In honor of LGBTQ Pride month, Singer-songwriter Maggie Szabo has released a special live video performance of her song “Don’t Give Up” performed with the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles (TCLA).
‘This video celebrates community,’ Szabo said. ‘My hope is that it inspires anyone who may be struggling that there is hope. The co-director of the chorus coined a phrase for the choir that I love; ‘from victim to victorious’. That is a quote that will always stick with me.’
The live performance video was shot at Valley Outreach Synagogue in Calabasas. The video was directed by Jonah Li-Paz with Wesley Rayworth as assistant director. Based on the success of that live performance, Szabo and the TCLA recently performed the song live on the main stage at the LA Pride festival.
‘“Don’t Give Up” is such a powerful message for all folks to hear but it is especially important when it comes to Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming/Gender Non-Binary Youth,’ said
Abdullah Hall, Co-director of the TCLA. ‘It is a message of hope. Maggie’s passion and commitment as a voice of reason is so strong you have to listen and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles is so glad to be a part of this wonderful message of love.’
Don’t Give Up is an original song co-written by Szabo with her friends Stefan Lit and Chaz Mason. Szabo is donating a portion of the profits from the music video to the Ali Forney Center (AFC).
‘With a lot of what seems to be happening in our world right now, I was really inspired to write a song about hope,” Szabo said. “I started with the idea ‘don’t give up on love’. I wanted the song to be relatable for anyone who needed to hear that message. The song definitely has a very soulful/gospel vibe thanks to all of the vocals happening in the song. It was a perfect fit for a performance with the TCLA.
‘As the TCLA continues to grow, we are so proud and honored to have worked with Maggie Szabo and her whole crew in the production of the “Don’t Give Up” video,” said Kathryn Davis, Co-director of the TCLA. “It was a wonderful opportunity for all of us in the Chorus to sing this beautiful song with Maggie and experience firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into producing a professional production such as this video.’
Music has historically been an instrument of social change. Musicians and artists have often used their talents to help bring to light and really examine important issues, influence attitudes and start compelling cultural conversations that often lead to improvements and societal reflection. Szabo says she hopes this song will also help raise more awareness of the challenges faced by those in the LGBTQ community especially the youth who struggle for acceptance and understanding sometimes even from their own families.
‘Music is such a powerful way to communicate,’ Szabo said. ‘I feel so passionate about this topic, and I feel fortunate that I have a way of sharing my passion for the LGBTQ community. Music has always had such an impact on me, and I want to create that same impact to help others.’
A 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey of over 27,000 transgender individuals reports that 54% of transgender people whose families are unsupportive have attempted suicide. 45% have faced homelessness and 50% experience psychologically distress.
‘The rates of suicide, homelessness, and unemployment amongst the transgender community are just unacceptable,’ Szabo said. ‘Something needs to be done and for any social movements to be made in a positive direction, everybody needs to stand up for the right thing. The idea that kids are being discarded by their family simply for being who they are breaks my heart. It’s hard for me to imagine that people are so hateful. I hope that I can use my music to create a message of love, acceptance and hope.’