Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joshua Harrington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joshua, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Perhaps the better question is ‘how are you developing your confidence and self-esteem?’. Growing up in a Christian household as an 8th grader questioning his sexuality didn’t really pave the way for self-confidence. As I grew older and made my way through high school, I got really good at hiding who I was and learning to live a life of secrets. The weight of all of this continued to get heavier and heavier until all I could see was myself surrounded by darkness, living in a world I didn’t belong. It wasn’t until my Sophomore year in college when my religious professor invited me to an LGBT and ally meeting. At that moment I finally caught a glimpse of light. Over the course of the next couple of years, I came out to friends and experienced the most amazing and accepting love which continued to bring me light. I was finally able to find enough light which allowed me to see myself for who I was for the first time.
Fast forward 8 years, a few jobs, and a called off engagement and here I find myself. Not only do I have the privilege of teaching and learning from brilliant and talented children everyday, I am also honored and proud to serve as the Interim Artistic Director for the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus. It is this group of guys that has shown me what it truly means to love each other and to most importantly love oneself. Occasionally the darkness finds its way back in, but I like to think that is how I continue to develop my confidence in myself. So, how did I develop my confidence? In short: the love and encouragement from those around me. Spreading light to others can be just the glimmer that someone needs. I am deeply appreciative and indebted to all those who shared their light with me and helped me to discover the confidence we all deserve to find. Marianne Williamson says it best: “As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a middle school choir and theatre teacher and, in short, has provided me with the most enlightening experiences I have ever experienced. Watching these young adults take responsibility for their success and, at the same time, having the utmost pride in what they do is truly inspiring.
I am also the Interim Artistic Director for the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus. We are wrapping up preparing for our sold out concert in December and I find myself leaving each rehearsal more and more encouraged. To have the privilege of standing in front of a group of guys, who come from all different backgrounds, and hearing the beautiful music and the stories being told is absolutely heartwarming.
Music is meant to share love and that is my goal in everything I do as a musician. These two groups allow me to do just that and I couldn’t be more thankful to be able to share in the music and the love with my students and with a group of guys I consider family.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Perseverance, self forgiveness, selflessness.
The important thing is always remember rule 1: Perseverance. Keep your head high, even it its heavy.
Sometimes, however, it may fall. And that is ok…you are human. Go easy on yourself remember that tomorrow is a new day. Lastly, be the light for someone else and it may shed just as much light to your world as it does theirs.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
The Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus always looking for ways to engage better with our community. Partnering with upstate organizations whose goals are improve life and provide love to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Contact Info:
- Website: greenvillegaymenschorus.com
- Instagram: gvl.gay.mens.chorus
- Facebook: Greenville Gay Mens Chorus
