MenAlive: Celebrating 25 Years of Empowerment Through Music in Orange County

In September 2001, Rich Cook made a personal vow: if 12 men showed up, he would start a chorus. That night, 13 individuals walked through the door, and MenAlive was born. Fast forward 25 years, and this humble beginning has blossomed into a vibrant community of over 100 singers and volunteers. MenAlive has become a beacon of hope, visibility, and belonging for LGBTQIA+ individuals across Orange County. However, the story of MenAlive extends beyond its origins; it encompasses the lives it has enriched and the future it continues to build.

From the outset, MenAlive has functioned as more than just a chorus. In a region where many individuals felt overlooked or silenced, MenAlive has cultivated a transformative environment—a sanctuary where members can live authentically. Through the unifying power of music, the organization has offered companionship, healing, and hope. Participants recount moving experiences of stepping into rehearsals or performances and, for the first time, discovering a comforting sense of belonging.

As Executive Director Valerie Ousley articulates, “Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how music can change lives. This chorus has been a place where people find their voice, but more importantly, where they discover themselves and a community that refuses to let them stand alone.” MenAlive embodies a vital ethos: the belief that music can be a catalyst for personal growth and communal strength.

The chorus has graced some of the world’s most esteemed performance spaces, showcasing both artistic achievement and amplifying queer voices that had previously been marginalized. MenAlive has shared stages with renowned artists, including Leslie Jordan, Liza Minnelli, and Bernadette Peters, while performing at iconic venues such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the Hollywood Bowl. Each performance palpitates with significance—not merely an artistic expression, but a declaration of visibility for queer communities.

As MenAlive embarks on its 25th-anniversary season, the focus shifts from reminiscence to future aspirations. The anniversary represents not just a milestone but a comprehensive season of celebration. Scheduled for May 2026 is the anniversary showcase titled MenAlive25: Finding Our Voice at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, setting the stage for commemorative events throughout the year. Highlights include the sixth appearance at the Hollywood Bowl in September and the concert Celebrate! From Our Hearth to Yours in December, further solidifying MenAlive’s commitment to enriching communal ties through music.

Music Director Gavin Thrasher expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming anniversary, stating, “I am honored to join the chorus as we celebrate this 25th anniversary season.” He continues, emphasizing a mission to expand their outreach, welcoming new voices and creating relatable experiences that further the vision of connection through music. This growth is particularly crucial as it culminates in the launch of PrideAlive, Orange County’s first mixed-voice queer chorus, a touchstone for fostering inclusivity and amplifying diverse narratives.

For Ousley, the mission behind MenAlive transcends professional endeavors; it feels deeply personal. Reflecting on her two-decade journey with the organization, she shares, “Nothing compares to seeing my own son stand on that stage as a member of MenAlive. This is more than music; it’s legacy.” Ousley poignantly captures the essence of what MenAlive has accomplished: a safe space where newer generations can feel accepted just as they are.

As MenAlive celebrates 25 years of existence, it reflects how far it has come from its origins of 13 voices. Today, it stands as a comprehensive community—a movement that champions the inherent right of every individual to be heard. Even now, its mission remains unwavering: to continue singing, growing, and creating belonging for everyone who seeks it.

In summary, MenAlive represents a powerful testament to the impact of music and community support. It offers a unique blend of artistic expression and social empowerment, cultivating relationships and fostering a sense of identity for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Orange County. As the organization steps boldly into its next chapter, it carries with it the legacies of the past while paving the way for future generations, proving once again that music not only resonates but also transforms lives.