About Us

The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles is the nation's premiere all Trans-Identified Chorus, consisting of Transgender, Non-Binary, Intersex, Gender-Non-Conforming and Gender-Fluid individuals. TCLA Celebrates diversity and acceptance in our appearance and vocal presentation so that others can see and feel the joy we share. Through our music we bring to the world awareness, understanding, power and victory for the Trans Community.

History of TCLA


The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles (TCLA) was formed with the intent of creating a chorus to represent the larger Trans Community. In 2015, an invitation was sent out to any who identified as Transgender, Non-Binary, Intersex, Gender-Non-Conforming, or Gender-Fluid to join and lift their voices. Sponsored initially by the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, TCLA's first meeting was held at the New York Life building in Los Angeles, and soon after, the first rehearsal was held on October 18, 2015.

During that first year they performed publicly at limited engagements, such as the Trans Day of Remembrance Memorial service at the West Hollywood Public Library. They continued to hone their craft under the leadership of then-Artistic Director Lindsey Deaton aided byJoe Lawrence who joined as the musical accompanist, and later would become the Musical Director, arranging music and helping the vocalists meet their artistic goals.

It was in the beginning of their Second Season that the Ziggy Stardust stage show was announced. Soon planning and training would begin in earnest. The show was a smash hit and had several repeat engagements throughout the season. In the Chorus's Third Season focus was turned to community engagement. Many more performances at local events were had; Pride events were of a particular focus.

In the Fourth Season of the Chorus, with Abdullah Hall as Artistic Director and Kathryn Davis as the Executive Director, the Chorus continued to make progress with community engagement. Performing at over 30 events, TCLA was getting noticed. The calendar was packed with events such as Palm Springs Pride, 29 Rooms, The Los Angeles Women’s March, TranSister Radio and the opening of the LA LGBT Center’s Anita May Rosenstein Campus. The rate of bookings has only increased, and as of now the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles is the highest profile all-trans identified choral group in North America, and possibly the world.

Trans Chorus of Los Angeles is a proud member of GALA Choruses.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS


OFFICERS


CHAIR : Scottie Jeanette Madden
( She / Her / Hers )

VICE CHAIR : Rebecca "Becca" Louisell
( She / They )

SECRETARY : Donna Miller
( She / Her / Hers )

TREASURER : Vicky Mitchell
( She / They)

MEMBERS AT LARGE


ARTISTIC DIRECTOR : Abdullah Hall
( They / Them / Theirs )

Taylor Lockwood
(She / Her / Hers)

CULTURAL EQUITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles (TCLA) places diversity and cultural equity at the forefront of our mission. As a trans and gender expansive led organization, we know that we bear a responsibility to all of our trans and nonbinary community. We live and work at the intersection of race and ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, disability justice and income equality.

We make our programming available to those who cannot afford to pay through pay what you can chorus membership, comped and discounted audience tickets, and performing at numerous community events for Pride, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Transgender Day of Visibility each year. In partnership with the Connie Norman Trans Empowerment Center, the LA LGBT Center's Renberg Theater, Models of Pride, and numerous other groups, we serve audience members from all racial and ethnic backgrounds who are LGBTQ+, cis and straight, disabled and non-disabled, and of all income levels. By performing at these community events, we create a visible, safe space for our audience and transform our music into a powerful tool for social change.

We have also embarked on artistic collaborations to better serve our Los Angeles based community, such as our 2025 collaboration with Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles VIVA Trans show, which celebrated the intersection of trans and Latine cultures.

Administratively, we have implemented formal policies to ensure a zero-tolerance stance on harassment and bias.

While we are standing together in our diversity with our community members and allies in the Trans and non-binary community, as well as the greater LGBTQ+ community and the public at large, we know that we can do better at recruitment and retention of racially and ethnically diverse choristers and Board members. We are committed to training and updating this plan as a working document over the coming year.

~ TCLA Board of Directors
September, 2025