Yesterday I was lucky enough to participate in an outreach concert with the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.
Although I knew that the chorus did perform outreach concerts, I never really understood what good work they are. On Sunday we sang for a combined group; Hosted by the First Parish Church of Groton, this concert will benefit several Gay Straight Alliance programs in the area including the Parker Charter Essential School GSA, Groton School GSA, Lawrence Academy GSA, Groton-Dunstable Regional High School Drama Guild, and North Middlesex Regional High School GSA. All proceeds went to Gay Straight Alliances in the four local high schools. Youth from the schools are being asked to identify the best use for this gift as a means to spread awareness of GLBT and bullying issues.
I firmly believe that hate and prejudiced are the result of ignorance (unless being promoted by certain fanatical right-wing groups…but this isn’t a political post). And performing in front of and for groups like this, I hope, helps to bridge the divide…helps to educate people and stop ignorance and hate.
The most touching part was when we sang our closing song, Everything Possible by Rev. Fred Small and were joined by a junior choir. The song is touching by itself, but with that accompaniment, I couldn’t help but tear up. Imagine what the world could be if everyone were taught tolerance at a young age…The only measure of your words and your deeds is the love you leave behind.
We have cleared off the table, the leftovers saved
Washed the dishes and put them away
I have told you a story and tucked you in tight
At the end of your knockabout day
As the moon sets its sails to carry you to sleep
Over the midnight sea
I will sing you a song no one sang to me
May it keep you good company
You can be anybody you want to be
You can love whomever you will
You can travel any country where your heart leads
And know I will love you still
You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around
You can choose one special one
And the only measure of your words and your deeds
Will be the love you leave behind when you’re done
There are girls who grow up strong and bold
There are boys quiet and kind
Some race on ahead, some follow behind
Some go in their own way and time
Some women love women, some men love men
Some raise children, some never do
You can dream all the day never reaching the end
Of everything possible for you
Don’t be rattled by names, by taunts, by games
But seek out spirits true
If you give your friends the best part of yourself
They will give the same back to you
You can be anybody you want to be
You can love whomever you will
You can travel any country where your heart leads
And know I will love you still
You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around
You can choose one special one
And the only measure of your words and your deeds
Will be the love you leave behind when you’re done
I wish every child could be put to bed hearing these words sung to them…but I hope, little by little, having organizations like the BGMC sing it to them now can help evoke change.
Here is a video of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus singing the song: and if you want to come see us sing, we have several Holiday concerts coming up…check out the BGMC site for more information.