ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir is a trailblazing ensemble with a proud 50-year legacy as the longest-running feminist choir in the United States. Renowned for its powerful repertoire focused on social justice, ANNA celebrates LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities, raising vibrant voices in solidarity. Under the direction of Miriam Davidson, the choir’s unwavering commitment to amplifying underrepresented perspectives continues to inspire audiences and foster understanding through the universal language of song.
Founded in 1975 as a community choir with the mission of uplifting women’s voices, ANNA quickly became a safe haven for both lesbians and straight women. Over the years, as diversity in gender identity and expression became more visible, the choir evolved. To create a more welcoming environment for the transgender community, significant changes were made: language shifted from “women and sisters” to “sopranos, altos, and siblings,” restrooms in rehearsal venues lost their gendered designations, and concert costumes expanded to include more options.
These changes also brought challenges. Some members expressed concerns about losing their women-centered space, prompting a deeper reflection on what ‘belonging’ truly meant. Over four years, the choir engaged in difficult discussions, panels, training sessions, and member surveys to explore the true essence of community. Transgender singers shared their experiences, questioning whether they would have felt accepted as new members had they been trans. This sparked vital conversations about inclusivity, membership, identity, and the choir’s name.
Ultimately, the choir recognized that fully embracing transgender individuals was an extension of their feminist values. In a majority vote, ANNA decided to open membership to anyone in the transgender community who could sing in the treble vocal range. Additionally, they voted to change their name from ANNA Crusis Women’s Choir to ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir, reflecting their commitment to gender-expansive membership while honoring their rich history.
Through this journey, ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir has not only evolved but has set a powerful example for inclusivity and social justice in the arts. Their legacy continues to resonate, proving that the strength of community lies in its diversity and shared commitment to understanding and acceptance.
In keeping with ANNA’s mission to “value and seek diversity and inclusion in its membership and music selection,” song selection is intended to represent all of our lives, singer and audience, reflecting issues that are important to us, stories that need to be told. The goal is not to find individual pieces that speak to a universal experience, but to stand in solidarity and in support of each other’s stories. The songs we sing tell a variety of experiences and perspectives that point our singers and our audiences to a greater understanding of the rich diversity of the world in which we live.
ANNA has graced stages across the tri-state area and as far as Cuba, performing alongside esteemed artists like Demi Lovato and Hugh Jackman. As founding members of both GALA Choruses and the Sister Singers Network, ANNA amplifies the transformative impact of feminist and LGBTQ+ choral movements worldwide.