Miami

Gay Men's Chorus Performs in Miami Before Heading to Cuba

They are swapping their tuxedos for linen shirts and khakis.

The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C. hopes to break down language, political and cultural barriers with music during their week in Cuba.

About two dozen members of the 300-person choir are traveling to the island nation to raise awareness and promote LGBT rights.

But on Friday, they held a special performance in Miami at the Trinity Cathedral Church for the Buenos Dias Cuba kickoff concert.

"Incredible, beautiful, wonderful. It's gonna be a real ambassadorship to Cuba," said Bob Daugherty.

Before the crowd gave a standing ovation, NBC 6 got a behind-the-scenes look at group rehearsal. It was their last practice before they head to Havana to perform and share their message of love and equality.

"We find music to be a way to connect and show equality. Using music as a connector is something we all have in common and a way to breakdown stereotypes," said Chase Maggiano.

"The world is changing and we need to change. We can't stay entrenched in old ideas of hate and separation and what this choir is doing is bringing a bridge through hope, culture and music," Bishop Frade expressed.

The 23-member choral group will spend a week touring throughout Cuba, with plans to sing one night with a newly-assembled gay choir there.

They were asked to come by Raul Castro's daughter Mariela Castro.

It's an opportunity this chorus said it can't pass up, to bond through culture and song at a time when relations with Cuba and the LGBT community is finding new harmony.

Money from Friday's event was being donated to HIV/AIDS support in Cuba.

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