Youth Pride Chorus

About New York City's Youth Pride Chorus

New York City’s Youth Pride Chorus harnesses the power of the performing arts to engage lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight young people ages 13 to 22 as agents of change. YPC fights homophobia, bullying, and all forms of hate by boldly asserting—through music—the joy, diversity, strength, and pride of today’s youth. YPC singers discover their own power by empowering others in schools, online, and in the broader community through electrifying, high caliber singing and performances. 

YPC has performed at the White House annual Pride Event, on Broadway with Kristin Chenoweth, and at Radio City Music Hall with Cyndi Lauper.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden joins Youth Pride Chorus for a group photo in the Blue Room prior to a reception to observe LGBT Pride Month in the East Room of The White House, June 24, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

YPC is operated jointly by Big Apple Performing Arts and the Center Youth program of the LGBT Community Center of New York. It is one of only a few youth choruses of its kind in the world. YPC is comprised of up to 40 LGBTQ youth from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds—many from low-income families and low-income neighborhoods in the five boroughs of New York City. Many of these young people have experienced intense prejudice from their peers, schools, and families—some no longer even live at home. Many YPC members have also never sung in public before so by being welcomed into the YPC family, they are able to truly find their voice. YPC members also benefit from learning the discipline required for music training and performing, all within the safe space of a strong community where they feel accepted and proud.