Melissa Fogarty
When 2006 Outmusic Award-winner Melissa Fogarty discovered singing, she says that “It was like coming out as a person!” She began performing professionally at age 11 singing children’s roles at the Metropolitan and New York City Operas. “Writing songs really helped with being 12 and struggling with my sexuality.”
Fogarty, who lives in Queens with her wife, opera director Jennifer Griesbach, feels it is important for youth to have LGBT role models. “As long as there are youth struggling with their sexuality afraid to come out of the closet—youth that are at greater risk for addiction, suicide, and homelessness as LGBT people— I have to take a stand and say, you can be gay and happy, gay and sober, gay and successful.”
What does Fogarty have to say to those who think opera is boring? “Opera’s a great place for gender bending and seeing women in drag! There’s no pedestal that comes with this type of singing—it’s just another way of expression. Check it out!”
Fogarty can now be heard on the radio on WNYC, 93.9 FM and wnyc.org on Tuesday mornings from 12–5am and also on the gay-owned station WDFH, 90.3 FM, wdfh.org, on Friday afternoons from 2–6 pm. Her website melissafogarty.com has up-to-date info on upcoming performances and how to purchase her award-winning CD, Scorned & Betrayed.
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