along with my own personal sense of despair.  All was right with the world and a slightly unfamiliar sensation washed over me with – dare I say the word – hope.

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Please consider contacting your state senators about this issue: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/contact/email_form.php

For more information: Support Trans Lifeline, Transgender Law Center, ACLU NE, Out Nebraska, and Black and Pink.