Unison halifax 2023

I thought it would be good to explain a bit of who/what the Rainbow Chorus is. I'll copy the "blub" from the Unison program we received. Please not that I do not know who wrote this.

"Rainbow Chorus of Waterloo-Wellington, under the artistic direction of Alison McNeill, is a community chorus that welcomes members of all genders, sexualities and gender expressions- and allied of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We invite members from all levels of experience who enjoy singing a diverse repertoire of choral music, no addition required. We strive to create a supportive community for out members to join together in song and have fun. We promote inclusion awareness of the LGBTQ+ communities of Waterloo-Wellington throughout concerts and community involvement. Rainbow Chorus is a charitable, not-for-profit organization that depends on financial support from it's members, sponsors and communities."

I have been part of this choir for 10 years now, and it's a place where I truly feel understood, accepted and loved. This is where I really came to accept who I am as a whole, that it doesn't matter who I love, how I love, or who I am. I can just be. This is a place of freedom for me. So much so, that I sometimes take a train or bus to Guelph, (where we practice) from Kitchener, where I live.

This choir has changed so many lives for the good, and I am so pleased and honored to be part of such an amazing choir. Not just because of how accepting we are, but that we are actually a very close knit choir, our friends are here, and we also have a lot of vocal talent in the group. I love that anyone can join - it doesn't matter if they can't sing well. We still love them and accept them!

I have been to 2 other Unison Festivals. The first was in Ottawa and the second was in Calgary Alberta. Both of them were so much fun! And I know that this upcoming one will be just as much fun or even better, as my mental health has stabilized and I know how to have good boundaries within myself so i don't overdo things.

I am not bringing my service dog on this trip for several reasons, but the biggest reason is that he's partly retired, and he barely works these days, and having to force him to work almost 24/7 for a week, is not fair to him. I would also have a hard time because I'd have to look after him as well, and not focus as much on enjoying being around friends etc.

I will be ok without him, as I said, my mental health has never been better, and I will live in the moment and give myself breaks when I need to. I've been telling myself that it's ok to not participate in every activity. That I will not be missing out, as if i force myself to go to these extra activities when I'm exhausted or emotional, that I would not enjoy it, and then I actually would be missing out! And I could potentially be miserable for the rest of the trip if I don't take the breaks that I need.

So come with me as I share with you my journey to, in and from Halifax Nova Scotia.Read more