Multiple LGBTQ+ choirs have performed in protest after the Kennedy Centre cancelled a performance of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC and the National Symphony Orchestra.

The concert was scheduled for 21 May as part of WorldPride 2025, with the two organisations set to collaborate on a piece titled “A Peacock Among Pigeons” for a Pride concert. In a statement shared on social media last month, the Gay Men’s Chorus said it was “deeply disappointed” by the decision to cancel the event.

In response, eight LGBTQ+ choirs sang “Make Them Hear You” from the musical Ragtime in a defiant performance, which is dubbed as “the unofficial anthem of the Gay Men’s Chorus Washington, DC”. 

The video was shared by Manchester Proud Chorus and Oxford Proud Voices last week and featured clips from the Hong Kong Gay Men’s Chorus in China, OutLoud Lincoln, Lincolnshire, QueerArts Rainbow Choir, York, Pink Singers, London, Barberfellas, London, Oxford Proud Voices, Oxfordshire, and Manchester Proud Chorus, Manchester.

The choir wrote: “When we found out the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC’s concert at the Kennedy Center was cancelled, without explanation.

“LGBTQ+ choirs around the world decided to join together, singing in solidarity with our friends,” it continued. “We will not be silenced.”

The Washington-based choir said in its February statement: “We believe in the power of music to educate and uplift, to foster love, understanding, and community, and we regret that this opportunity has been taken away.

“While we are saddened by the decision, we are committed to this work and to our mission of raising our voices for equality for all.

“We are grateful for those who have supported us,” the Gay Men’s Chorus continued, “and we will continue to seek spaces where our voices, our stories, and our music can be heard.”

You may like to watch

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, will instead perform the pre-planned show during its upcoming Choral Festival as part of WorldPride 2025. “We will continue to advocate for artistic expression that reflects the depth and diversity of our community and country. We will continue to sing and raise our voices for equality,” the statement concluded.