For many decades, the Netherlands has been active in its fight for acceptance and equality of the LGBT+ community. It was for example the first country in the world to legalise same sex marriages. But somehow it seems this progressive position is not that stable. It's something we have to keep fighting for. Or - as I prefer - keep celebrating. As we do with the Pride Choir, which started as a respons to a serie of uncomfortable situations in the small Dutch town of Monnickendam.
Monnickendam is a lovely progressive town with a gay priest in its midst. But when the priest invited the popular reli-pop band 'In Salvation' they rejected to perform because of his nature. In response the town waved the rainbow flag in front of the church to catapult this conservative statement. But then the flag was burned a few days later.
During Pride month 2023 I invited the choir of the church to sing a gay classic. "It's raining men, hallelujah" by the Weather girls. The conductor of the choir didn't see any possibilities, so it almost ended there. But via via I was informed that a part of the choir did want to collaborate. Together we started the Pride Choir with me as stand in conductor.
We practiced during the Pride month and performed at the Buiten de Dijken festival in Monnickendam. For bookings:
We sing LGBT+ positive songs fully a cappella in matching outfits. Please sent an email to invite us. Amen, hallelujah.