Every year since 2004, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has been observed on May 17. Though there has been somewhat of a leveling of the playing field for gays and lesbians in recent years with same-sex marriage being legalized nationwide and “Don’t ask, don’t tell” being repealed, transgender individuals are still fighting a battle to have their gender identity respected and to feel safe in their country.
About Trans Chorus of Los Angeles (TCLA)
The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles is the largest group of Trans people in the world gathering regularly to create music. The mission of the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles is to fiercely empower trans and gender nonconforming people to discover, love and use their voices to change the cultural ecology. Everywhere.
Only 10 days before this day is celebrated this year, California will welcome its first performing arts group comprised of and celebrating the Trans community, one in which more than 40-percent of individuals attempts suicide. This year, the community will get the opportunity to share their story through the power of music.
On Saturday, May 7, the newly formed Trans Chorus of Los Angeles (TCLA) will be joined by its allies, including the incomparable Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) and VOX Femina Los Angeles (VFLA), a women’s choral ensemble dedicated to the performance of quality choral literature from women composers, for a historic evening in which TCLA will give a new voice for the Transgender community of Los Angeles in its first public concert – “TRUE COLORS: Celebrating Our Authentic Selves.”
Taking place at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall (445 Charles E Young Dr.) at 7:30 p.m., these three historically significant choral groups will unite to perform an extraordinary series of songs that all highlight the power of music to change the world, one person at a time, in one inspiring and empowering concert.
“Births are a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Lindsey Deaton, the nation’s only known Trans professional symphony orchestra and choral conductor. “I am very grateful to GMCLA and VOX Femina, to their staffs, boards of directors and especially to their membership for their love, affirmation and inclusion in helping us birth TCLA. It’s historic and gratifying to have wonderful allies.”
“It is an honor to be able to work with the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles,” said Dr. Joe Nadeau, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. “This concert not only provides an opportunity for our three choruses to collaborate together, but is also the first time that TCLA will perform in a ticketed concert. We celebrate all that TCLA represents in giving a voice to the trans community in Los Angeles.”
“VOX has cherished its long-time partnership with GMCLA, and we are so excited to welcome TCLA into the fold!” said Rebecca Wink, Executive Director of VOX Femina Los Angeles. “We are thrilled to be a part of this important milestone for the LGBT community. I know it will be an evening to remember!”
Tickets to attend “TRUE COLORS: Celebrating Our Authentic Selves” can be purchased by visiting https://goo.gl/VIBtEH or through the UCLA Ticket Office in person or over the phone at(310) 825-2101. For more information on the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, visit www.gmcla.org
. For more information on VOX Femina Los Angeles, visit www.voxfemina.org.
About Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA)
GMCLA has garnered international acclaim for artistic excellence while remaining deeply rooted in service to the Los Angeles community and beyond by promoting civil rights, tolerance and acceptance through music. Founded in 1979 during the emergence of the gay civil rights movement, critics have proclaimed the chorus “inspired,” “expressive, innovative, and utterly moving,” and hailed it for presenting “meaningful entertainment.”
