KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville festivals usually include a wide range of performers — guitarists, singers, pianists or more. Among them, there is a group embodying the diversity those events attract.
The Appalachian Equality Chorus started in 2012 under a different name, and more than a decade later the group is still singing. The group has seen new faces and sang new songs, but throughout the years the chorus has kept true to its purpose — inclusion and acceptance.
"The beautiful thing is, our membership is really representative of what the LGBTQ community can be like and that includes a lot of diversity. We come from a lot of different walks of life," said Bleu Copas, a co-founder.
For around 12 years, its members have taken the stage and refused to apologize for who they are. In the beginning, the group was named the Knoxville Gay Men's Chorus. Formed under the shadow of "don't say gay" laws across the U.S., the name was meant to directly challenge those laws.
"When we were deciding what to call ourselves in the beginning, it did feel really important to include the word 'gay' in our name we were up against the 'Don’t Say Gay' bill, so it was important for us to make folks a little uncomfortable when we walked in the room — just to get them thinking and to get their attention. We never got a whole lot of resistance, so we were thankful for that," said Copas.
At first, the chorus only had a handful of members. Some of them also had yet to come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, struggling with their identity and how to safely express it.
"Over the years, I think it’s taken a lot of courage for a lot of our members to decide to show up. I know of some who have sat in the car afraid to come in to audition, knowing what it meant to walk in, in some ways just accepting it themselves, but eventually making it in. And, them getting that chance to stand with so many others — that makes it easy," said Copas. "A lot of us found our place to belong. It was the first time that were able to be members of an organization, as they really did not need to hide anything."
Over the years, the group grew in size. More people joined in from across East Tennessee — not just the Knoxville area. It also attracted a range of different identities, so the group decided to change its name in December 2022 to reflect its diversity.
"Over the years, we expanded geographically. So, to limit it to Knoxville didn’t make sense as much anymore in our title and also we were having members that were not just gay men and we wanted to make this a space where everyone feels like their voice can be heard," said Copas.
Now, the Appalachian Equality Chorus holds auditions in the Tri-Cities area and in Knoxville. Anyone interested in joining the group can show off their vocal abilities or just do a series of vocal exercises with the staff. Rehearsals take place every Monday from 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m., and no appointment is needed. The group's locations are listed below.
- Knoxville: Episcopal Church of The Ascension - Enter at the doors closest to Hanley St. on the Cumberland Ave. side of the building
- Tri-Cities: Mathes Hall on the ETSU Campus - Use the main entrance to Mathes Hall
With each show, the Appalachian Equality Chorus said it aims to tell a story. It also does not shy away from tough issues — confronting a range of painful topics with carefully directed music.
"That’s what I love the most about being the artistic director, is planning a show that has meaning. And sometimes I mean there are songs in there that are just for fun that everybody loves. Like ‘Sweet Caroline,’ everyone loves singing." said Alan Stevens, the group's artistic director and conductor. "We've done shows about depression, mental health, loss — all of these things that are the human experience. Songs that tell stories."
By addressing tough topics, the chorus also said it aims to empower its members and its audiences. Stevens said in the process, the group has become an important part of the community.
"Part of being on stage, it may be the first time to say, 'I'm an LGBTQ person,' and they're empowered to do so because they're with others and say, 'This is who I am,'" said Stevens.
The group recently added new soprano and alto voices. Among them is Treva Barker.
"When you walk in the door, the question isn't, 'Who are you?' It's not, 'What do you identify as?' It doesn't matter. The first question they ask is, 'What part do you sing?' It is the warmest environment that I've ever been a part of," said Barker.
And just like notes on a score, each person brings something unique that blends together — making something special.
"I grew up in a very conservative home, and at some point in my 20s, I started to question what I had been taught and I realized that people are just people. It's so important to reach out to those who feel excluded. I feel like, in some ways, I excluded people because of who they are, and I don't want that to be part of my story anymore," said Barker.
The Appalachian Equality Chorus will perform "The Rainbow Runs Over Me" on three different days in Johnson City and Knoxville. On June 23, they will perform at St. John's Episcopal Church in Johnson City. On June 28 and June 29, they will perform at Knoxville's Bijou Theatre.
"This, in my mind, is my greatest accomplishment that I’ve been able to bring people together, create community, and make sure the voice that isn’t heard is finally heard — and the fact that it’s grown to this point blows my mind," said Copas. "When we recognize there are other people whose voices need to be heard, or that they need a sense of belonging. To bring in trans members, to bring in female-identifying members, straight members — we run the gamut and it’s a place for anyone who needs that spot. That makes me proud."