TWCD Statement on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

In 2020, amid historic protests over the killings of unarmed Black Americans, The Women’s Chorus of Dallas’ leadership took a long, hard look at our organization’s contributions to Dallas and North Texas communities. While we have women of color and LGBTQ+ representation at every level of Chorus leadership and frequently perform and commission works by women composers, we recognize that there is much work to be done to fully operationalize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in practice and policy and to exemplify anti-racism in our organization.

To us, Diversity is celebrating differences in our identities as individuals and within groups, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, ability, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, and place of birth. Equity is recognizing not everyone starts at the same place, so we must support members and patrons for full and fair participation in our organization and performances. Inclusion is ensuring that all are welcome to contribute to our success and offer richness in ideas, which must be equally supported throughout the organization. Inclusion also means we must identify ways to invite and welcome under-represented individuals and communities in sincere and significant ways. 

During the summer of 2020, Board of Directors, Staff, and Chorus Officers participated in DEI workshops. We also established a task force to evaluate organizational procedures and make recommendations to align recruitment, membership, and access to renewed DEI initiatives. We accept the challenges ahead of us and know the work continues. The Women’s Chorus of Dallas commits to:

• Listening to the voices of Queer, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and including their ideas and concerns in decision-making;
• Building Chorus membership and audience that reflects the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of Dallas;
• Increasing performances and exposure of women and LGBTQ+ composers, in particular women of color, who have been historically overlooked;
• Creating a safe and welcoming place for all women who love to sing.

With time, we anticipate transformative changes in the organization. Meanwhile, we stand and sing with our siblings of color, and Indigenous and immigrant communities. We reaffirm our founding within and commitment to allyship with the LGBTQ+ community. We offer our voices and support in solidarity of the disenfranchised, marginalized, oppressed, and underrepresented across Dallas and North Texas. We will relentlessly promote strength, diversity, and power for ALL women by performing the highest quality music to entertain, inspire, and serve the community.

Finally, we acknowledge this statement remains a work in progress. As we know better, we will strive to do better.