The Eastern Woodlands Fusion

Gay Chorus Deep South, a documentary reviewed by Peggy Fagan

"There's a storm. And we have to learn to dance with the storm.”

Dr. Tim Seelig, conductor of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, made a bold move by leading his choir down south after the chaos of the 2016 election and, subsequently, Southern states reinstating anti-LGBTQ discriminatory laws. Tim Seelig’s goal through this documentary, well directed by David Charles Rodrigues, was to start communication and create a path to acceptance for people who had different points of view.

The documentary is filled with some amazing songs that speak to their cause, like "We are singing for our lives" and "I ain't afraid," both of which I highly recommend listening to if you can get your hands on the recordings.

Besides wonderful singing, Tim and his choir have to bring their own baggage with them on this expedition. Many of the choir members, and Tim himself, have been hurt by the time they lived down south. They left the area to escape discriminatory laws or were pushed out because of them. This documentary captures people, both at their best and their worst. The choir, of course, runs into Bible Belt enthusiasts, clinging to their poster boards while quoting psalms, and unyielding pastors, who won't allow them entrance to "their" church. 

Thankfully, they also run into people who open their churches, doors, ears, and hearts to their plight and who are changed by it. At one point in the film, Tim says that he doesn't just want to be tolerated to a pastor unwilling to allow them entrance. Tears sprung to my eyes immediately because tolerance isn't enough, there's almost a begrudging that comes with it. Acceptance is needed.

It's acceptance that heals, it's listening and understanding that changes our hearts, it's celebrating the diversity in life instead of fearing it. That's what the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has demonstrated to me and, hopefully, others who watch it.

I'd say it’s required viewing for humanity on the whole—and that includes all religious organizations.