by Alli Walker
09.20.2012
After facing discrimination, music teacher and performer releases album
Just a few months after Jonathan Zeng was denied a music-teaching job at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy because of his sexual orientation,
he is using his experience to help others.Zeng is an award-winning performer
and a music educator but he’s never ventured into song writing, until now. He’s
currently working on an upcoming album titled Through These Doors
about the discrimination he’s faced and he wants to influence others."During difficult times in my
life, I have always turned to music. This time, for the first time, I was
inspired to write and perform my own music. After personally experiencing
discrimination, I hope that my music will help others who face similar
situations,” said Zeng in a press release.Combining his story with his professional knowledge in opera and musical theater to create an
album that’s both emotionally driven and musically appealing.His singles “Through These Doors”
and “Now” are currently available on iTunes and other major music distribution sites, but audiences have to wait until
October to get the full album.Zeng is hosting a free launch party
on Friday, Oct. 19 from 8-10 p.m. at the Below Zero Lounge in
Over-The-Rhine. The party is open to the public and those attending will see
Zeng perform his singles as well as unveil other album songs.
Jonathan Zeng shares his story of discrimination, as local leaders rally
11 Comments · Wednesday, June 13, 2012
They shared the same
Christian values, they shared a love of children and Jonathan Zeng was
ready to start as a music teacher at his new school. But 15 minutes after accepting the offer, Zeng received a
phone call from a school board representative because something was weighing on his mind — whether or not Zeng is gay.