CALLING ALL DISNEY GAYS

The Denver Gay Men's Chorus (DGMC) recently held a performance called "Disney Pride" at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House which featured renditions of classic Disney songs that were given a unique twist. Along with the music, members of the chorus shared their stories, adding a personal touch to the already magical event.

The DGMC was founded in 1982 and has been a staple of the Denver LGBTQ+ community ever since. Their mission is to create performances that "inspire, entertain, and educate," while also advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.

The "Disney Pride" performance was a perfect reflection of this mission. The chorus performed well-known Disney hits like "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" and "Circle of Life," but added their own flair to the songs with new arrangements and lyrics that celebrated LGBTQ+ identity and love. My personal favorite was a solo act of “Poor Unfortunate Souls” - as a 90’s kid I’m obsessed with all things Little Mermaid.

In between songs, members of the chorus took to the stage to share their personal stories. These stories ranged from funny anecdotes to heartfelt moments of self-discovery and acceptance. The stories were relatable and showed the endeavors and community built within the LGBTQ+ family.

One particularly moving moment came from a guest speaker who shared his story of growing up Mormon and struggling with his coming out to his community. He spoke about the pain of feeling like he had to choose between his faith and his identity, and the relief he felt when he finally accepted himself for who he was. His story resonated with many members of the audience and highlighted the importance of acceptance and understanding.

Throughout the performance, the audience was engaged and enthusiastic. There were moments of laughter and moments of tears, but above all, there was a sense of unity and celebration. The event was a testament to the power of music and storytelling in bringing people together and creating positive change.

In addition to their performances, the DGMC is also involved in community outreach and advocacy. They partner with local organizations to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ+ causes and have been a voice for change in the Denver area and beyond.

Overall, the "Disney Pride" performance was a shining example of the DGMC's mission and a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and love. The event left a lasting impact on the audience and served as a reminder of the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and celebration. For those who were out of town, unable to attend, or can't wait to see again, dreams do come true! The Rocky Mountain Arts Association and DGMC present an encore presentation of Disney PRIDE in Concert on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 pm MT and will be available on demand for 24 hours through Sunday, April 23 at 7:30 pm MT.