Everybody should have the chance to be part of something special

I consider myself to be lucky. I've been part of something special... and on more than one occasion. 

In the UK I'm part of the Sambassadors of Groove, an amazing bunch of sambistas who come from all walks of life, every Thursday night to bang drums. But they are more than that. They are a community and my second family. I've made some of my best friends through the band and we've stood side by side through thick and thin. I joined the band as a naive 18 year old and while I've come and gone on many adventures during the past 13 years, I've always known that they've been there to pick me up or console me in the low times but equally they're there in a flash to celebrate the good times. I'm lucky to be part of something special and to be able to call myself a Sambassador. 

When I arrived back in Sydney, I needed to find me a local something special. My ever present Sambassadors were sending me thoughtful messages online but I pined for a weekly dose of feel good community spirit. I know from my experience with Sing Live/Sing and Discover that singing takes you to special places both physically, mentally and emotionally so enter the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir. Aptly they also rehearse weekly every Thursday night.  The first night I arrived I felt the same nerves as I did all those years ago as a teenager. The hardest part is always stepping through the door for the first time but I needn't have worried. The friendly welcome at once put me at ease and as soon as we began to sing, an incredible feeling washed over me. I felt at home. 

Amongst the anguish of applying tirelessly for jobs, of the continuous turnover of roommates in my 8-bed dorm, of the homesickness that comes with being part of my nephew, Jamie's, 6th birthday through FaceTime, SGLC has been my constant. The uplifting feeling of singing each week amongst such a friendly and welcoming group, as well as the drinks in the pub after (notice a pattern here Sambassadors?) has been the something special I craved. I also get the impression that the members of this choir are there for each other through the ups and downs of life as well. 

Unfortunately my time with the SGLC has been interrupted. I was so looking forward to performing at Christmas with them but a job opportunity came up in Brisbane. I genuinely thought 'Great, I can stay in Australia for longer... but I have to leave the choir!' 

Before I left my final rehearsal (for now) tonight we sang Home. It had very poignant lyrics which reperesent what SGLC have been for me during the past month. 

The trouble—it might drag you down

If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone

'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

I've been part of something special on both sides of the world now and I know there are people that will never feel the sense of belonging that I have in both of these groups. That shouldn't happen. Everybody should have the chance to be part of something special. What's your something special?