As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, not all Americans feel called to celebrate. Amid mass detentions and deportations, increased racial profiling, anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, and mounting voter restrictions, the milestone year arrives during deep division and uncertainty.
When the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus began planning its annual March concert, the program was conceived as a joyful tribute to queer individuals who have shaped, challenged, and enriched the American story. The original title, Party in the USA, reflected that celebratory spirit.
As the national landscape shifted, DGMC’s artistic and executive leadership and the Rocky Mountain Arts Association, collectively decided it could not move forward without embracing a new charge: to protect those who need protecting, to stand firm in the face of tyranny, and to fight, as our fore-families have done, in our pursuit of happiness.
Today, DGMC announces its newly titled concert: The Pursuit of Happiness: Warding The Freedoms of America.
While the concert retains its original intent, honoring LGBTQIA+ trailblazers who have shaped this nation’s culture and conscience, it now focuses on voices that demand urgent attention: people of color, transgender and nonbinary individuals, immigrants, and women navigating multiple marginalized identities within the LGBTQIA+ community.
We assumed that after a year of this administration, their predictable antics would give us reason enough to bring joy and celebration to this community. We never imagined we would witness the dismantling of codified laws, the fracturing of families and community bonds, the erosion of civil rights for our most vulnerable populations, and an assault on our very democracy, all unfolding before our eyes.
“Changing the concert to The Pursuit of Happiness reminds us that our rights, democracy, and community are not guaranteed. The strength and diversity of our community are essential to maintaining democracy and protecting our rights. We honor the sacrifices of those before us by ensuring their efforts are not forgotten.”
– Johnny Nichols, Jr., Artistic and Managing Director of DGMC
Through song, storytelling, and community, The Pursuit of Happiness: Warding The Freedoms of America will motivate and empower audiences to build upon the work we are now tasked to do, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. Though serious in tone, DGMC will still celebrate the advancements of our community over the last 250 years.
We simply refuse to stand down and let them take our history, our rights, and our joy.
DGMC presents The Pursuit of Happiness: Warding The Freedoms of America, Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Elaine Wolf Theatre in Denver.