Christ Episcopal Church

For nearly two decades, Christ Episcopal Church hosted "Women Singing Out!," an all-female chorus consisting of singers who identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Formed in 1999, “Women Singing Out!” held biannual concerts and rehearsals at the church. The group had an emphasis on creating a space that offered visibility, support, and community for its members and audiences. For many queer women living in Portsmouth, “Women Singing Out!” was a place of unity and safety where they could meet people who shared their identity and celebrate their authentic selves.

“Women Singing Out!” was a lesbian-based chorus that was active from 1999 - 2018. The choir was dedicated to the promotion of tolerance, diversity, peace, and hope, which was reflected in their music. The group often collaborated with other choirs and musicians in the Seacoast area, including The Funky Divas of Gospel and The Dell Belles, and also with nonprofits such as HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change).

Though the chorus was lesbian-based, “Women Singing Out!” welcomed all women regardless of race, religion, age, educational background, or sexual orientation who loved music and sought to create positive change through music and visibility. Inclusive spaces like “Women Singing Out!” were (and still are) beneficial for queer people who wanted to get involved in LGBTQ+ activism and activities but didn’t want to “out” themselves or adhere to a specific label or identity. Members of “Women Singing Out!” came from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts for weekly rehearsals, various performances, and two annual concerts in the spring and winter. For many women, the choir was a place to express themselves freely and build community. Many lesbians and queer women found a home within the walls of Christ Episcopal Church during rehersals and concerts.

Portsmouth Herald, Staff Writer. Women Singing Out! present See Me How I Rise, Seacoastonline. May 8th 2012. Accessed July 5th 2022. https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2012/05/10/women-singing-out-present-see/49643238007/.

Facebook. Women Singing Out!, Accessed July 5th 2022. https://www.facebook.com/Women-Singing-Out-83070201223/.

Chorus Directory: Women Singing Out!, Choral Arts New England. August 8th 2018. Accessed July 5th 2022. https://www.choralarts-newengland.org/Directory/351.

Portsmouth Herald, Staff Writer. Women Singing OUT! open ninth season with friends, Seacoastonline. January 8th 2008. Accessed July 5th 2022. https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/lifestyle/2008/01/09/women-singing-out-open-ninth/52684598007/.

Women Singing Out!, Yellow Place. Accessed July 5th 2022. https://yellow.place/en/women-singing-out-portsmouth-usa.