By Jordan Logan
Photos: Ames Studio
This Pride season, the Atlanta Women’s Chorus is turning the spotlight toward one of the most enduring and defining elements of LGBTQIA+ life: chosen family. Their upcoming show, Chosen Family, celebrates the people who step in when biological families cannot, honoring the networks of care that have sustained queer communities for generations. “The Atlanta Women’s Chorus has built that kind of family through music, creating a safe space where people are seen, celebrated, and connected through their shared voices,” said David Aurilio, the executive director of Voices of Note Inc. For the chorus, the performance is not only a musical event but also a tribute to the relationships that transform survival into belonging.
A Chosen family has long been central to LGBTQIA+ culture because it emerges out of necessity. Throughout history, countless LGBTQIA+ people have faced rejection, misunderstanding, or silence within their own homes. In the absence of acceptance, they built support systems of their own through friends, partners, mentors, and community members who offered safety, affirmation, and love. These relationships became lifelines, forming the foundation of queer resilience.
The Atlanta Women’s Chorus has long embraced the idea of community as a core part of its mission. As part of Voices of Note, the nonprofit organization that also includes the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, the group has built a reputation for performances that blend artistry with advocacy. Chosen Family continues that tradition by centering the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and highlighting the importance of connection.
This year, the chorus is also emphasizing the role of community partnerships under the theme Stronger Together. These collaborations extend the show’s impact beyond the stage, linking audiences with organizations that support LGBTQIA+ individuals across Georgia. By partnering with advocacy groups, service organizations, and local creatives, the Atlanta Women’s Chorus reinforces the idea that Pride is not limited to parades or performances. It is a collective effort that thrives when communities work side by side.
These partnerships help amplify resources for mental health, family support, policy advocacy and community care. They also highlight the interconnectedness of LGBTQIA+ experiences, acknowledging that identity intersects with race, gender, class, immigration status and other lived realities. Through these collaborations, the chorus demonstrates that a chosen family is not only personal but also communal; a network strengthened by shared purpose.
Chosen Family is designed to be both a celebration and a reflection. Through music, storytelling and community engagement, the Atlanta Women’s Chorus invites audiences to honor the people who have shaped their lives, whether through mentorship, friendship or unwavering support. The show underscores that Pride is not just about visibility but about the relationships that make authenticity possible.
As Pride Month unfolds across Atlanta, the Atlanta Women’s Chorus’s message is clear that a chosen family remains a cornerstone of LGBTQIA+ identity, history, and joy. The bonds formed within queer communities continue to offer strength, safety and belonging, just as they have for decades. For additional details regarding the upcoming performances and the mission of the Atlanta Women’s Chorus, please visit voicesofnote.org.
