DETROIT — Darin DeWeese has always prioritized his passion for music.
DeWeese, who grew up in Marshall, Mich., said he gravitated toward instrumental music at an early age before developing a strong affinity for choral music while singing in his middle school choir.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree in music education from Michigan State University in 2010, DeWeese served as the director of vocal music at Tecumseh High School in Tecumseh, Mich., for seven years. And while DeWeese has worked as a real estate agent since 2017, he cherishes his “other full-time job” as the artistic director of PRISM Gay Men and Allies Chorus Corporation (PRISM).
“PRISM has the musical impact, but I think so many people come for the sense of community and to find people,” said DeWeese, who joined PRISM in 2021. “People use it as a social outlet as well. I think the community that we provide is just as much of a service to our membership as the music piece of it is.”
PRISM is a nonprofit performing arts organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community across southeast Michigan by providing service through various outreach programs, artistic initiatives and seasonal performances.
“People come to music and to PRISM specifically for many different reasons,” DeWeese said. “People come for the musical aspect of the group and for what that provides. Almost everyone in the choir has done at least some kind of singing choir before, whether that be in a church or school setting.”
DeWeese is being celebrated as a Game Changers honoree by the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Comerica Bank as part of Pride Month.
“Under the direction of Darin, PRISM has joined the Tigers in elevating inclusivity and equality through the annual Pride Night at Comerica Park,” said Kevin Brown, director of community impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We are proud to honor Darin as a Game Changers honoree for his continued impact, channeling the power of music to support the LGBTQ+ community.”
Founded in 2016, PRISM started as a group of 40 singers and has expanded to nearly 100 members. The Royal Oak, Mich.-headquartered nonprofit organization consists of queer men and allies ages 19-80.
“Watching people who come into PRISM, maybe for the first time or a little hesitant about meeting new people, and to see the exponential growth that they go through in just a few months is awesome,” DeWeese said. “You can feel a sense of peace and relaxation among all these guys. That is what this is all about — helping people find their people.”
Each season, PRISM selects a local organization to support. DeWeese said giving back to the community helps improve the quality of life for all people.
“Part of me joining this was not only for the growth of the organization itself but staking our flag into the queer community of metro Detroit,” DeWeese said. “It’s about letting people know that we’re there to make an impact on them.”
Being named a Pride Month Game Changers honoree is an honor for DeWeese, who is proud of the positive impact that PRISM has in the community.
“I’m sure the other award winners feel this as well, but I don’t go into this thinking that I’m making this deep impact on the community,” DeWeese said. “I feel like I’m doing what is right and what I love. For that to be recognized is special because PRISM, as an organization, is doing exceptional work in our community.”
To learn more about PRISM, visit PRISM-Chorus.org.