“This is the closest community I am a part of and have always felt that way and want us to maintain it.”
GenOUT Youth Chorus
The DC area’s social justice youth chorus
The GenOUT Youth Chorus is the Washington, DC area’s youth chorus for social justice champions. We are a vocal ensemble dedicated to using our voices to uplift the LGBTQ+ community and promote equality and justice for all. As an outreach ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, GenOUT operates under the two-fold mission: (1) to give LGBTQ+ and allied youth a voice through song, and (2) to connect that voice to community. The ensemble is open to all singers between the ages of 13 and 18. Since its debut in spring 2015, the GenOUT Chorus has performed at the Lincoln Theatre, the Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral, the White House, the Library of Congress, the GALA Choruses Festival and the ACDA National Conference. More than 150 singers from over 75 schools have participated in GenOUT. In Fall 2025, 16 singers from schools in and around the DC metro area are singing in GenOUT.
FAQ’s About GenOUT
Q: Who can sing in GenOUT?
A: GenOUT is open to all youth ages 13-18 (LGBTQ+ and allies) who love to sing, who want to raise their voice in support of social justice, and who enjoy working cooperatively with others.
Q: Do I have to audition?
A: No, GenOUT is a self-selected ensemble. All singers have a voice placement which helps the director determine what vocal part is best for their range; this is not an audition.
Q: When can new members join?
A: We welcome new members to join in September and January (and sometimes March.) GenOUT membership is now closed for the fall season. We will welcome new members again in January 2026. New members are encouraged to pre-register via the link below on this page. The director will schedule a welcome Zoom with you prior to your first rehearsal.
Q: How often does GenOUT perform?
A: We frequently perform at GMCW’s mainstage concerts (December, March, and June), as well as on our own concert called Youth Invasion (in spring). Additionally, we perform 15-20 outreach performances throughout the season (September-June).
Q: How much does it cost to be in GenOUT?
A: Registration for the entire year is $150. Singers joining in January pay $90. No one is turned away for an inability to pay the registration fee. We have scholarships available up to 100%.
Q: What music does GenOUT sing?
A: GenOUT sings a wide variety of music, from folk songs to pop and musical theater to songs in the classical tradition. Sometimes we sing in foreign languages, and each season we select at least one song to integrate with sign language. On stage, we usually sing from memory.
Q: What do you wear at performances?
A: At our mainstage and outreach concerts, we usually wear all black, sometimes with rainbow ties (see sidebar photos). We provide the ties. Sometimes, we wear our GenOUT T-shirts with dark blue jeans. For outdoor performances in warm weather, we usually wear our GenOUT T-shirts and tan-colored shorts.
Q: When and where do you rehearse?
A: We rehearse (in person as conditions permit) once a week on weekends. We have occasional virtual meetings (via Zoom). We typically have two all-day retreats each season. Our rehearsals usually take place in Washington, DC.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Contact GenOUT Director C. Paul Heins by e-mail at cpheins@gmcw.org.
GenOUT School/Organization Visits
