The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is proud to announce Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader as the recipient of SFGMC’s Human Rights Champion Award, to be given during SFGMC’s upcoming Crescendo Turns 10! gala on Sunday, October 11 from 12pm – 3pm at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco (600 Stockton Street, San Francisco).

“The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus has cherished a relationship with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi since the night of its 4th rehearsal almost 38 years ago” writes Dr. Timothy Seelig, Artistic Director & Conductor (SFGMC). “On that night, the two were thrown together at the candlelight vigil for Mayor Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. It is a relationship that has lasted through the dark days of the AIDS pandemic and the challenging, yet rewarding fight toward equal rights. On countless occasions, Congresswoman Pelosi has been at the forefront as the Chorus has provided the music.”

Dr. Seelig continues, “We could not be more thrilled to share our Human Rights Champion Award with one who so richly deserves it, along with our undying gratitude for what she has done to make all of our lives better and our singing more vibrant and meaningful.”

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi is the Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives in the 114th Congress. From 2007 to 2011, she served as the first woman Speaker of the House. Pelosi has led House Democrats for more than a decade and has represented San Francisco, California's 12th District, for 28 years. As the Democratic Leader, Pelosi is fighting for bigger paychecks and better infrastructure for America’s middle class families. In 2013, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the American women’s rights movement.

Under Pelosi’s leadership, the 111th Congress was heralded as "one of the most productive Congresses in history" by Congressional scholar Norman Ornstein.

Pelosi brings to her leadership position a distinguished record of legislative accomplishment. Pelosi spearheaded passage of historic health insurance reform legislation in the House which establishes a Patients’ Bill of Rights and will provide insurance for tens of millions more Americans while lowering health care costs over the long term. Other accomplishments include the passage of historic investments in college aid, clean energy and innovation, and initiatives to help small businesses and veterans. She has been a powerful voice for civil rights and human rights around the world for decades.

Pelosi comes from strong family tradition of public service in Baltimore. Married to Paul Pelosi, she is a mother of five and grandmother of nine.

About Crescendo Turns 10!Crescendo Turns 10! is SFGMC’s annual fundraising gala, which includes a preview of Season 38: Expect the Unexpected, fabulous silent and live auctions with items valued collectively at over $50,000, sumptuous food, an open bar reception, a breathtaking location, performances by all four SFGMC vocal ensembles – The Lollipop Guild, Vocal Minority, SWAG and HomoPhonics - and, of course, “brunch with the boys!”

For more information about Crescendo Turns 10! please visit http://www.sfgmc.org/crescendo