Kai Jordan joined PLC in 1992, at a time when gay and lesbian rights were under attack in Oregon, specifically through Measure 9, which sought to amend the state constitution and require all state and local governments to actively discourage homosexuality. In response, PLC embarked on the “We Sing Out” tour throughout southern Oregon, emphasizing the importance of being out and supportive of our community, not only here in Portland but statewide.

“Joining the choir at that moment provided a great opportunity to get more involved in something that urgently mattered. It ended up being such a positive experience politically, socially, and musically…”

Thankfully, the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies prevailed, Measure 9 failed, and the voices of PLC continued to reach further distances than ever before. Kai recalled another experience singing outside the Portland city limits with PLC in the 90s.

In 1996, on our way to GALA (the LGBTQIA+ Chorus festival) in Tampa, FL, most of us were flying together and had a layover in the Phoenix airport. Our director wanted to take advantage of that opportunity for some additional rehearsal. We found a fairly empty space in the airport and began to sing. Soon there were a bunch of random people stopping to listen, to appreciate the music, to applaud … it was unexpected and it was great!

Kai sang with the choir until 2000, when life’s circumstances pulled her away, and a few years later, her partner passed away. “For me the loss was … indescribable. During Susan’s year-and-a-half-long illness, I was completely focused on her and, in the process, lost connections with a lot of people. When I finally felt ready to step out into the world again, one of the first large social events I attended was the June 2011 PLC concert. As I sat there listening to the music, it hit me that I needed … really needed … to rejoin the choir. I signed-up for the next term and can say that the old friendships, new connections, and meaningful and uplifting music were the perfect balm.”

And PLC was thrilled that Kai returned! Naturally, over the years, the choir has evolved quite a bit.

“When I first joined the choir in 1992, it was a much more homogenous group. Now there is considerably more diversity in age, background, gender identity, etc. This provides choir members the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of people and to see issues from different perspectives. I must say that I particularly value the intergenerational aspect of the choir.”

The audience, too, has changed over time. Kai recounted, “In the early days, audiences were so excited about, and grateful for, the existence of the Portland Lesbian Choir that we likely could have sung Pop Goes the Weasel and received thunderous applause. Of course, the choir has always performed a mix of music that is entertaining as well as meaningful for both the choir and its audience. Over time, the quality of our performances and the expectations of the audience have increased. PLC continues to provide entertainment, support, and inspiration, but now at a much higher level and with a growing pool of talent.”

From being voted "Most Likely to Succeed" in junior high, to "Class Clown" in high school, and then honored as Valedictorian in college, Kai is proof that good humor and intelligence go hand-in-hand. Here she is graduating from Humboldt State University’s College of Behavioral & Social Sciences in 1984.

Though Kai is humble about her experiences, she has led a fascinating life. She worked at Sequoia National Park and Yellowstone National Park, where she once was rescued by helicopter from a high peak. She also spent months in Mosul, Iraq, during the war in 2004-2005. As a civilian with the Army Corps of Engineers, she spent time in bomb shelters, riding wildly through the streets of Mosul with armed guards and in helicopters, all while carrying out her mostly clerical duties.

We asked Kai what advice she would give to younger queer people today, and her answer was perfectly prudent:

“Don’t take things too seriously, except for the things that should be taken seriously. I have confidence in your ability to differentiate.”