Sing it all away...Chante la ta chançon

Beaker from the Muppets 'Mi Mi Mi'

Finding my voice is something I've been working on for most of my life. Sure I may come across as a self-assured public speaker, media relations person and overall outgoing gal but I've often felt that I wasn't using 'my' wholehearted and authentic voice. Messages were structured, extra diplomacy and concessions tainted my words and at times I found myself biting my tongue or opting for silence to avoid a conflict. Therefore, in an effort to better myself and better connect with my power, I am looking for ways to find my true voice. Insert an unusual but wonderful opportunity that was born of wanting to be with like minded people while taking steps toward social justice. What a broad mandate, but with a space where voices come together in unison, we can raise our common voice thunderously. Beautiful People, I joined a choir!

C'est pas n'importe quelle chorale les ami(e)s! Voyons don! 'All Voices' est un genre groupe d'introduction à la chorale plus formelle 'Tone Cluster'. Mais pour une femme qui n'a pas été dans une chorale depuis qu'elle a 7 ans, c'était toute une première soirée. J'ai découvert que je suis 'alto' pi que défois on manque de souffle quand on chante. Aussi, il faut avoir un sense d'humour car comme tout autre chose, au début c'est pas fort fort. Cependant, qu'est-ce qui est fort dans cet instant est la mission du groupe. Un groupe qui comprend des gens de la communauté queer et les allié(e)s qui les supportent. Pi les chançons sont principalement des chants de manifestation ou de commémoration. Par exemple, ce soir nous avons exploré le chant: 'Love Is Love Is Love Is Love' écrit par Abbie Betinis qui note: 'This song is dedicated to the victims, and survivors, or hate crimes everywhere, and specifically for those at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016. Love is often the bravest thing we do. May love prevail.'

So tonight I 'embraced the suck' and relished the chance to be crunchy AF trying to sing some righteous songs. I was surrounded by a supportive, open and welcoming group of folks who build community with not only their voices but their beautiful queer existence. What a privilege to be in this group and muddling my way through my first project with 'All Voices'. I'm so excited to see where this leads. I'm stoked to move forward and to continue to look for these 'Out of the box' opportunities to find my voice, become a better ally and connect with my power.

'Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.' Maggie Khun