Skip to content

Gay men's choir 'act of resistance' against hate

Rachel Stonehouseand
Nathan Heath,Bristol
News imageBBC A group of men singing inside a chapel. They are wearing white T-shirts covered by denim shirts.BBC
The chorus is made up of gay men who share a love of singing and performing

A 60-strong choir of gay men has been described as "an act of resistance" - using harmony to push back against hate.

Bristol Gay Men's Chorus staged its annual Christmas concert at Tyntesfield's historic chapel in north Somerset to a sold-out audience on 14 December.

James Joseph, who joined the choir two years ago for well-being and community, said it had made a "huge difference" to his life.

"It was once said in one of our performances that having a gay choir is an act of resistance and protest against hate in any form," he said. "Joyful singing together as gay men is a testament of why we have to keep fighting against hate."

News imageChoir member James Joseph pictured at the chapel. He is wearing a denim jacket and is smiling into the camera. There is holly draped over a trellis in the chapel behind him.
Mr Joseph said the choir prided itself on creating a safe and welcoming space

Mr Joseph said the choir prided itself on creating a safe and welcoming space.

"In recent times where things have clearly been a bit more on edge when it comes to any minoritised group, coming here reminds us of why we keep going.

"The end result is everyone unified, singing together, and that's something truly wholesome.

"I can't think of many other places where you find that," he added.

News imageChoir director Rónán de Búrca pictured at the chapel. He is wearing a denim jacket and a blue neck-tie and is smiling into the camera. He has a bald head with some white hair on the sides and a white and grey beard. He is also wearing glasses.
Rónán de Búrca founded the choir in 2019

Founded by musical director Rónán de Búrca, the chorus began with just 10 members in 2019.

Now, it boasts more than 60 singers, ranging in age from 25 to 78.

"It is sad that we still need safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people in the UK," Mr de Búrca said.

"But people come along and they know straight away they can be themselves."

News imageChoir member Max Ryan pictured at the chapel. He is a young man and is wearing a denim shirt, denim dungarees and a blue and white neck-tie. He is smiling widely at the camera
Max Ryan said he really appreciated the diversity of ages and backgrounds

Max Ryan, 25, is currently the youngest member and joined when he moved to Bristol two years ago.

"It's very rare to get several generations of gay men specifically in a room together.

"As a younger member of the choir, it's really nice to have that experience that I can call on because these are gay men who have been through so much through the years," he added.

News imageThe choir stood singing to the audience at their annual Christmas concert inside Tyntesfield's chapel. Many are wearing denim jackets and are dancing to the carol.
The choir staged its annual Christmas concert at Tyntesfield's historic chapel

Keith Robertson, who joined three years ago, sees the choir as a stand against homophobia.

"It is such a big part of my life now," he said.

"We meet every week, you can forget about things, relax and support each other."

As the final carol came to a close and applause rang out in the chapel on December 14, Mr Joseph reflected on what the choir means to him.

"They say home is where the heart is - I haven't really seen a group with much more heart," he added.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

More on this story