ernest harrison - EJ Harrison, Music Director and Head of Education and Outreach for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. I also teach “Music and Social Justice” and “applied voice for majors, minors, and non-majors” at Loyola Marymount Univer

It is wonderful to be a part of a family of like minded musicians who understand what it takes to create and maintain a safe space for musicians of all backgrounds and experiences. I’ve always wanted to be a part of an organization that values magnifying, protecting, and respecting marginalized voices and encourages access to music for everyone at every level. Music making saves lives. To be a part of an organization that is actively seeking to effect positive change and ultimately save lives; what more could I ask for. To me, "I am ACDA" means that my contribution matters. The way I make music matters. My song has a place. My story deserves to be told. I am you. You are me. GMCLA is partnering with “Disney '' to perform a “Disney Pride Concert” this summer. As a part of our Alive Music Project, we will have the opportunity to take a free preview concert series into schools this spring and perform the music of Disney with a motivational message of hope, community building, and anti bullying. I am excited for lgbtqia+ youth to see themselves represented on stage. What a blessing it is to get to provide representation for my community that looks and sounds like “joy.”