concert, titled “Stories of Pride”, focused on the story of Matthew Shepard, whose death in 1998 brought about needed change to hate crime legislation in the U.S. “I think it’s important even for us, as 2SLGBTQ+ community members, to make sure that we know our history and can celebrate some of the wins that we’ve had,” says Dickie. “It’s nice to have something like that to look forward to and share together.” Ackerman says that the choir is its own little family. PRISM’s concert in December at F.W. Johnson Collegiate in Regina was on the theme of growing old and community. Members brought baking to share, artists sold crafts and small children danced to the music. “Almost every single seat was filled. It was lovely to see the whole room full of people who are there to support their loved ones and just be in a comfortable, safe environment. That was really awesome.”
The choir recently decided to accept non- Queer community members, but Dickie stresses that joining the choir isn’t a “ticket to allyship” but rather a way to meet people, support them and learn. “It’s a good place to just come and hang out, where you’re not really expected to be perfect at anything,” he laughs. The PRISM Choir’s “Stories of Pride” concert received support from SaskCulture’s Small Grant Accessibility Program, funded by the Sask Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation.
“It’s a very community- oriented choir because
members can go wherever they fit best according to them. They’re not stuck in a role based on who they are or what they look like.” – BRENDAN DICKIE sexual identity does not matter in the group, which is a type of acceptance she has not felt in other Queer spaces. “Since joining the choir, I haven’t even been asked how I identify,” Ackerman says. “It’s just ‘be there, be welcome, be accepted.’ You don’t have to have that conversation unless you want to have that conversation.”
The choir’s repertoire often celebrates Queer lives and stories. PRISM’s last spring
Choir director Brendan Dickie (right) and the PRISM Choir members meet weekly to practice their singing while building relationships within the local 2SLGBTQ+ community. (Photos by Aysha Yaqoob)
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SPRING 2025
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