Gay Chorus Deep South Pulls at the Heartstrings

The new project from MTV Documentary Films Gay Chorus Deep South may hit home with many LGBTQ+ viewers who were raised in the territories it explores in an hour and 40 minutes. The celebration of song and spirit will take viewers to church on the Sunday it arrives on December 20 thanks to some television support.

The story centers around the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus as they tour around the southern states during a tumultuous time in America. Conductor Dr. Tim Seelig keeps the gay gang positive and uplifted while spreading a message of love instead of hate. Facing the unknown while looking for venues to perform in are just some of the early challenges that the group encounters. Following the journey of these brave souls will hopefully educate and inspire others to be more accepting after they see this award-winning doc.

I found the film impossible to watch without growing emotional after seeing the personal stories told by members of the chorus. Trauma from the past is all stirred up in the ensemble as they confront their past demons and that can be tough to watch at times.

The documentary skirts around the issue of possibly changing the name to be more inclusive, as one of the members of the group comes out as trans. The hot topic is most likely discussed at many of their board meetings off camera as the chorus evolves with the times. As the country navigates ways to sing in public, perhaps it is a good time to reform the whole organization to reflect inclusivity to marginalized members that don't fit in a box.

Music has been known to heal people as one chorus singer mentions and our world has a long road to travel in terms of singing in perfect harmony when it comes to important issues. The chorus belts out the song "We Shall overcome" as the activists they are, referring to the challenges we all face. We just need to work together for a common goal and to make a change happen. Can I get an amen?

There's something powerful that comes out of a gathering of people who sing together. One wise pastor told me once, "Singing hyms are like praying twice, once with the words and once with the message." This answered the question I had been feeling with experiencing so much emotion, especially with some of the old, traditional religious songs that I was raised on, along with the bright, country sunshine of Tennessee.

One preacher in the documentary brings up an important point, the only people Jesus didn't want to be around were the judgmental, religious holy rollers and that is exactly why Gay Chorus needs to keep marching and spreading their message in song!

Gay Chorus Deep South premieres Sunday, Dec. 20 on Pop, Logo and Pluto TV. The official site GayChorusDeepSouth.com has more information about this heartfelt, passion project.