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In the summer of '97, I attended my second Gay Pride event. It wasn't without a gentle push from those around me that I went. I was nearly 40 then and so a latecomer, having grown up in a country where homosexuality is a crime and most definitely a sin. It was the latter that I had spent many years struggling with.
To coin an Americanism, imagine my surprise when, beginning that warm June morning at the Interfaith service, I was faced with a woman wearing the traditional collar of a minister. If that wasn't enough, another soon appeared wearing the same attire -- both lesbian and partnered.
They were part of the annual Pride choir and began to sing a South African freedom song. I began to feel that odd sensation of "beyond coincidence" as this was a song from own roots in Africa. I had come home to the home I had not yet found.
The two women were Chris Leslie and Martha Dyson, who had recently moved to Vermont. Martha was the new assistant minister at St. Paul's Cathedral and Chris was establishing herself as a spiritual counselor. Their sincerity and vitality were infectious.
I heard someone mention a choir to be formed by and under the direction of Chris, whose talent in this area is remarkable. She holds a degree in music and voice, also in patience and a sense of humour. By July the Samadhi Singers, consisting of GLBT people and their friends, was in the making. Now at 30 strong, we welcome new members.
We are from many different backgrounds and beliefs, but of common purpose. Mothers, fathers, nurses, students, teachers, ministers, librarians, social workers -- we are all sorts of people who love to join in song.
Some of us have a knowledge of music and some of us haven't a clue. Since there is applause at our concerts, we feel that we must sound good all the same. We are people joined in a community to create spiritual music that honors the common struggles, and inspires and heals the enduring spirit of all people. Together we share a vision of what the world could be.
Perhaps one could best describe our music as "spirited" -- a mix of Gospel, traditional, contemporary and sacred with a bias toward South African freedom songs. Songs that speak out of everyday life and our desire to maintain identity in a diverse and often unrecognised community.
The Samadhi Singers' first concert was in October of '97, a part of UVM's national coming out week. Since that time we have sung at Thanksgiving, New Year, Pride and at the Queer town meetings. Currently we are preparing for a concert in June.
During the Pride March last year, Samadhi Singers carried a banner bearing the words "How can we keep from singing?" I know that this group not only feels this way at rehearsal, but as part of their daily lives.
