It’s April 2022, and I’m standing center stage at Cadogan Hall in London. As the pianist launches into a bright, staccato introduction, it hits me: I’m about to sing “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story—complete with choreography—in front of a full house, alongside 200 gay men.
This was my debut performance with the London Gay Men’s Chorus (LGMC), Europe’s largest gay choir. I first saw them years earlier in Soho, where they performed “Bridge Over Troubled Water” at a vigil for the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Florida. After surviving the pandemic, making it through the chorus’s long waiting list, and months of rehearsals, there I was under the bright stage lights, scrambling to remember the first line and wondering, “What have I gotten myself into?”
In many ways, the LGMC entered my life at just the right time. I had recently gone freelance and missed the perks of having coworkers—office gossip, after-work drinks, and silly grudges. Looking back to my first rehearsal, when I wore a name tag just to introduce myself, I never could have guessed how many friends I’d make, often with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. One of my closest choir friends, Bradley, was raised Mormon in Utah. Our backgrounds were different, but being two gay guys who love hitting the high notes transcends cultural divides. And as for gossip? There were petty rivalries and micro-scandals fit for a Ryan Murphy series—it is a gay choir, after all.
When I joined, my biggest fear wasn’t the singing—it was putting myself out there. After so much time online during the pandemic, I’d grown tired of the cynicism that colors so much digital interaction, where caring about anything is seen as “cringe.” But it turns out that once you’ve performed a fully choreographed version of “Spice Up Your Life”—arranged on stage in a Union Jack formation inspired by Geri Halliwell—that fear melts away.
Once I let go of my fear of being cringe, it became a joy to live out my Glee Club fantasy. Over the past four years, I’ve performed at venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Alexandra Palace. I marched in the 2022 parade celebrating 50 years of London Pride. I traveled to Italy to sing at a Pitch Perfect-style convention with hundreds of queer choirs from around the world (yes, that’s a real thing!). I’ve even been part of a 200-person rainbow Pride flag on stage. These experiences didn’t just help me feel more confident—they taught me that the things that bring us joy are never trivial, even if they involve campy show tunes and glitter.
Last April, the LGMC gathered in Soho, just a few streets from where I first heard them sing. We performed Erasure’s queer anthem “A Little Respect” to mark the 25th anniversary of the Admiral Duncan pub bombing. It was a powerful reminder of what it means to be seen—and heard—for who you truly are. Being a small part of something so much bigger is how joining a gay choir has made me feel. And I’m reminded of that every time I step on stage in a ridiculous glittery outfit, once again thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the topic The change that made all the difference I let go of my cynicism and joined Europes largest gay choir
General Beginner Questions
Q What is the main idea behind this story
A Its about how choosing to be open and hopeful instead of negative and cynical completely transformed someones life for the better
Q What is a gay choir
A Its a choir primarily made up of LGBTQ members and allies Their focus is often on creating a safe inclusive space through music while also celebrating queer identity and culture
Q Which choir is Europes largest gay choir
A The topic is likely referring to the Pink Singers based in London They are widely recognized as one of the longestrunning and largest LGBTQ choirs in Europe
Q Do you have to be a professional singer to join
A Absolutely not Most community choirs including this one welcome singers of all experience levels from complete beginners to experts The focus is on participation and community
Q Do you have to identify as LGBTQ to join
A While the choirs membership is predominantly LGBTQ many such choirs also warmly welcome allies who support the community and its values
Deeper Advanced Questions
Q How did letting go of cynicism specifically help
A Cynicism often acts as a defense mechanism that isolates you Letting it go allowed the person to be vulnerable open to new connections and truly experience the joy and support the choir offered
Q What are the nonmusical benefits of joining a group like this
A Beyond singing benefits include finding a profound sense of belonging building a new social network gaining confidence reducing stress and being part of something bigger than yourself
Q Was it difficult to fit in at first
A Its common to feel nervous or like an outsider when joining any new group However choirs are inherently collaborative which helps break the ice quickly and build bonds through shared practice and performance
Q Can this kind of change really work for anyone
A While everyones journey is different the principle is universal actively choosing community and positivity over isolation and negativity is a powerful step toward personal happiness Finding the
