When the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) formed in 1978, it was the world’s first openly gay music group. That year, 115 LGBT individuals sang at San Francisco City Hall for the first time, sparking an LGBT choral movement and forging the way for LGBT equality and inclusivity around the world.
However, even though SFGMC was an early pioneer in the movement, we could not have done it alone.
Through several partnerships with like-minded organizations, SFGMC has united the LGBT community to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion. Here’s a look at some of the LGBT partnerships we’re most proud of today and our plans for the future.
The National AIDS Memorial Grove
What is the National AIDS Memorial Grove about?
The National AIDS Memorial Grove serves as a space for the millions of Americans affected by AIDS to gather, share remembrances, and heal together.
The National AIDS Memorial was first conceived in 1988 as a positive way to express the grief brought about by the AIDS pandemic. A dedicated group of San Francisco residents established a place where people could come alone or in groups to hold memorials and other tributes to lost community members.
Located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the National AIDS Memorial Grove is situated on 10 acres of land full of flowers and redwoods. The Memorial Grove provides a serene and uplifting place of hope for all who have been affected by the disease, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Why did SFGMC partner with them?
SFGMC is proud to partner with The National AIDS Memorial Grove because of its dedication to all community members whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS. Having lost nearly 300 chorus members due to AIDS, this organization holds a special place in the hearts of all SFGMC members.
So in October of 2018, SFGMC celebrated its 40th birthday with a tribute concert and a permanent addition to the National AIDS Memorial Grove. The Artists Portal Monument was built by SFGMC under our former Artistic Director, Dr. Timothy Seelig, in honor of every talented entertainer who lost their lives to the AIDS pandemic.
SFBATCO
What is the SFBATCO organization about?
SFBATCO believes in a San Francisco Bay Area where the live theater is an essential, accessible, and exhilarating part of community life.
In 2012, founders Javier A. Rodney and Earl Jackson Jr. found themselves in Manhattan, a part of New York’s thriving live theater scene. One night, while sitting in a bar, they started to wonder how they could bring a bit of this magic back home to the Bay Area. Finding a pen and whatever they could write on, they laid down the ideas that would eventually become SFBATCO.
Rodney and Jackson’s theater company strives to capture the youthful, artistic energy that makes San Francisco great. SFBATCO’s mission is to create inspiring art and give back to the community, telling uniquely Bay Area stories.
Why did SFGMC partner with them?
SFGMC celebrates SFBATCO’s efforts in the San Francisco arts community. In April 2022, SFGMC partnered with SFBATCO and Tony Award-nominated Broadway composer Andrew Lippa for the world premiere of “Songs of the Phoenix” at the Davies Symphony Hall.
SF Symphony
What is the SF Symphony about?
The San Francisco Symphony, more commonly known as SF Symphony, brings the power of musical performance to the Bay Area. SF Symphony strives to enrich the lives of all community members by engaging with orchestral music.
Following the devastation of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, civic leaders set out to create a permanent orchestra. By December 1911, SF Symphony gave its first concerts, marking the re-emergence of the city’s cultural scene.
Even in its earliest days, SF Symphony has promoted diversity in music, not limiting itself to classical music. Five shows featured the day's popular music among its 13 concerts in the inaugural 1911–1912 season.
Why did SFGMC partner with them?
In July 2022, SFGMC bid farewell to its Artistic Director, Dr. Timothy Seelig. The event was marked by Dr. Seeling joining SF Symphony for the first time. The “Final Words” program at Davies Symphony Hall honored Dr. Seelig's years of a creative partnership with SFGMC.
GALA
What is the GALA about?
The Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses was founded in 1982 with 14 LGBTQ+ singing groups. Today, that number has grown to more than 190 member choruses with over 10,000 singers.
GALA works to help choruses become more effective, from both an artistic and administrative perspective. Every four years, the GALA Choruses Festival brings together more than 130 choruses and 6,000 singers, making the festival the world’s largest LGBTQ+ performing arts event.
Why did SFGMC partner with them?
SFGMC and GALA both serve as vehicles for social change, bringing visibility to LGBTQ+ issues through music and positivity.
SFGMC's New Building: A Place Where All Communities Can Thrive
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has formed these and many other partnerships in the LGBT community in the 40 years since we began. All of these organizations have shared their resources to help promote a common mission of inclusivity in the LGBTQ community.
Now, SFGMC is offering a place where all communities can thrive. The SFGMC’s new home — now called the Chan National Queer Arts Center— is a four-floor property at 170 Valencia Street, near the Castro neighborhood.
This historic building has a classic art deco façade showcasing scallops, scrolls, and floral motifs appropriate to its 1930’s origin. The interior has more than 23,000 square feet and features a lobby, auditorium, conference rooms, stage, dressing rooms, storage areas, and kitchen. These facilities make the Chan National Queer Arts Center not only a premier arts facility for LGBT people but the entire San Francisco arts community.
The SFGMC’s plans for LGBTQ+ partnerships and other community collaborations are detailed on our website.
Support the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Since our founding in 1978, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. Our individual efforts — along with our work with the LGBT community and partnerships with other Bay Area arts organizations — have lifted spirits and offered hope.
Our purchase of the building that was to become the Chan National Queer Arts Center was a big step toward expanding those partnerships. The center gives us a permanent home for our offices and rehearsals and the first-ever community space for LGBTQ+ arts organizations.
Our Growth Depends on You
But we can’t do it alone. Our growth depends on you! Please take the time today to show your support for SFGMC and all of our partner organizations.
Make a 100% tax-deductible donation today. Proceeds directly support SFGMC's performances and programs that promote an inclusive and equal world for LGBTQ+ individuals.