This is post 1 of this series.
All singers quoted are professional, working opera singers unless otherwise noted.
These individuals wished to remain anonymous.
A few weeks ago I put out the following prompt: "Singers with invisible illness, if you could say anything to the opera industry, without fear of consequence, what would you say?"
Over the next few months I will be sharing the responses I have received from singers around the world who provided passionate responses to this question.
Thank you to those who have contributed.
The purpose of this blog, and this series especially, is to increase visibility- an absolutely integral part of creating awareness and change, as well as to provide an outlet for singers who would otherwise not feel safe sharing their experiences, concerns, and pleas. With that in mind, please feel free to comment, share, and start some much needed conversations.
Your DEI mission is incomplete without disability representation. Performers with invisible disabilities deserve the opportunity to live their lives openly and without fear of marginalization. Make it known that you are sorry for the toxic culture of stigmatization that you have perpetuated. Promise to do better. Make a loud and concerted effort to identify and hire performers with disabilities who have disclosed, and in so doing encourage others to imagine that they can share their truth with the world and gift their whole selves to their audiences. The result will be better, more compelling art.
-Anonymous singer
Thoughts?
These responses are also being shared on Instagram- @thechronicledvoice- if this post resonates with you or you have any questions or response please consider engaging there as well.
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