New LGBTQ+-friendly choir will rehearse in South Jordan LDS meetinghouse

In a move reflecting shifting attitudes within the LDS community, Vocal Tapestry Utah, a new LGBTQ-friendly choir, is set to hold auditions and rehearsals at a local meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The brainchild of Deborah Veater, a seasoned music educator and former assistant director at the Seasons Chorale, Vocal Tapestry Utah emerged from Veater’s transformative experience at the Gather Conference in Provo. The conference, catering to LGBTQ+ members of the LDS Church and their allies, struck a chord with Veater, inspiring her to create a space where inclusivity and acceptance reign supreme.

“The spirit of acceptance at the Gather Conference was overwhelming,” Veater told the Herriman Journal. “It was a revelation — a call to action. I knew I had to create something that embodies that spirit, something that celebrates individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

For Veater, the mission of Vocal Tapestry Utah goes beyond music; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and combating the isolation often experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly within religious communities. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother of a gay son and as an educator who witnessed the struggles of LGBTQ+ youth, Veater is determined to be a beacon of love and support.

Scheduled auditions and rehearsals will take place at the LDS meetinghouse located at 1244 W. Chavez Drive in South Jordan, a decision Veater acknowledges might raise eyebrows among some members of the LGBTQ+ community. However, she hopes that by opening the doors of the church to Vocal Tapestry Utah, she can send a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance.

“While I am a devout member of the church, my perspective on the LGBTQ community is one of inclusivity,” Veater explained. “I want them to feel welcomed and valued, to know that they have a place where they are loved and supported.”

Despite potential reservations, Veater encourages interested singers and musicians to attend the upcoming introduction meetings on Feb. 8, 15, and 22, followed by rehearsals on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. She emphasizes that Vocal Tapestry Utah is more than just a choir — it’s a sanctuary, a safe haven where individuals can find solace and solidarity.

For those seeking further information, Vocal Tapestry Utah’s Facebook page at fb.me/vocaltapestryUtah offers details on auditions and upcoming events.