A Night of Recognition: The 2009 OutMusic Awards and ‘Stained Glass Window‘
I want to take a moment to share an experience that was not only pivotal for me but also deeply personal—the 2009 OutMusic Awards. That night was a blend of performance, emotion, and validation, all wrapped up in the song “Stained Glass Window.”
The OutMusic Awards are special because they celebrate music that speaks to the heart of the queer community, and that evening at the awards, I felt this connection more than ever. I was up for an award for “Stained Glass Window,” a song that means a lot to me, written with Del Shores for his play, “Southern Baptist Sissies.” This song isn’t just music; it’s a piece of my soul, touching on themes of identity, acceptance, and the struggle against the often harsh judgment of religious institutions.
Performing “Stained Glass Window” that night was electrifying. There’s something about standing in front of an audience that gets you—really gets you—and sharing a piece of your journey. The lyrics, “I’m crimson red, you are ocean blue, we’re just two of many colors in a stained glass window, and love is the light that’s shining through,” resonate with the idea that we all belong, no matter our differences. It’s about unity in diversity, about love shining through our collective human experience.
The performance was raw, honest, and charged with the energy of the moment. I remember feeling every note, every word, as if they were the last I’d sing. The crowd’s reaction was something I’ll never forget; it felt like they were with me, not just in the room but in the spirit of the song.
And then, the win. When they called my name for the Best Contemporary Spiritual Song, I felt a rush of emotions. Here I was, recognized for a song that spoke of my own struggles with faith and identity. It was a moment of validation, not just for me but for anyone who has felt at odds with their spiritual upbringing because of who they are.
Winning this award was more than a personal accolade; it was a statement, a beacon for others. It said, “Your voice matters, your story has power.” It was a celebration of authenticity in music, something the OutMusic Awards stand for.
That night, I was reminded of why I started making music. It’s for connection, for healing, for shouting from the rooftops that we are all part of this beautiful, complex mosaic of life. “Stained Glass Window” was, and is, my way of saying that love, in all its forms, is divine.
To those who were there, thank you for your energy and support. To those who’ve heard the song since, I hope it resonates with you as much as it does with me. And to anyone still finding their voice, keep singing, keep sharing, because the world needs your light.
Here’s to more nights of recognition, to more songs that break barriers, and to the love that shines through us all.
