'We're proud and you can be proud too' - How Chester's LGBTQ+ choir is changing lives
The chances are if you've walked through Chester City centre on any given weekend, you have probably seen Proud Marys performing.
What first began as a singing workshop, to reduce isolation for older members of the LGBT community across Cheshire, soon snowballed into a group of over 60 people today.
In 2018 they formed as a group of LGBTQ+ men, women and non-binary people of all ages and backgrounds, united by a love of music and pride in who they are.
Speaking to Chester Nub News this week, the choir's musical director, Matt Baker, highlighted the importance of having an LGBTQ+ community in Chester, and using it to do good.
He said: "Choirs, just like sport, are a wonderful way for humans to come together. It's the joy of making music together and sharing that joy with other people.
"We've been part of events within our own community, like Pride or World Aids Day, and they're really important for us but it's equally important for us to go out into other communities."
Alongside performing at Chester Pride or World Aids Day, Proud Marys often sing at other community or charity events.
"We're a really strong and positive symbol for LGBTQ in those instances. We're just there singing, showing people that it's normal, it's lovely and it's joyous," he added.
"They're almost more important than singing within our own community."
The highlight of Matt's work is often the final product, and the impact this has on those who come and listen.
He continued: "It's my job to then go away and create based on the voices we have. When that comes together in the room, that's a real high. The next high is when we find ourselves in a place where we've suddenly got a rapturous audience really enjoying what we do.
"They're laughing at some of our funny songs, maybe they're even moved to tears by what we sing. Those are really special moments."
Arguably the most rewarding element for Matt, is the safe space that the choir provides.
He said: "Knowing that I'm playing a role in giving just that extra little layer of meaning to somebody's life, that they can come and look forward to Mondays is very special.
"It's not just giving a spotlight but for some, it's giving a space where they feel most comfortable."
Stephanie Taylor had pretty much given up on her dream of performing for audiences due to her being in a wheelchair, until she stumbled across Proud Marys performing at Chester Pride and knew she had to give it a go.
Alongside the joy of performing, Steph's journey has been marked by the relationships that have formed over the past year.
She said: "A year ago, I didn't have the life I have now.
"I was depressed, I wasn't going out. I didn't have many friends and I didn't have that social life.
"When joining Proud Marys I just found this group of people who got me. Who understood me and just accepted me for who I am, my disability and of course, being gay.
"Just knowing that people were excited to see me, people wondered where I was if I was off, and I've not had that much in my life."
Alongside fulfilling her dream of performing, she has also gained independence, in spite of her disability.
She said: "Both singing and performing for people and making people happy, but also that socialising side and having friends, finding a girlfriend, really has shown me that I can be independent, that I can have a life and that I can enjoy it.
"I can hand on heart say they really have changed my life."
Stephen Sharp has been a member of Proud Marys for nearly six years. He joined soon after realising he had to focus on something other than work for the sake of his own health.
Explaining his decision, the 41-year-old said: "My job is intense all the time. I didn't realise I needed the choir until I was in it.
"It has been an absolute dream for me to join that choir; it is a safe and sacred space for me.
"I wasn't aware of how much of an LGBTQ+ community there was in Chester. I don't think there was anything for them to come together as a family. I think it's really needed, not just in Chester, but in every part of the world."
When Drew Doran joined just over a year ago, he was singing as a tenor. However, after starting testosterone treatment, he was moved to bass in June of this year. He recalls the kindness of the group as they handled the move.
The 28-year-old views the choir as a strong asset for Chester, due to its emphasis on celebrating LGBTQ+ empowerment and positivity.
He added: "I think because it's 'Proud Marys', the word proud shows our audiences that we're proud to be who we are.
"We're proud and you can be proud too. This is what the LGBT community looks like, there's not two of us that look the same.
"I think it's just the supportive community. As someone in the LGBT community, it's very important to have that around you. It is really like a family."
You can find out more about Proud Marys and their upcoming events in Chester here.
New chester Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: chester jobs
Share:
