It Gets Better: "True Colors" Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles

It started for GMCLA with this video. The movement grew dramatically. We have taken this video to the next step: it gets better Tour. wwww.itgetsbettertour.org
On October 24, 2010, members of GMCLA, along with their friends and supporters, gathered at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles to sing a song of hope. This is the result of that extraordinary afternoon.

[@AmoErgoSum83]

I cried for like 20 minutes after seeing this for the first time. I was raised by my lesbian mother and her long time partner. That alone was enough to put me on the bully hit parade. Even 20 years later, my friends and I still suffer verbal and sometimes physical abuse simply for daring to love whom we love. To see such talented men so openly supported by friends and family is a wonderful thing. BRAVO TO YOU BRAVE SIRS!!! BRAVO!!!

[@MarieRobertsVids]

I sobbed through this whole thing. Thinking of the problems, the troubles, the suicides, the bullies. Don't let the bastards get you down, live your life free, live it as God gave it to you. Go for all the happiness that you can squeeze into your life. This song, True Colors was performed so beautifully. Thank You Men's Chorus and Friends !!!

[@markmh835]

More than 8 years after this was posted on KZbin, and I am seeing it for the first time. How did I miss it all these years? This is extraordinary! -- both the singing and the filming. It is so inspiring, and has probably saved lives. The great Cyndi Lauper deserves high praise for writing a singularly uplifting song and giving it to the world.

[@DenisNzioka]

I cried when I first heard this. Its one of those amazing songs that will never be lost in antiquity and the message is forever everlasting. I am proud to be gay.

[@gallai1]

dear GMCLA, i´m a man, and i´m not gay, but i support you a thousand times! i was bullied in school for years for being the little fat guy noone wants to have at a party and no girl wants to date. i was beaten, called names and heard insults on a daily bases. i changed my life, worked out, and now i have become a kickboxer and MMA fighter. i know these horrors you went and going through for not fitting into whats called "normal", and i would always stand by your side and support you. never let anyone who hates gay people tell you, that you are worth nothing, NEVER! and maybe one day people will learn to stop being cruel and begin to live without prejudice.......because IT GETS BETTER. greetings from germany

[@deyseaneamaro]

I'm so sorry for what happened, I'm glad you made it through! ❤ Greetings from Brazil ( I hope I have written correctly..I'm not fluent in English)

[@charlesbarry2767]

HI, THANK YOU FOR SHEARING, YOU SOUND LIKE A CAREING PERSON

[@great9800]

I came out two days ago. The love I received from my friends and family made me believe it will get better.

[@Dermacrosis]

+SAMUEL JOHNSON It will. Ignore the haters be confident in who you are and you will always win.

[@mityahubenkeshet]

Congratulations. You are a holy being merely by existing. No aspect or facet of you, including your sexual orientation, is wrong or bad in the eyes of those who truly love you and the G-d who created you. It will get better. It got better for me. I had a great family, great friends and lesbian Rabbi who served to guide me through it. You have made the biggest step. You are now free - and with freedom ANYTHING is possible. I wish you only the best.

[@gregorybufkin890]

Better, then worse maybe, then much better, and so it goes. It's life, but it is easier to deal with it when we can be honest with ourselves and with the world. All my best!

[@Posionlily96]

Congratulations!

[@keitha.neubert3063]

What a joy to hear and feel this performance! I think the diversity in this noble group of men is astounding. Watching this in Western Maine. It lost nothing in the coast-to-coast translation.Thank you for the song and message.

[@evenstar253]

This was filmed by "supporters and friends" at a church. LGBT folks have had so many negative experiences with churches and Christianity in general. It brings tears of joy to my eyes to see my fellow Christians showing God's love and acceptance to our LGBT brothers and sisters.

[@faithfulwaffles]

You know it's a good video when 4 years later people are still commenting on how much they love it! Like me!

[@soap1919jt]

My pastor showed this to us in church tonight. There was not a dry eye in the place. I cannot begin to say how awesome and moving this is. This is a message being heard around the world.

[@AmandaCaines]

Im trans but have always been a fan of this choir but this shocked me in a good way.....men singing, then women and children joining in - totally brilliant. Sure I cried....Im a human being.

[@FerdiFerkel]

I dunno...I got the feeling this should be broadcasted by world media. THIS shows peace

[@Stoney1217]

this is actually one of the most beautiful things i have ever seen

[@jt98116]

If you have ever wondered what love really looks like, this is pretty much the real deal. Beautiful men and women with a message so needed in our troubled world. Several are good friends - I continue to be so proud of GMCLA and their work.

[@kieronthomas3]

Absolutely beautiful! Totally moving! Love it and you guys!! UK Guy here!! x x x

[@Mungo1965]

WOW! What a beautiful crowd of beautiful people, singing an awesomely fitting tribute to Cindi's lyrics. Reaching my backward community in the heart of the midwest, this performance has touched countless. And, how fitting it was to show so many people coming together, it is certain to send the message to our homosexual and questioning youth that they are not alone.

[@adogandi]

I was a junior in an all boys Catholic high school and I remember watching this. 3 years later and I've learned one thing: My time here on Earth is not worth worrying about the haters or what others say because there are many who care about and love me as a gay human being and want me to be happy. This still makes me feel exactly how I felt then: hope. And sometimes that's all you've got, but the day will come when we will be free.

[@creepykoolkat1869]

any one else cry their eyes out?

[@michaelmichaelfordloverman8332]

I'm gay and single things do get better with time and understanding and love this is beautiful

[@alicel8651]

This is one of the most inspirational and true songs I know, sung by, in my opinion, the most bravest and insirational people on earth. Keep holding on, everyone out there. I believe in you.

[@ChrisJonesDivo]

I can't say anything wonderful that hasn't already been said. I'm speechless. And I'm a professional opera singer, so that says a LOT. Every time I watch this, I see a new person with love in their eyes. A love for singing and sharing music, and and a love for PEOPLE, and that's what it's all about!

[@sorchasswans]

God, this is beautiful. I'm crying right now. Thank you for this bit of beauty and hope.

[@DawsonBTaylor]

Thank you for this amazing video! It is an honor to be a part of your extended family! -Dawson Taylor, chair Turtle Creek Chorale Board of Directors

[@keith.wilson1981]

This was EVERYTHING! I so wanted to be right there singing with y’all!!!!! Absolutely beautiful! 🌈

[@unicornbeck]

As a straight woman who attends church almost every Sunday to work with our youth group, please know that LOVE is the most important thing. It doesn't matter who you love, or what attracts you, as long as what you do is work for good in the world. Teach our children to love and respect all human beings-- a rainbow isn't a rainbow with only one color! Don't give in to the voices of hatred-- we need to make LOVE the loudest, strongest voice. It gets better.

[@TravisMcMurray]

I wish I had someone to tell me this as a teen. Life is so good now, but I came so close to not making it out of the dark times. It gets so much better.

[@luciferloverofgod]

THAT'S ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL AND EMOTIONAL!!! I'M HAPPILY BISEXUAL, AND A VERY SPIRITUAL PERSON, I PRAY EVERY DAY FOR EACH ONE OF US QUEERS, I LOVE YOU ALL DEAR FRIENDS, WE ARE THE BEST!!! MAY GOD BLESS US!!!

[@darthoregon]

I love this. I watch it every time I'm feeling down, and I always feel better.

[@adamholdis6103]

i am gay and transgender i did not tell my family of friends i am shy and this makes me cry and i am done being left out and i will do this and no how hard i try to be a guy and i still love my life and thank u

[@rgobrien58]

I can't tell you how many times i have sat alone listening to your version of True Colours. I shed tears of joy to see a group get together for a common cause..... to spread the word that "it gets better". i would never trade this life for another one... i am special and so is EVERYONE else!

[@drcreamcheese]

I'm a straight guy having real problems with one of his kids. I have to say that nothing has given me so much hope ( and made me weep) like this video. Thank you. And know there are lots of us out there who are with you.

[@sansvlog7297]

wow! amazing, i love my self being as a gay,...this is really inspiring,...i like the title of the song "true colors", true colors of being as what we are, .

[@arctic6005]

I am a gay Lutheran pastor. I know that a lot of people don't like me and this video is so amazing! I have been hurt over the years by "comments" by people that did not know I was gay when they made them and it hurt me. Thank you for this video and I pray that a better day will be coming soon for gay and lesbian people in America!

[@SHELLEYSOLOMON10]

You gentlemen are among the most beautiful heartfelt singers I've ever seen.

[@GuinnevereB]

Wow. I teared up when the friends and families joined in with the chorus to sing about love and compassion. Everyone needs to be accepted and loved for who they are. Or at very least, treated with respect and tolerance. Great post. Thank you for sharing it.

[@druidplow101]

Tears Tears Tears guys this song makes me have hope.My colors have been dulled by people day in and day out and it still happens even from my mom who says she supports me so much...But people like yall that shows so much Diversity and Pride it makes me proud to be me and gives me hope for the future.Thank you for helping me show my True Colors....~ Love,TayTay

[@floooble3]

I freely admit that I wept like a baby. That was beyond powerful. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, GMCLA.

[@michaelearendil6843]

This was nine years ago?! But I remember the encouragement it gave me as though it were yesterday. Love to you all, especially LGBTQ folks.

[@craigbennett6423]

Once again, on days that just wear me down draw me back to this performance time and time again. Thank You for making a recurring difference in so many lives.

[@bibianamassey7530]

To me, this is one of the most beautiful and moving videos there is.

[@Camzasaur]

As a gay male, this song makes me so happy and proud. I've listened to it over 10 times in the last 24 hours. I'm hooked on it. I think the lead solo singer at the start could have a career in singing if he wanted to. And the guy that comes in behind on his left, the tall white guy, is cute as ;D Keep it up GMCLA :)

[@whateverkade]

Chills. So many chills.

[@robertgrant4950]

One of the hardest things in my life has been to come out and be HONEST about my gayness. Hard, yes. But what a joy and relief for me personally. Thank God I am gay, and that after years of hidibg and yes, lieing to virtually the entire universe about who and what I am, I finally had the strength and wisdom to reveal my true self. I am sooo much happier now than I was while in that dark, lonely closet! I am gay, I am out,and most of all, I am PROUD! Bless u all, an I urge everyone to support any gay person u know. Just remember, Gay=Ok!

[@glattuada]

I'm speechless... I just can't help watching over and over again. Estou sem palavras... Não consigo parar de assistir.

[@Bowery_]

The first time I watched this, I cried. I still get goosebumps every time I watch it. Few performances I've seen or heard can convey the message of hope and belonging as well as this.

[@acacm12]

Every once and a while I go back and watch this . It's always makes me smile . So beautiful ! Thank you

[@9coolwhip]

made me cry. then made me smile.

[@ashturtle92]

amazing. it made me cry, goosebumps all over. i want to share this with everyone!

[@michellechristineaugust9494]

just saw you guys on another vlog. I am from Delaware. The 1st state! Mommy of 3!!.19 yr old Sabrina..18 yr old Barbie..and 2 year old Jackson...I hope all my children grow up in a world where we are all the same..and we are all loved. Love you guys! keep up the good work!!!

[@pauldunstan4495]

This is the sound of hope and joy. Awesome!

[@kwalker3465]

Needed this today, thanks guys. For whatever it may be worth, I love that it's not a "professional production." I see you, I hear you, I feel your heart, I see your families, and it makes me happy.

[@chatphys]

Thank you for everyone's efforts with singing and the creation of the video as a result of the "It Gets Better Project". I am a high school teacher and see the struggles of LGBT youth every day.

[@shaunmm2k]

Wow guys. That was beautiful. The more I listen, the more amazing it gets. Especially at the end when family and friends join in. And that shot of the tall dad tapping his hand on his son's shoulder brought tears to my eyes! From a fellow singer, San Diego Gay Mens Chorus.

[@torstentje]

Truly inspiring and amazing! Love from Berlin, Germany

[@kellykak98]

I'm a 12 year old, straight girl. But I am bullied. This song is beautiful! God loves you! God bless you all! You are perfect!

[@favoritepills]

It's been two years since I last watched it and it still makes me cry. It's touching to see all these men who went through that struggle and and grew up to be happy, proud adults.

[@KikiDKimono]

Absolutely, unequivocally, one of the best, most life affirmative things I've ever seen. I love watching this video- it always makes me feel better after viewing!

[@GMCLAvideo]

Thank you Kiki! This arrangement of True Colors is in our permanent repertoire and is one of the most requested pieces of music GMCLA performs. Its a testament to Cyndi Lauper's music that the piece reaches so many people around the world.

[@irenepiano]

I've watched this video multiple times every day since it came out, and with every hearing it just gets more beautiful and moves me in a different way. It is so special for me to see your radiant faces singing, and to know each of you in a small way, through rehearsals, stories you shared at A-Live, and Disney Hall. The message is powerful and I think you can see how many lives you've changed. You are such a fantastic group of human beings and I am honoured to have made music with you.

[@RichScruggs]

I just watched this for the first time and it brought tears to my eyes. This would most likely have changed my life in my bullied teen years which was many years prior to this performance.

[@remow49]

No matter how many times I've watched this, it never fails to give me chills and a tear. This is incredible. So moving and inspirational. Just beautiful in every way.

[@jackrqta]

This is extremely moving!!! Thanks for posting it... cheers from Argentina! ;)

[@mico_lodeon9116]

I cried a lot. This is so beautiful.. from the bottom of my heart thank you!

[@your-digital-bodyguard]

This video gave me goosebumps. Well done brothers! We need to see more videos like this.

[@poppykok5]

"True Colors," indeed........The GMCLA is so very dear to my heart....I long to hear you perform live...Thank You for so generously sharing your talents and love of Music...It's so up lifting....Bless you all......

[@teammaphasy269]

Every time I watch this it gives me the chills! Beautiful!

[@BroadwayBaby1994]

Me too!

[@LetsTanInJapan]

There was not a single part of this entire video that my spine wasn't tingling. That was honestly the most beautiful and touching rendition of this song I've ever had the honor to listen to.

[@challikis]

Sooo beautiful i got tears in my eyes. I love you guys!

[@MelanieSchnieders]

I am happy to see such a positive message being shared concerning bullying. Stand strong & just know being different is not being wrong. There are those out there who do love you for who you are on the inside - all humans are beautiful! This is an absolutely wonderful song that I sang to my own children when they were babies many years ago. I remember holding them in my arms & rocking them in the rocking chair as I sang the words. Your True Colors are Beautiful And yes, it does get better!

[@nickwinknw]

whenever i need strength to keep going i listen to this thank you for helping me realize that who i really am is beautiful

[@scorpiol13]

Awesome! Brought tears to my eyes & gave me chills. Such an expression of love, tolerance & acceptance. Let's celebrate our diversity instead of allowing our differences to divide us!!

[@seb389]

you made me cry guys!

[@ConejoHeroe]

Every time I'm feeling crappy I come and rewatch this video. It's so... uplifting. I love it.

[@domonic2002]

NEVER HEARD OF YOU, BUT I'M A FAN. I'M STRAIGHT. LOL LOVE THE SINGING AND HEART IS HAPPY.

[@glamberkitten]

I'm a sucker for a handsome man, and there are so many of you here! The sound of your voices together is heavenly and soothing! I'm a girl, and I have no problem with 2 men being with each other. I admire them for sticking up for their partner. God wants all his creatures to find love and happiness. Anything else is from the mouth of Man, not God! Keep on making new videos - they are truly worth listening to! Congratulations!

[@raje22]

So beautiful, so moving! As a parent, I know, “It gets better” is one of the hardest messages we have to teach kids. It shouldn’t be necessary.

[@dringler]

Its OK all of my friends and to my new friends at GMCLA....we have heard it before....the love expressed in this video is so special and the beautiful messages below are what sustains us....most people know the difference.....don't let the few vocal ones get you down since we have heard it all before many times....Well done, my wonderful friends..we are above all the folks that don't yet get the message..

[@SocialAlchemyProject]

I thank you, GMCLA. You have comforted my path. You bring me chills in my body and loving tears for another day to try again. Best, Tyler Lord Hamilton

[@BobSFox]

A Soul Touching Video Production.....Thanks our Buddy, Mannes.....Love, U'r 4 Romantic Cowboys Across the Ocean......Laguna Beach Ca. USA

[@ajeppard1733]

Thank you for doing this. You guys brought me to tears. I'm going to go show every one my true colors.

[@brotherdarek]

Beautiful...tears running down my face

[@madskyweims]

Makes my cry every time I see this.

[@OhioPugMom]

Amazing~ Thanks for making this available for everyone to enjoy, no matter where they are in the world.

[@rafaelteixeira5247]

Even if you guys didn`t have a soundboard in this video, you guys gave me a good goosebumps. Greetings from Brazil.

[@leakristin]

I saw this video shortly before I came out. 6 years ago. Every once in a while I go back here and rewatch. The memories attached to this are incredible

[@ForEverGilda]

Every morning I watch this video and my day gets better....

[@ijackson314]

When the first soloist entered, I had goosebumps. As the first few started to fall in, my eyes watered. As the first chorus came, tears flowed. By the end of that chorus, I was sobbing. This is one of the best videos. Ever. Just seeing so many people singing those words. I'm speechless.

[@katherinekillops2357]

I have listened to this video so many times I've lost count and each time it still feels just as profound. This statement speaks to gay and straight people alike. Anyone who has ever felt discouraged, unaccepted, lost, insecure, etc. (which is most certainly everyone at some point in their lives) would feel encouraged by this video. Have you ever thought of creating an international virtual choir with this song? This video has already touched me and many others very deeply and I just keep imaging the incredibly powerful effect it would have if thousands of people from all over the world came together through music in support of the LGBT community and self-acceptance overall. Just picturing it gives me chills.

[@oicesar]

Inspiring. Full of beautiful positive energy. It made me cry.

[@lifescripts-creatingyourle9042]

Wonderful example of how a powerful unified message gifted with amazing talent can transcend the poverty of injustice, hatred and prejudice. Thank you for producing a beautiful video that will continue to inspire and comfort all who view it.

[@dudgemd]

I think this is one of the most inspiration versions of this song. Very touching and uplifting. I get emotional every time I watch it. :)

[@LelloRomano]

Magnificent, majestic, moving version. Thanks guys, thanks everyone!

[@mdcanaday]

Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. How can anyone find anything wrong with this video. It moved me to tears. I have many friends who were so afraid to be who they were. Better to live the truth, than live a lie. I hope this reaches many young men and women who are on that ledge. It does get better, and there is NOTHING wrong with you. You are who you are. Love is hard enough to find. Thank you for you beautiful message and song. xoxo

[@spokieman]

Goosebumps!!! Wow!

[@freefree2222]

It's so beautiful that it makes me cry, you guys!!!

[@carolannOConnell]

Very nice thanks for posting . My cousin is gay and I love him very much

[@jeancarlotavarez111]

You guys just blasted my heart open. Thank you!

[@sarmadasco]

So beautiful! Remember that someone, somewhere always has your back! Please?

[@ChargerBoy01]

I've seen this three times, and I still cry when I see it. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

[@nycfan2003]

Thank you for the tears you have brought to my eyes. I wish I had been born later and been able to experience the acceptance you feel. But you are still a affirmation to me.

[@Dermacrosis]

nycfan2003 You can still feel accepetance. It is never too late to feel it. I learnt that myself.

[@somedaymew]

This is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.