At stages and productions across the city, I’ve heard artists, producers, and creators utter a series of heartfelt sentiments to audiences, brought on by the actions of the new administration. They can generally be summarized as “We are shocked by the events that have affected our industry” or “We stand by our mission.” These are lines spoken out of concern over the future, and aiming to protect their own organizations.
In one particular instance, a theatermaker said to an audience of patrons in a pained jest, “We are lucky it’s not us.”
These are valid sentiments, but when the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) — arguably one of the most publicly affected organizations to be dismissed from the Kennedy Center — performed at the Lincoln Theatre, they presented a community of resistance and joy. They did not just commit to their artistic mission; they committed to preserving diversity, equity, and inclusion, to protecting trans peoples’ existence, and to presenting a safe community for youths and marginalized communities.
When Thea Kano (she/her), artistic director and one of the conductors for the production of Passports, exclaims, “DEI is to be elevated and celebrated” to vocal and vigorous cheers from the audience, it was clear that this was the energy that DC audiences have been hoping to hear from their artistic leaders.
The production showcased music, dance, and influences from around the world, crisply sung and impressively performed by different choral combinations of the GMCW, including the GenOut Youth Chorus and the 17th Street Dance troupe. The production moved seamlessly from full ensemble performances to reflective solos: Marcos Sastre stole the show early on with an Argentine tune. With an accompanying tango, Sastre reminisced about his grandmother, who immigrated to provide his family with a better life.
With songs and spirituals that honored Indigenous populations of North and South America, the ensemble brilliantly emulated the sounds of a rainforest and its fauna. With precise and expert technical direction (Jarrod Bennett, with lighting from Solomon HaileSelassie), light and sound elevated the choral performances by transporting audiences to their intended scenes.
The many groups within GMCW honored the passport theme of the show, how we can grow and learn from travel. Rock Creek Singers and Cherry Blossom District presented, respectively, an Indian Raga and a Malay folk song. There was a clear intention to showcase music that this audience may never have heard before, and there is such a joy to hearing something new (and wonderfully performed) for the first time.
And the theme was so apt for this organization, reminding the audience of the legal protections this unassuming document has provided citizens for so long, especially when outside of our countries’ borders. Right after Potomac Fever’s rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Keygan Miller (they/them) reminded us of the new dangers that the trans community faces, with forcing a change of their gender marker on their passport, of the objective danger that their country’s government no longer wishes to keep them safe from.
The group Seasons of Love framed the international travel with a rendition of “Khumbaya,” a spiritual honoring those seeking and praying for help.
In the end, GMCW left us with a reminder: The history of LGBTQIA+ people has always been in an ongoing struggle for equality and the right to exist, and this has clearly escalated with the new administration. The establishment of this community, and the protection of neighbors within that community, is how they intend to survive and hopefully prosper. In the end, the chorus itself was shown in a spectrum of glitter and color, honoring those who came before.
Running Time: One hour and 40 minutes, no intermission.
Passports played March 15 and 16, 2025, presented by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC performing at the Lincoln Theatre – 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC.
The program for GMCW’s Passports, including credits and song list, is online here.
GMCW will next perform at its fundraiser Spring Affair at the Ritz-Carlton on May 17, 2025. The GMCW will also be the anchor of the arts and culture calendar during WorldPride DC 2025 at the International Choral Festival.
