Coming Out at Christmas
St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — In one of the most heartfelt and hilarious moments of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s holiday concert “Slay Bells”, soloist Christian Hewett brought down the house with a spirited performance of Craig Sturgis’s “Coming Out at Christmas”, arranged by Dean X Johnson. Presented at Allendale United Methodist Church, the song blended yuletide cheer with LGBTQ+ pride in a perfectly wrapped package of musical storytelling, wit, and self-affirmation.
With a gleam in his eye and a twinkle in his voice, Hewett delivered the song’s cheeky, confessional lyrics with charisma and charm. “Coming Out at Christmas” tells the story of a young man choosing the most festive (and possibly chaotic) time of year to come out to his family—a relatable and deeply personal narrative for many LGBTQ+ individuals, served with a generous helping of humor and heart. From awkward family dinners to rainbow revelations under the mistletoe, the song captures both the anxiety and the liberation of living one’s truth during the holidays.
Hewett’s performance was magnetic, striking a perfect balance between comedy and sincerity. His vocals were confident and expressive, supported by the chorus with tight harmonies and theatrical flair. The arrangement by Dean X Johnson added delightful musical surprises, with jazzy interludes, classic holiday motifs, and punchy rhythmic changes that kept the audience laughing and engaged.
Visually, the performance was just as entertaining. The chorus leaned into the moment with playful staging, expressive reactions, and just the right touch of camp to emphasize the joyful absurdity of the situation. The result was not just a musical number, but a miniature holiday play—with Hewett at the center as a fabulous, heartfelt narrator.
What made the performance truly resonate, however, was its underlying message of love, acceptance, and visibility. In a season often focused on tradition, “Coming Out at Christmas” offered a refreshing and necessary reminder that authenticity is a gift worth celebrating—and that for many, the journey toward being seen and embraced can be just as powerful as any carol or candlelight service.
The audience responded with thunderous applause and knowing laughter, many clearly moved by the performance’s honesty and humor. For those who have lived a version of this story, it was a moment of recognition and solidarity. For others, it was a window into the courageous joy of coming out.
With Christian Hewett’s heartfelt delivery and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s trademark warmth and flair, “Coming Out at Christmas” became more than just a song—it became a celebration of chosen family, queer resilience, and the power of owning your story, even (and especially) during the holidays.