San Francisco Performing Arts: Past, Present, and Future

Dance, opera, theater, ballet — San Francisco has it all.  

The San Francisco performing arts scene has a rich history going back over a hundred years—which is really no surprise, considering the city’s diverse, progressive culture. From jazz clubs to drag shows, San Francisco has harnessed the power of musical activism and authentic performance to give a voice to the voiceless and a safe haven to marginalized communities. 

100+ Years of Performing Arts in San Francisco

In the late 1800s, California was known for gold. But in San Francisco, the gold rushers discovered a different kind of treasure—not in mines, but on stages. It started with live theater, which the unconventional residents of San Francisco happily embraced while the rest of the nation clutched their pearls.

San Francisco’s first theaters, the Dramatic Museum, and Jenny Lind, both opened in 1850. Unfortunately, both were destroyed by fires just the next year. But San Francisco was in love, and by the end of the decade, the theater business was booming. It’s estimated that in the 1850s alone, over 1,100 different pieces were performed in San Francisco theaters — from Hamlet to Burlesque.

Next came the formation of the San Francisco Symphony in 1911, breathing new life into the San Francisco performing arts culture while the city was still recovering from the devastating earthquake of 1906. The San Francisco Opera followed in 1923, which led to the 1933 development of the San Francisco Ballet — the oldest professional ballet company in the U.S.

As the century passed, the San Francisco performing arts scene continued to grow, especially in regard to live music. Jazz and blues took over the 1950s, with clubs forming safe spaces and a sense of community for the city’s African-American residents. Psychedelic rock came next, followed by new wave, hip-hop, disco, and even the world’s first openly gay chorus. 

Today, San Francisco performing arts encompass all of these and more, and the city never stops pushing the boundaries and redefining what art truly is. 

Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Prestigious Venues and Centers for Your Next Event

There’s a common theme among San Francisco performing arts centers: old meets new. Century-old landmarks, lovingly restored, are filled with the sounds of modern hits. State-of-the-art, industrial-style venues feature Shakespearean performances. And these historical and prestigious venues are no exception.

War Memorial Performing Arts Center

Designed to host nearly any kind of performance, this San Francisco performing arts center is a sprawling complex consisting of Davies Symphony Hall, the Opera House, and Herbst Theater. One of the largest performing arts centers in the U.S., the War Memorial is home to the SF Ballet, SF Opera, and SF Symphony. 

Orpheum Theatre

Built in 1926, the exterior of the ornate Orpheum Theatre is reminiscent of a 12th-century French cathedral, while the inside features a delightful mashup of early 20th century accents. As one of the larger San Francisco performing arts venues, the Orpheum is the place to go for Broadway shows.

SF Jazz

When it comes to San Francisco arts, jazz has always had a special place—so much so that the genre has its own state-of-the-art performance center. A massive space that hosts over 100 performances a year, the venue embraces jazz in all its forms — from niche to traditional to modern.

Toni Rembe Theater

Formerly the Geary Theater, the Toni Rembe Theater is a national historic landmark and home to the world-famous American Conservatory Theater. After severe damage from the Loma Prieta earthquake, the theater was carefully restored to modernize the technology and structure, while preserving the original character. 

Oasis

As the largest drag-owned club in the U.S., Oasis is already a one-of-a-kind performing arts venue and nightclub. In 2015, San Francisco drag queens D’Arcy Drollinger and Heklina turned what was once a gay bathhouse into a vibrant club for locals and tourists alike. 

The club features unforgettable drag shows, cabaret performances, and of course, an incredible nightlife experience. And as unique as the venue itself is, its owner is even more special. In 2022, D’Arcy Drollinger was elected to be the city’s first Drag Laureate — a title that honors and supports D’Arcy’s advocacy work and contributions to the community.

SVN West

This space has been filled with music and dancing for over 100 years, from its time as the El Patio Ballroom in the 1920s, when it featured swing and big band musicians. It became the Fillmore West in 1968, and although it only operated for three years, it hosted a number of musical icons, from the Grateful Dead to Elton John to Aretha Franklin. Today, it’s one of the premier event and performance spaces in the city.

Presidio Theatre

Built-in 1939 as a movie theater for the U.S. Army, the Presidio Theatre entertained military families for almost 60 years. In 2017, it underwent extensive renovations and additions, while carefully preserving its historic Spanish Colonial architecture. Today, it serves as an intimate venue for the entire San Francisco performing arts community, from dance and theater to music and cinema.  

The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center

Future home to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, a leader in the San Francisco performing arts scene, the Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. National Queer Arts Center is designed to be more than just an event center. Over the coming years, SFGMC will transform the space into an artistic hub for the LGBTQ+ community.

Founded in 1978, the SFGMC’s first performance was at a candlelight vigil on the evening of Harvey Milk’s assassination. Ever since, the chorus has remained dedicated to building a safe, inspirational space for the LGBTQ+ community and transforming society through their music. 

Now, with a permanent new home in sight, SFGMC can further expand its outreach and advocacy. From research to workshops to performances, the historic art-deco building will become a supportive haven for underrepresented and marginalized artists in San Francisco and beyond.

The Rich History and Iconic Venues of the San Francisco Music Scene

San Francisco’s intimate relationship with music stretches back more than 100 years and encompasses a wide variety of sounds, genres, movements, and venues. From jazz to psychedelic rock and disco, the San Francisco music scene has changed over time, but it continues to reflect the city’s vibrant, creative, boundary-pushing spirit. 

An Introduction to San Francisco's Vibrant Music Heritage

San Francisco’s music heritage is fueled by the unconventional, anti-establishment attitude that has defined the community for decades. 

The 1950s saw the rise of jazz and blues clubs that served as refuges for the area’s marginalized African American residents. Musicians across the country were drawn to San Francisco, and clubs like Basin Street West and The Blackhawk hosted Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, and many more.

In the 1960s, San Francisco music pivoted towards the alternative, counterculture movement, and the Fillmore Auditorium was filled with the sounds of psychedelic rock. And as this music scene collided with the Beat Generation, the city’s poets and musicians joined forces to form the “San Francisco Sound” — a unique blend of music and spoken word. 

Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, San Francisco music explored punk rock, new wave, and hip-hop. And as the city became a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community, it embraced disco and dance music.

Today, San Francisco’s music scene encompasses all of these sounds and genres, offering a lively blend of past and present musical styles. The city continues to attract innovative musicians from all backgrounds, who push the boundaries and shape the future of music. 

Iconic Music and Performance Spaces in the Bay Area

The San Francisco music scene centers around its iconic opera houses, theaters, and music venues. The Bay Area is home to both historic, world-famous venues, such as the Fillmore, and up-and-coming performing arts centers like the Chan National Queer Arts Center. 

The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center

Originally built in 1930 for the Independent Order of Foresters fraternal society, the historic four-story art-deco space on Valencia Street is being transformed into a performing arts center for the LBGTQIA+ community. Most notably, it is the new intended home of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC).

Since its formation in 1978, the SFGMC has known no permanent residence, spread out across office spaces, storage facilities, and rehearsal spaces throughout the city. But the organization will finally have a home — just outside the Castro District, where their story began.

The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center will serve as a vibrant hub for the LGBTQIA+ arts community, offering SFGMC the opportunity to expand its leadership, musical activism, and support for under-represented artists.

From concerts and productions to workshops and research, the Queer Arts Center will become a haven for LGBTQIA+ artists throughout San Francisco and beyond.   

The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

Although it was never intended to last, the Palace of Fine Arts has become a prominent San Francisco landmark. The venue was originally constructed as an art exhibition center for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition — a world fair held in San Francisco in 1915. 

A number of structures were built specifically for the expo, including nine other palaces, but the Palace of Fine Arts is one of the few that was preserved and remains standing. Designed by Bernard Maybeck, who was inspired by the solemn beauty of ancient Greek and Roman ruins, the site was so impressive that a Palace Preservation League was founded to save it before the fair had even ended. 

The Palace continued to operate as an art exhibition center for a number of years, but it began to decay over the next few decades. The site was turned into a home for tennis courts, then military vehicle storage, a limo motor pool, a storage facility, and even temporary headquarters for the fire department. 

But the non-durable materials used to build the originally-temporary structure were showing their wear, and by the 1950s, the Palace had become an actual ruin. So in 1964, the Palace was demolished down to the steel framework and reconstructed over the next several years.

The new Palace first housed the Exploratorium interactive museum, then the Palace of Fine Arts Theater as well. In 2003, further restoration began on the structure and surrounding site to safeguard against earthquake damage. 

Now, the Palace of Fine Arts stands solidly, its impressive architecture reflected in the surrounding man-made lagoon, and hosts a variety of San Francisco music events.

The Fillmore

While the Fillmore name has expanded to other concert venues throughout the country, only San Francisco can claim the real Fillmore. Originally called the Majestic Hall, the Fillmore has undergone numerous changes in name and purpose since its opening in 1912. 

In 1936, it became the Ambassador Dance Hall, and from 1939 to 1952 it served as the Ambassador Roller Skating Rink. Then in 1954, San Francisco local Charles Sullivan, a highly successful African American businessman, began booking bands at the venue and gave the Fillmore its iconic name.

Together with Bill Graham, a well-known rock concert promoter, Sullivan turned the Fillmore into a home for psychedelic music and its counterculture fans. Throughout the mid and late 1960s, the Fillmore hosted a variety of big names, including the Grateful Dead, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Jefferson Airplane, The Steve Miller Band, and Pink Floyd. 

After Sullivan’s murder in 1966, Graham continued to manage the venue for several more years, changing its name to the New Old Fillmore and then to The Elite Club. Finally, damage from the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 forced the venue to close. But after Graham’s death in a helicopter crash in 1991, his close friends and family carried out his dream to repair, preserve, and reopen the original Fillmore. 

Today, the Fillmore is once again a San Francisco music hot spot, hosting a wide range of modern entertainers, while still preserving the traditions of its youth.

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

Originally named the San Francisco Civic Auditorium, the Bill Graham Auditorium is another remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Expo. However, the four-story, 300,000-square-foot venue was constructed of sturdier materials than the other temporary expo buildings and remained in use throughout the 20th century. Shortly after the expo ended, the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra moved in — along with the world’s seventh-largest pipe organ — drawing crowds and establishing the venue’s reputation as a cultural center.

The venue underwent a massive reconstruction effort in 1962 to update and revitalize the building. When completed, it was one of only two major San Francisco venues that could accommodate large crowds and performances, so the Civic Auditorium saw an impressive variety of events. Under the management of Jim Graham (no relation to Bill Graham), the venue hosted everything from political conventions to sporting events to concerts — and even circuses. 

Due to earthquake damage, the venue once again closed for reconstruction in 1989, reopening in 1991. Then in 1992, after the death of iconic rock concert promoter Bill Graham, the venue was renamed the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in his honor. It continues to host numerous concerts from all genres, along with political, corporate, and sporting events.

The Great American Music Hall

The Great American Music Hall is another venue that has seen a variety of changes, names and uses over the years. Built in 1907, the interior was designed by a French architect and features ornate balconies, impressive columns, and mesmerizing frescoes. But it was originally called Blanco’s Cafe and served as a restaurant, gambling den, and brothel for the city’s wealthy clientele. 

In 1936, it was purchased by Sally Rand, an infamous burlesque dancer, and renamed the Music Box. Patrons enjoyed an assortment of burlesque shows until the end of World War II, when the venue finally closed. It was reopened as a jazz club in 1948 and operated as Blanco’s Cotton Club — the city’s first desegregated club — but it only lasted a few months before closing again. 

Over the next two decades, the building saw a few short-lived uses, but it mostly sat unused and in decline until it was nearly demolished. But it was purchased and saved by Tom Bradshaw in 1972. He refurbished and updated the venue, preserving the original architecture, and reopened it as the Great American Music Hall. Since then, it has been filled with the sound of music — from jazz to rock and roll — and Rolling Stones magazine even named it the sixth-best rock club in the US in 2013.  

SFJAZZ Center

While it may not have the colorful history and ornate architecture of many other San Francisco venues, the SFJAZZ Center can boast this: it is America’s first stand-alone venue built specifically for jazz performances and education.

Designed by Mark Cavagnero, an award-winning architect, and Sam Berkow, a nationally renowned acoustical consultant, the venue opened its doors in 2013 as a home for all things jazz. And while the center itself is only 10 years old, the organization behind it, SFJAZZ, has served as the largest non-profit jazz presenter in the world for 40 years. 

In addition to over 350 diverse jazz concerts every season, SFJAZZ also produces the annual San Francisco Jazz Festival and offers dynamic musical education programs to more than 23,000 public school students throughout the Bay Area. The organization is dedicated to exploring and sharing jazz music in all its styles and forms and honoring the artists who have shaped it.

The War Memorial Opera House

Built in 1932 as a monument to San Francisco residents killed in World War I, the War Memorial Opera House is the centerpiece of the San Francisco Performing Arts Complex. Designed in the American Renaissance style by Arthur Brown Jr. and G. Albert Lansburgh, the theater has been a prominent center for San Francisco music and performing arts for over 85 years. 

While it is home to both the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet, the site has additional historical significance. In 1945, the venue hosted the first organizing assembly of the United Nations, and then in 1951, it saw the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco, which declared peace with Japan. 

The venue expanded throughout the 1970s and 1980s — both in size and performances — but it sustained significant damage in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. In 1992, the building was restored, renovated, and retrofitted with seismic safeguards, and it continues to host over 60 opera performances every year. 

Today’s San Francisco Music Scene

The culture of San Francisco embraces the future while remembering the past, and its music scene is no different. Blends of genres and styles from every generation can be heard throughout the city, and modern sounds fill century-old venues. 

Today, San Francisco is at the heart of the LGBTQIA+ arts community, and it is committed to giving a voice to under-represented and marginalized artists. The development of the Chan National Queer Arts Center will help the SFGMC continue to fulfill this mission, empowering LGBTQIA+ youth, artists, and performers to usher in the next era of San Francisco music. 

The 10 Best Things to Do in the Castro District

The vibrant and welcoming Castro District, nestled in the heart of San Francisco, holds a unique place in the city's history, symbolizing LGBTQ+ power, resilience, and inclusivity. 

After World War II, the Castro District began to shift from a working-class neighborhood into 

a haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community seeking acceptance and equality during a time of widespread discrimination. Then in 1977, local resident and civil-rights activist Harvey Milk solidified Castro’s place as a mecca for the LGBTQ+ community when he became the first openly gay elected official in California.

Milk was assassinated just one year later, but the Castro District honors his legacy through empowerment and inclusivity for marginalized communities, shaping an experience of belonging for generations of LGBTQ+ individuals. Today, the district invites you to explore its rich culture, delve into its captivating history, and be your authentic self. 

So get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through this remarkable community — and don’t miss a thing with our curated list of the top 10 must-dos in the Castro District. 

• Explore LGBTQ+ history

If you want to learn more about the history of the LGBTQ+ community, there’s no better place to do it than the Castro District, starting with the GLBT History Museum. This cultural gem invites you to journey through time, exploring the milestones, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Next, stop by Harvey Milk Plaza and check out the nearby Rainbow Honor Walk — a public art installation featuring dozens of sidewalk plaques honoring history’s greatest LGBTQ+ pioneers.

Finally, don’t miss Pink Triangle Park. Small but powerful, it’s the first U.S. historical landmark dedicated to the thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals who were persecuted during World War II.

• Catch a show at the iconic Castro Theatre

Established in 1922, the Castro Theatre has become an architectural and cultural landmark. The theater offers something for everyone — films, live music performances from all genres, and even sing-alongs! But you’ll be captivated by the theater's opulent, ornate design that has been carefully preserved over the last 100 years.

• Get in some retail therapy

The Castro District offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, full of unique treasures and stylish finds that reflect the district's charm and character. Number one on your list should be Cliff’s Variety — a local institution that sells everything from tools and hardware to kitchen supplies to quirky costumes and decor. 

If your wardrobe needs an upgrade, you can’t go wrong with Rolo — a mainstay men’s boutique with all the latest fashions. And if secondhand is more your style, Sui Generis and Crossroads Trading Co. both have impressive selections of high-end and designer consignment items. 

• Savor a culinary adventure

Start off your day with brunch at the Wooden Spoon and enjoy a modern twist on classic favorites, or stop by Le Marais Bakery for what Oprah calls “sinfully good croissants.” 

When you need a break from your shopping and sightseeing, stop in at Twin Peaks Tavern and pay tribute to the oldest gay bar in the country. Or if you don’t want to miss the big game, grab a seat at Hi-Tops — the Castro District’s first sports bar. For happy hour, hang out with the locals on the lively patio at The Mix. 

As the sun sets over the Bay, don’t forget to make a dinner reservation at a Castro favorite, Frances, for delicious plates made with the finest local and seasonal ingredients, or grab an expertly crafted Wagyu Burger at the Blind Butcher. If you’re craving fresh seafood, Anchor Oyster Bar has been a Castro District icon since 1977.

1. Dance the night away

If clubs are your scene, the Castro District’s nightlife won’t disappoint! Beaux and The Cafe (rivals for the title of “Best Gay Nightclub in Castro”) both have spacious dance floors, delicious drinks, and DJs who will keep you on your feet all night long. 

For something a little more laid back, grab a cocktail and take in the neighborhood from the Lookout’s outdoor balcony, or try your luck at Detour, an arcade bar with a huge selection of board games, arcade games, and even video games. 

• Check out a local festival

The Castro District holds a variety of eclectic festivals and events all year long, celebrating the diversity, culture and spirit of the neighborhood. On the first Sunday of October, the Castro Street Fair — founded by Harvey Milk in 1974 —  brings together residents, visitors, and businesses for a day of entertainment, music, and art. 

If you need another reason to visit the Castro Theater, the venue hosts numerous film festivals, including the San Francisco Film Noir Festival (Noir City) and the world-famous San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival (Frameline).

And of course, June offers an assortment of Pride celebrations, from the month-long National Queer Arts Festival to the must-see Market Street Pride Parade on the last Sunday of June.

• Take a guided walking tour

If you want to make sure you don’t miss a thing, take a guided (or self-guided) walking tour of the district. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Castro as you stroll along its iconic streets, soaking in the sights and sounds that have shaped this renowned LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

• Admire the neighborhood art scene

From street art to galleries, the Castro District has a vibrant art scene that captures the diversity and uniqueness of the neighborhood. Colorful murals are scattered throughout the area, while galleries like Schlomer Haus, The Art House SF, and 2358 MRKT Gallery feature artwork from talented local artists.

For a more curated experience, sign up for the monthly Castro Art Walk. This self-guided tour features special events from local small businesses and showcases the community’s incredible art scene.

• Enjoy a picnic at Mission Dolores Park

A park may not seem like a must-see, but Dolores Park is the most popular scenic spot where Castro residents go to soak up the sun, relax, and admire the lovely views of the city. So grab a blanket, a bottle of wine, and a tasty lunch from one of the nearby eateries and unwind with locals.

• Embark on a nostalgic streetcar adventure 

You’ll have no problems getting around the Castro District on foot, but you should still hop on board and experience the charm of the iconic F-line streetcars. You can catch a ride from the Castro Muni Station at Harvey Milk Plaza and take the six-mile trip to Fisherman’s Wharf in a little piece of history. 

Take your pick from this list to experience the Castro District's vibrant and diverse offerings, from its rich historical heritage to its lively nightlife and captivating artistic expressions. This iconic neighborhood is a testament to the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, continuously advocating for equality and leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

Celebrating International Drag Day: Embracing Artistry, Inclusivity, and Social Change

Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the significance and vibrant celebrations of International Drag Day. This joyous occasion pays homage to the rich history, cultural impact, and artistic expressions that define the world of drag. As we embark on this exploration, we will also highlight the remarkable SFGMC Divas and their invaluable contributions to promoting intersectionality, inclusivity, and artistic freedom within the drag community.

Tracing the History of International Drag Day

International Drag Day, observed annually on July 16th, is a vibrant celebration dedicated to honoring the artistry of drag performance. While the exact origins of this occasion may not be extensively documented, it has emerged as a significant event within LGBTQ+ communities in recent times. The art of drag itself carries a profound history spanning centuries, with its contemporary form evolving during the early 20th century.

The term "drag" is thought to have derived from the expression "dressed as a girl." In the late 1800s, drag performances garnered recognition in vaudeville shows and music halls, featuring male artists who donned flamboyant feminine attire to entertain audiences through comedy, singing, and dancing. These early drag acts often incorporated social commentary, satire, and exaggerated portrayals of gender norms.

During the 1960s and 1970s, drag culture underwent a profound transformation, propelled by the rise of LGBTQ+ rights movements and the historical events of the Stonewall Riots. Drag queens emerged as prominent figures during this era, actively engaging in protests and embodying symbols of resilience and defiance. Their visibility became a powerful testament to the fight for equality and the pursuit of social change.

Today, International Drag Day celebrates the artistry, creativity, and cultural impact of drag. It embraces the distinct expressions of drag kings and drags queens, challenging societal norms and fostering inclusivity. Let’s honor this day by recognizing the resilience and self-expression of drag artists and embracing a future of acceptance and diversity.

Exploring the Dynamic Duo of Drag: Drag Kings and Drag Queens

On International Drag Day, we celebrate the distinctive expressions of drag kings and drag queens, honoring their contributions to the vibrant world of drag. While both involve exaggerated personas, these two forms showcase their own unique styles and narratives.

Drag kings boldly challenge societal gender norms with their commanding presence and masculine personas. Through their skilled transformations, they embody captivating characters that disrupt traditional notions of masculinity. With a focus on confidence and an exploration of gender identity, drag kings bring a fresh perspective and add a compelling dimension to the art of drag.

In contrast, drag queens take the stage by storm, radiating unparalleled glamour and flamboyance. Adorned in dazzling costumes and flawless makeup, they captivate audiences and transport them into a fantasy realm. Embodying the essence of femininity, drag queens exude confidence and grace while fearlessly challenging conventional gender roles.

Both drag kings and drag queens captivate audiences with their exceptional performances, displaying remarkable creativity, talent, and artistic expression. They possess a commanding presence on stage, radiating charisma, wit, and showmanship that leaves an unforgettable mark on all who experience their enchanting artistry.

Ways Intersectionality Shapes the Diversity and Inclusivity of Drag Culture

Intersectionality serves as a powerful force within drag culture, expanding its horizons and fostering inclusiveness. Drag goes beyond traditional gender constructs, enabling individuals to authentically express their identities and challenge societal norms. Whether within or outside the LGBTQIA+ community, people from diverse backgrounds find empowerment and self-expression through the world of drag.

Representation

Representation within drag culture is a cornerstone of intersectionality, recognizing the significance of diverse voices and experiences. By embracing performers from all backgrounds, intersectionality ensures that drag becomes a platform for authentic expression and inclusivity. 

Empowerment

By embracing intersectionality, performers are empowered to delve into the intricate intersections of their identities and seamlessly integrate them into their drag personas and performances. This empowering journey nurtures a deep sense of pride, confidence, and self-acceptance, fostering an environment of inclusivity and support within the drag community.

Breaking Stereotypes

Intersectionality makes drag culture a powerful force in shattering stereotypes. It dares to challenge preconceived notions and expands the boundaries of what drag can encompass, promoting a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of this vibrant art form. As a result, drag has become a catalyst for breaking down barriers, fostering acceptance, and redefining societal perceptions of gender and identity.

Collaboration and Solidarity

Collaboration and solidarity lie at the heart of intersectionality in drag culture. Performers from diverse backgrounds and identities unite, sharing their experiences and offering support. This collective effort strengthens the community, cultivating understanding, empathy, and the invaluable exchange of diverse perspectives. 

Social Change and Activism

Intersectionality within drag culture ignites social change and activism as drag performers utilize their platforms to catalyze social change and activism. Their bold voices and fierce performances challenge societal norms, inspiring conversations and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Unleashing Artistic Expression through Drag Performances 

Drag performances transcend the boundaries of conventional artistry, offering a kaleidoscope of creative expression that captivates audiences worldwide. Through their elaborate costumes, impeccable makeup, and captivating stage presence, drag performers deliver awe-inspiring displays of talent and charisma.

At the heart of drag lies the freedom to authentically express oneself without fear of judgment or societal constraints. Drag artists fearlessly explore the depths of their creativity, crafting personas that challenge norms, push boundaries, and shatter expectations. From fierce and glamorous queens to charismatic and commanding kings, drag performances provide a platform for artists to embody the full spectrum of human emotion and identity, inviting audiences to celebrate diversity and embrace the beauty of individuality.

In the realm of drag, artistic expression knows no limits. Performers employ a myriad of techniques and skills, ranging from lip-syncing to live singing, dancing, comedy, and beyond. The stage becomes a canvas where artists unleash their imaginations, creating multidimensional characters that entertain, provoke thought, and evoke emotion. 

SFGMC Divas: A Tribute to the Trailblazing Women of Music

The SFGMC Divas pays homage to the remarkable women who have made indelible contributions to the world of music. With their beautiful voices and powerful stage presence, the SFGMC Divas bring to life the music and spirit of legendary female artists, creating an unforgettable tribute that celebrates the enduring impact of these trailblazers. With each note and every movement, they channel the spirit and passion of the original performers, paying tribute to their legacy while infusing their own unique interpretations. 

Beyond their mesmerizing performances, the SFGMC Divas also serve as advocates for equality, empowerment, and inclusivity. Their tribute to the pioneering women of music extends beyond the stage as they use their platform to amplify the voices and stories of underrepresented communities. Through their performances, they inspire audiences to embrace diversity, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the power of music as a catalyst for positive change. The SFGMC Divas exemplifies the transformative power of music and the enduring legacy of the women who have shaped the musical landscape.

Honoring International Drag Day

From tracing the history of drag culture to honoring our SFGMC divas, we have witnessed the transformative power of drag in breaking barriers, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring social change. As we bid farewell to this exploration, let us carry with us the spirit of International Drag Day throughout the year. Let us honor and support the drag community, continuing to champion the values of inclusivity, equality, and empowerment. Together, we can create a future where every person feels seen, heard, and celebrated, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of their identity.

Unleash the Colors: A Guide to San Francisco Pride Events and Celebrations

Even on an ordinary day, San Franciscans are bursting with pride. But during Pride Month, the annual month-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, they really turn it up. Rainbow flags unfurl up and down Market Street, and events dot the city in the lead-up to the main celebration, San Francisco's Pride Weekend on June 24-25, which will draw as many as 1 million attendees with its electrifying parade.

Here we'll take you on a journey through time and culture, highlighting the top events you won't want to miss and the remarkable involvement of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC) in this year's Pride celebration.

San Francisco Pride: A Journey Through Time and Culture

San Francisco Pride has a rich history dating back to 1970, when the first-ever gay pride march took place in the city. Since then, it has grown into a month-long celebration, symbolizing the progress and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. This remarkable event is a time for celebration and a powerful platform for advocacy and activism.

The Pride Parade is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the festivities. With its colorful floats, exuberant marchers, and lively music, it paints the city streets in a vibrant rainbow. The parade attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators and participants from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy.

Top Events You Don't Want to Miss at San Francisco Pride

Beyond the parade, San Francisco Pride offers plenty of exciting events that cater to diverse interests and passions. Let's explore some of the highlights of this year's celebration:

June 9 & 10: The Skivvies at Feinstein’s at the Nikko

The Skivvies, a musical duo known for their innovative performances in their underwear, will be taking the stage at Feinstein's at the Nikko. Prepare for two nights filled with hilarious comedy, catchy tunes, and unexpected surprises as The Skivvies deliver their unique brand of stripped-down musical arrangements.

June 15: Ritz Carlton Pride Partnership Performance

The Ritz Carlton will host a Pride Partnership Performance, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and inclusivity. This event promises a showcase of diverse talents, inspiring performances, and a shared sense of community. Join in the festivities as the Ritz Carlton demonstrates their support for the LGBTQ+ community and their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

June 23: National Anthem at SF Giants game

On this day, the San Francisco Giants baseball team will welcome the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus to sing the national anthem. This patriotic moment will set the stage for an exciting game as the crowd comes together to honor the country and enjoy America's favorite pastime.

June 23: Trans March

The Trans March is an annual event held in San Francisco to commemorate and celebrate the transgender community. Participants will gather to raise awareness, advocate for trans rights, and celebrate the unique experiences and contributions of transgender individuals. It's a powerful and empowering event, highlighting the ongoing struggle for transgender equality and acceptance.

June 25: SF Pride Parade 

The SF Pride Parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in the world, attracting people from all walks of life. This colorful and vibrant parade features floats, music, dance performances, and a joyous celebration of diversity and LGBTQ+ rights. Join the festivities and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

June 28: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State East Bay, GCDS Discussion - Gay Chorus Deep South Screening 

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State East Bay will host a discussion and screening of the documentary "Gay Chorus Deep South." This powerful film follows the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus as they embark on a tour through the conservative states of the Deep South, using the power of music to bridge divides and promote understanding. The event provides an opportunity for meaningful conversation and reflection on the importance of acceptance and equality.

SFGMC's Inspiring Presence in San Francisco Pride

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus plays a vital role in embracing the spirit of Pride through their special events and performances. As the chorus proudly raises their voices in celebration, they also march in both the Trans March and the SF Pride March, amplifying their message of unity and equality.

Pride celebrations hold immense significance for the LGBTQ+ community, providing an opportunity to showcase identity, foster inclusivity, and honor the progress made toward equality. The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC) has played a vital role in the Pride festivities, uplifting voices, and contributing to the vibrant celebrations:

• Performing the National Anthem at the Giants Game: SFGMC will kick off Pride Weekend by delivering a powerful rendition of the National Anthem at Oracle Park. This exciting performance sets the stage for the festivities to come.

• Marching in the Trans March: SFGMC proudly supports and affirms the trans and nonbinary community by participating in the Trans March. By marching alongside them, the chorus shows solidarity and stands against attempts to marginalize their existence.

• Uniting in the SF Pride March: Pride is both a celebration and a protest, and SFGMC embraces this duality. The chorus joins the SF Pride March, lending their voices to the thriving LGBTQ+ community and contributing to the vibrant energy of the parade.

Past Engagements Surrounding Pride

As we reflect on the vibrant history of San Francisco Pride, SFGMC stands out as a shining beacon of creativity, unity, and advocacy. Throughout the years, SFGMC has been at the forefront of Pride celebrations, infusing their performances with passion, diversity, and a powerful message of acceptance. Here’s a quick journey of our past engagements surrounding Pride.

1. Stage Shows: SFGMC's stage shows have historically embraced Pride themes, featuring renowned guest artists from the LGBTQ+ community. Collaborations with entities like the Gay Freedom Band and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have added depth and diversity to these performances.

2. Sing Outs: The chorus has participated in sing-outs, including singing the National Anthem at Giants games on Pride night. SFGMC has also collaborated with BARS and the Freedom Band, and their performances have graced the main stage at SF Pride festivities.

3. Parade Presence: Maintaining a vibrant presence in the Pride parade, SFGMC has showcased its creativity and enthusiasm by marching with a decorated float. The chorus adds excitement with choreographed movements to Pride-themed music or energetic tunes that ignite the crowd.

4. "I Am Harvey Milk" Performance: One of the most memorable moments for SFGMC was performing "I Am Harvey Milk" in 2013, coinciding with the groundbreaking overturning of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The electric atmosphere and the emotional connection between the chorus and the audience made it an unforgettable experience.

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus has consistently demonstrated its commitment to celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment during Pride celebrations. Through our performances, collaborations, and active presence, SFGMC uplifts the LGBTQ+ community and contributes to the spirit of unity and acceptance. 

The Impact of the San Francisco Pride Celebration

San Francisco Pride is more than just a celebration; it is a platform for change. It is a testament to the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. Pride's inclusive and vibrant atmosphere empowers individuals to embrace their true selves, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. It encourages conversations about equality, challenges societal norms, and paves the way for a more inclusive future.

As San Francisco Pride approaches, it's the right time to celebrate the rich history, remarkable events, and transformative power of this extraordinary celebration. San Francisco Pride offers a space for everyone to come together and honor the LGBTQ+ community. 

The involvement of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus adds an extra layer of passion and unity, amplifying the spirit of Pride in all its colorful glory. So, wear your rainbow attire, embrace the diversity, and join the vibrant tapestry of love and acceptance at San Francisco Pride.

Unveiling Intersectionality: Empowering the LGBTQIA+ Movement

In the ongoing quest for equality and justice, embracing the concept of intersectionality becomes instrumental in understanding and addressing the challenges faced within the LGBTQIA+ movement. Intersectionality acknowledges the intricate interplay of diverse social identities and the unique struggles experienced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of intersectionality, shedding light on how LGBTQIA+ issues intersect with other social concerns and the profound influence it exerts on the lives of individuals.

What is Intersectionality?

Intersectionality, a concept introduced by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in the late 1980s, is a powerful tool that recognizes and explores how different forms of oppression and discrimination intersect and interact with one another. It sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape the experiences of individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups.

Instead of viewing oppression in isolation, intersectionality highlights the interconnected nature of social identities and their impacts. It acknowledges that our experiences of discrimination are influenced by a combination of factors, such as race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, age, religion, and more.

By embracing intersectionality, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of oppression and discrimination. It urges us to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality and to listen to and amplify the voices of those facing overlapping forms of marginalization. Through this lens, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society that respects and values the diverse experiences of all individuals.

Why Intersectionality is Crucial in the LGBTQIA+ Movement

Intersectionality plays a vital role in the LGBTQIA+ community. By acknowledging and addressing the diverse experiences and unique needs of individuals within the community, the LGBTQIA+ movement can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society that uplifts and celebrates all voices. 

Let’s explore the significance of embracing intersectionality within the LGBTQIA+ community to gain a deeper understanding of its importance.

Acknowledging the complexity of discrimination

Intersectionality recognizes that discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals extends beyond their sexual orientation or gender identity. It acknowledges the intersecting identities of race, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, and more, which can compound and intensify the experiences of marginalization and prejudice.

Amplifying marginalized voices

Embracing intersectionality empowers the LGBTQIA+ movement to amplify the voices and experiences of marginalized individuals within the community. It ensures that the concerns, perspectives, and unique challenges faced by all members are acknowledged, respected, and addressed.

Challenging systemic inequalities

When we dig deeper into the web of oppression and discrimination, the LGBTQIA+ movement recognizes how various systems of inequality are tangled up and fed into one another. It's like unraveling a complex puzzle where each piece affects the others. Armed with this understanding, the movement can take on the challenge of addressing these interconnected issues head-on.

Building coalitions and solidarity

By acknowledging the shared experiences of discrimination and recognizing how different forms of oppression intersect, bridges are built between the LGBTQIA+ movement and other social justice movements. This interconnectedness strengthens collective efforts and amplifies voices as we stand together to pursue a more inclusive and equitable world.

Inclusive policies and advocacy

Intersectionality challenges the "one-size-fits-all" approach to policy and advocacy work. Instead, it emphasizes the significance of crafting inclusive policies that consider the unique needs and lived experiences of individuals who navigate multiple marginalized identities.

Beyond the Surface: Uncovering the Intersections of Social Issues

By digging deeper, we can explore the interplay between LGBTQIA+ issues and other social matters, such as race, gender, class, and ability. Through unraveling the complexities of these intersections, we gain a profound understanding of the layered dynamics within social justice movements.

Intersectionality and Race

The experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals are not uniform across racial and ethnic groups. People of color within the LGBTQIA+ community often face compounded discrimination due to the intersections of racism, homophobia, and transphobia. For example, queer and trans people of color may experience higher rates of violence, limited access to resources, and additional barriers in healthcare and employment.

Intersectionality and Gender

Gender identity intersects with LGBTQIA+ issues in profound ways. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals face unique challenges and forms of discrimination. They may encounter barriers in accessing appropriate healthcare, face higher rates of violence, and experience marginalization within LGBTQIA+ spaces. The intersections of gender and sexuality also shape the experiences of cisgender women and men within the community.

Intersectionality and Class

Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in shaping the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Economic disparities can lead to limited access to resources, healthcare, and legal protections, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Additionally, the intersections of class and other identities can result in compounded discrimination and marginalization.

Intersectionality and Ability

LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities face unique challenges and often encounter additional barriers in society. They may face discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare, as well as barriers in accessing LGBTQIA+ spaces and events. The intersections of disability, sexuality, and gender identity require an inclusive approach to ensure accessibility and equal opportunities for all.

Why Activism is Crucial for Positive Change

Activism is crucial for positive change because it has the power to:

• Raise awareness: Activism raises awareness, educates, and fosters empathy by highlighting overlooked social issues.

• Challenge systemic oppression: By challenging oppression and advocating for change, activism strives for a fairer society through policy and institutional transformations.

• Amplify marginalized voices: Activism amplifies marginalized voices, providing a platform for silenced communities to advocate for their rights and needs.

• Create inclusive and equitable spaces: It promotes inclusive spaces and equal opportunities, dismantling barriers for all individuals, regardless of background or identity.

• Inspire individual and collective action: Motivating action and inspiring change, activism encourages resistance, advocacy, and allyship, fostering a collective movement for positive change.

• Build coalitions and solidarity: It enables collaborative efforts and amplifies impact towards shared goals by uniting diverse groups and fostering coalitions.

• Hold those in power accountable: Activism demands accountability, justice, and equality from institutions, governments, and individuals, fostering positive change and holding those in power responsible.

SFGMC & Intersectionality: Promoting Intersectionality in the LGBTQIA+ Community

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC) is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the LGBTQIA+ community through its initiatives, music, and advocacy endeavors. Here are a few ways in which SFGMC embraces the principles of intersectionality:

Diverse Musical Repertoire

SFGMC recognizes the importance of representing diverse identities and experiences within its musical repertoire. We aim to feature music that reflects the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and other identities, highlighting the rich tapestry of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Music Collaborations 

By actively seeking collaborations with artists and organizations representing diverse communities, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus promotes inclusivity and amplifies diverse voices in its performances and outreach programs. Through these partnerships, SFGMC strives to create a more intersectional and vibrant LGBTQIA+ community.

Advocacy for Social Justice

SFGMC uses its platform to advocate for social justice issues that intersect with LGBTQIA+ rights. We participate in campaigns, concerts, and events that address issues such as racial justice, gender equality, immigration rights, and more, recognizing the interconnected nature of social justice movements.

Outreach and Education

Through various educational initiatives, SFGMC actively fosters understanding and acceptance of intersectionality. We offer workshops, performances, and resources that promote dialogue and raise awareness about the diverse experiences and identities within the LGBTQIA+ community, creating spaces for learning, growth, and appreciation.

Amplifying Underrepresented Voices

Dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, we actively create platforms for soloists, guest performers, and composers from marginalized backgrounds. We provide opportunities for these talented individuals to showcase their unique talents and share their powerful stories, fostering inclusivity and celebrating the diverse voices within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Cultural Exchange 

Through cultural exchange programs, SFGMC forges connections with LGBTQIA+ choruses and communities from diverse backgrounds. By engaging with LGBTQIA+ groups around the world, we cultivate a strong sense of global community, celebrating the beautiful intersections of culture and identity while fostering understanding and solidarity.

Celebrating the Harmonies of Intersectional Gender Equality

In celebration of diversity, let us embrace intersectionality as a powerful lens through which we can understand and dismantle systems of oppression. Together, through activism and the impactful work of organizations like SFGMC, we can create a society that values and uplifts the voices and experiences of all individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. Let us continue to advocate, educate, and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of identities that make our community vibrant and resilient.

Pulse Night of Remembrance and Its Importance

The Pulse Night of Remembrance on June 12th is an annual testament to the work that still needs to be done in the fight for equality. But it also stands as a powerful illustration of hope, resilience, and the healing power of love and community.

The Pulse nightclub was a known sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community in Orlando, and at the time of the shooting, more than 300 people were inside celebrating the club’s weekly Latin Night. As a result, the people who lost their lives in this shooting were predominately Latinx members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Pulse shooting is still the most significant single act of violence against the LGBTQ+ community in the US. And, as the community moves forward and heals from this tragedy, the Pulse Night of Remembrance gives us space to grieve and honor those who are no longer with us. 

What Happened at Pulse and How Did It Affect the LGBTQ+ Community?

On June 12, 2016, the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida was holding its annual Latin Night – a weekly celebration of Latin music and culture. The event was attended by hundreds of Hispanic and Latinx people and their friends, predominantly members of the LGBTQ+ community.

At about 2 am, there were still more than 300 people inside Pulse, enjoying the music and drinks when gunshots began to go off. Many people initially thought the sounds were part of the music. Soon, though, the screams and continued fire made it clear this was not part of the show. 

What happened next was chaos.  

Over the next several hours, the shooter killed 49 people and wounded more than 50 others. He also held hostages, making it difficult for law enforcement to enter the building. A SWAT team was eventually able to break in. And, during the shootout that followed, the attacker was killed.

After the shooting at Pulse, Orlando, America, and the world were shaken and devastated. The LGBTQ+ community was – and remains – heartbroken over the hatred and violence that continue to decimate our families, friends, and spaces. 

But love always wins. 

When these 49 members of the LGBTQ+ community were killed in the shooting at Pulse, Orlando came together in support and love. Churches held memorial services and candlelight vigils. Neighbors, co-workers, and relatives came to leave letters and tokens of love, and one man drove from Illinois to build 49 crosses in remembrance of each victim of the shooting.

How the Pulse Night of Remembrance Raises Awareness

The Pulse Night of Remembrance really began in the week following the shooting. Candlelight vigils were held. Nearby churches rang their bells 49 times, once for each person killed. The crosses that were built by an ally were covered in notes, tokens of remembrance, and signs of support. 

The governor of Florida at the time, Rick Scott, tweeted: “This is an attack on our people. An attack on Orlando. An attack on Florida. An attack on America. An attack on all of us.”

President Barack Obama also issued several statements, decrying the shooting as an act of terrorism and hatred. He expressed his solidarity and compassion for the families of those whose loved ones were killed or wounded in the attack.

More than 50,000 people visited the location for an impromptu Pulse memorial service to show support, love, and honor to the victims. And people from all over the world showed their support in many different ways. The San Fransico Gay Men’s Chorus issued our own statement of solidarity and sang in honor of the victims.

This outpouring of love and support brought a considerable amount of media attention to the violence that members of the LGBTQ+ community risk every day – just for being themselves. It also spurred the creation of the annual Pulse Night of Remembrance and annual Pulse Memorial observances.

Honoring Those Who Were Taken During the Attack 

The 49 people who were killed during the attack on Pulse are: 

• Stanley Almodovar III
• Amanda Lizzette Alvear
• Oscar A. Aracena Montero
• Rodolfo Ayala Ayala
• Antonio "Tony" Brown
• Darryl Roman Burt II
• Angel Candelario-Padro

• Juan Chavez Martinez
• Luis D. Conde
• Cory James Connell
• Tevin Eugene Crosby
• Deonka "Dee Dee" Drayton
• Simón Adrian Carrillo Fernández
• Leroy Valentin Fernandez

• Mercedez Marisol Flores
• Peter Ommy Gonzalez Cruz
• Juan Ramon Guerrero
• Paul Terrell Henry
• Frank Hernandez
• Miguel Angel Honorato
• Javier Jorge Reyes

Sharing their names is one of the most powerful ways we can honor these members of the community who are no longer with us, especially on the Pulse Night of Remembrance. 

The Impact on Our Communities

Throughout the world, the LGBTQ+ community remains irreversibly altered by the Pulse shooting. The families of those who lost their lives have continued to reach out to receive and offer support. 

After the attack on Pulse, Orlando’s community underwent a dramatic change. Before, there were small pockets of LGBTQ+-inclusive spaces, but these were almost exclusively nightclubs. 

That is changing.

State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith – one of three Florida members of the legislature who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community – says, “It’s hopeful for me to think that a younger me today wouldn’t have to leave Orlando for an opportunity, or to find a sense of belonging and purpose as a young queer or trans person of color.”

The Pulse Memorial isn’t a physical place. It’s a reminder. It exists to acknowledge the longstanding impact of that night – both positive and negative.

Each year, on the Pulse Night of Remembrance, we have a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Stronger communities are only a piece of the puzzle – action to help reform broken systems is another.

Getting Involved

You can observe the Pulse Night of Remembrance by connecting with your community. This might look like organizing or attending a candlelight vigil, discussion group, or local LGBTQ+ space. 

Speak out on social media, sharing the names of those who lost their lives and calling others to action. And reach out to your local and state representatives, urging them to take action to protect the rights and safety of our community. 

Finally, remember to support LGBTQ+ activism and outreach groups. Donating to SFGMC and other LGBTQ+ groups helps us continue our full-time mission of providing safety, love, and acceptance for everyone.

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How Musical Activism Transforms Hearts and Minds

Musical activism has long been a powerful force for positive change in the LGBTQ+ community. The universal language of music possesses the remarkable ability to unite individuals, transcending the divisions that may arise from differing beliefs or identities. This innate power of music to bridge gaps and foster profound transformations in people's hearts underscores the profound connection between music and activism.

What is Musical Activism? How Does it Create Change for the LGBTQ+ Community?

While we’re focusing on musical activism today, it’s helpful to look at advocacy as a whole and the forms it can take to understand its roots. Many think of rallies and protests when the term comes to mind, but activism takes on diverse forms beyond this. 

It also extends into actions like voting, making conscious consumer choices to support meaningful causes, and speaking out against injustice within one's workplace, and of course, activism through music—each a distinct facet of advocating for change.

At its core, activism aims to spotlight injustice and demand transformation. Within the realm of music, the focus is on harnessing the evocative power of music to drive these changes. Music, an enduring emotional force in human history with roots dating back tens of thousands of years, finds a unique expression through the oldest instrument of all: the human voice.

Singing, in particular, possesses a singular energy. While instrumental music moves us with its sound, singing has the added dimension of conveying meaningful words. 

Within the LGBTQ+ community, musical activism has emerged as a vibrant force, utilizing the universal language of music to champion inclusion, raise awareness, and inspire positive change. This form goes beyond mere performance; it's a harmonious call to action that resonates with the shared values of unity and acceptance.

The History of LGBTQ+ Musical Activism

There is a long history of music being used as a powerful tool for activism in the LGBTQ+ community. 

In the 1980s, as the AIDS epidemic began to ravage communities across the United States, a powerful wave of musical activism emerged in response, with ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) at its forefront. ACT UP was a grassroots organization founded in 1987 that utilized direct action and civil disobedience to raise awareness about AIDS, challenge government inaction, and demand access to life-saving treatments. 

Music played a pivotal role in their activism, serving as a unifying force that both mourned the countless lives lost to the disease and fueled the fight for change.

ACT UP's actions were often accompanied by music, with protesters using songs to protest and solidarity. The group's iconic chants, such as "ACT UP, Fight Back, Fight AIDS," echoed through the streets of major cities, their rhythm and repetition creating a powerful cadence that drew attention to the crisis. 

Of course, other moments in LGBTQ+ musical activism have also had a profound impact. Artists like Elton John and Queen used their music to challenge homophobia and advocate for equal rights, paving the way for future generations of queer artists.

Along the way, there have been plenty of iconic moments in both LGBTQ+ history and musical activism worth mentioning.

Iconic Moments in LGBTQ+ Musical Activism 

To condense all of the most iconic moments in LGBTQ+ musical activism into a single article would be nearly impossible. Instead, we’ll look at three of the biggest.

In 2011, the iconic Lady Gaga released her empowering anthem, "Born This Way," a remarkable song celebrating the beautiful diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. However, as we’ve seen, she certainly wasn't the first artist to utilize the power of music to challenge societal norms and shift cultural perspectives.

In 1984, the legendary rock band Queen made a bold statement with their track "I Want To Break Free." Accompanied by a music video, the band members appeared in drag, fearlessly expressing themselves and singing about the universal theme of love. This powerful visual representation challenged traditional gender roles and left a lasting impact on music and pop culture.

But let's rewind even further to 1928 when the influential blues singer Ma Rainey penned the song "Prove It On Me Blues." In this groundbreaking track, Ma Rainey openly expressed her love for women, defying societal taboos and paving the way for future LGBTQ+ artists to embrace their authentic selves through their art.

These examples further highlight how music has been a powerful medium for advocating acceptance, embracing diversity, and challenging societal norms throughout history.

Musical Activism at The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center

Music for a cause is vital to what we do at the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, as we believe it is one of the greatest tools in the world for justice, unity, and acceptance. Our recent move to and opening of the Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center is a powerful step toward being able to offer even more creative and diverse performances and resources to the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who wishes to attend.

The Chan National Queer Arts Center provides us with a dedicated space to elevate and amplify the voices of queer artists through music on an even bigger stage.

Bringing the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Mission To Life With Music

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is proud to be among many other LGBTQ+ artists making music for social change. 

In 1978, 115 gay men stood on the steps of San Francisco City Hall and raised their voices in song. This very first performance was in memoriam of Harvey Milk– the first openly gay elected official in California– and Mayor George Moscone, who was assassinated on the steps of City Hall. 

That night, the first members of SFGMC sang to support and comfort the group as they grieved the loss in a candlelight vigil.

Since then, we’ve stayed true to our mission to lead by creating extraordinary music and experiences that build community, inspire activism, and foster compassion at home and worldwide. 

Through our travels and social media, we’ve connected with thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals of every age, gender, and race. And our musical activism has inspired hundreds of similar choruses throughout the US.

Music for a Cause: Widespread Impact and the Diverse Repertoire of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

Over the years, SFGMC has fought to bring acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community through a number of concerts and other events. 

Take a look at some of the special moments in SFGMC history and the causes they were championing.

Classical Action: A Concerted Effort Against AIDS

Starting very early in our history, we were heavily involved in musical activism for the AIDS crisis. In 1995, we held “Classical Action: A Concerted Effort Against AIDS” – the largest live-performance benefit staged in San Francisco.

Fifth Section

After losing over 250 members to AIDS, including our Founder, Jon Reed Sims, we created the Fifth Section. Included in all our programs, the Fifth Section honors and memorializes our chorus members who have been taken from us by AIDS.

Through our work creating music for social change, SFGMC has been honored to partner with other incredible musicians at home and on tour. Our tours have taken us all over the country and the world. They have been joyful celebrations of unity and acceptance, bringing social change through the experience of hundreds of voices raised in song. 

Lavender Pen Tour

Our Lavender Pen Tour occurred exclusively in the United States Deep South in 2017. This musical activism tour was life-changing for audiences and our choir members. We faced the fear of violence, protesters, and hatred, focusing on one thing: giving every person we meet an interaction that changes them. 

And it happened. 

Audiences came to see us in numbers far more significant than we expected. To listen. To learn. And, for many, to finally begin to understand and support our community. Our choir members re-visited painful memories of their youth and coming out. But music heals. We found this journey to be a beautiful act of healing, hope, music, and activism. 

As these events and others go to show, musical activism is the core of what we do and who we are at SFGMC. But our work is far from over!

Music Bringing Communities Together: Our Enduring Legacy 

We’ve used musical activism to raise funding for the LGBTQ+ community in our world during the AIDS crisis. We’ve used music for a social cause to bring awareness and acceptance to the heart of America’s Deep South. And we’ve used it to unite people, offering a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people of all ages. 

Explore, in depth, the first 44 years of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and all we have accomplished.

Now, we’re eager to tell you about one of our more recent programs and its role in musical activism and education.

RHYTHM (Reaching Youth Through Music)

Our RHYTHM program brings music and education to schools throughout the Bay Area. We help students become more effective leaders, showing how music and activism intersect and helping them form a better understanding of activism and how to be an LGBTQ+ ally. 

If our visiting school has a choral program, we rehearse and sing with the students. Our show for the whole student body combines song, story, and discussion. Our choir members share their experiences of growing up, coming out, and becoming an active part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

After the show, we talked with kids at a meet-and-greet lunch. During this informal time, the students can ask more questions about what it’s like making music for a cause and about the performance and find a new role model to boost their confidence in their identity. 

Supporting Musical Activism: What You Can Do

You don’t have to tour the world to participate in musical activism. There are gay choruses worldwide, creating spaces for everyone to support the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate our differences. 

And choruses aren’t the only way to engage with music for social activism. Here are six ways you can support musical activism:

1. Attend shows

If you live in or close to a big city, chances are there’s a gay chorus near you. Support these organizations by attending their shows and bringing your friends along. By doing so, you’ll enjoy some great music and bolster an important cause.

2. Listen to openly LGBTQ+ artists

In addition to attending shows, take the time to actively seek out and listen to openly LGBTQ+ artists. Many talented musicians out there identify as part of the community, and by listening to their music, you’re showing your support and amplifying their voices.

3. Share this music with others

Don’t keep this great music all to yourself! Spread the word about these artists and their message by sharing their music with your friends, family, and community. You never know who might be inspired or comforted by their music.

4. Volunteer at LGBTQ organizations

Another way to get involved with musical activism is to volunteer at LGBTQ organizations. These organizations often have programs or events that use music as a form of activism, and your help could make a significant impact.

5. Participate in protests

If any protests or marches in your area support LGBTQ+ rights, consider joining in a show of solidarity. You can bring signs with song lyrics, play music on a portable speaker, or simply use your voice to sing along to empowering songs.

6. Educate yourself

Last but not least, educating yourself about the LGBTQ+ community and its struggles, including the 1980s AIDS crisis and the rise of the LGBTQ choral movement is crucial for supporting musical activism and LGBTQ+ activism as a whole. 

Take the time to learn about different artists, their stories, and the issues they face. This knowledge will make you a better advocate for musical activism and help you understand and help LGBTQ+ people in other ways. 

Get Involved Today

No matter how you get involved, music is one of the simplest ways to start supporting the LGBTQ+ community. It offers a new perspective, often challenging us to re-examine our feelings and beliefs. It transcends time, language, and culture. 

Music and activism can help bring positive change to communities by using the irresistible force of music to call for justice. That’s our mission at the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Thank you for your continued donations and support.

How to Come Out: An Essential LGBTQ+ Guide for Feeling Safe and Supported

When you’re first deciding how to come out, you might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or afraid. Or, you might feel excited at the prospect of what your life will be like when you can live as your most authentic self. 

No matter how you feel about coming out, it’s totally normal. 

Coming out is a big deal, and you can (and should!) honor and celebrate however you’re feeling. 

When it comes to the specific details of how you’d like to come out, there are a few things you can do to help keep yourself safe and confident in your identity. 

13 Tips for Coming Out

When you’re considering how to come out, many people feel uncertain about whether they should. One of the reasons you might feel uncertain about coming out is a feeling that you don’t “really” fit with the label you want to choose for yourself. 

“What if I’m not really gay?”

“What if I’m not really bisexual?”

“What if I’m not really trans?”

It’s ok to still be exploring. Remember that gender and sexuality are fluid, and learning about yourself is always a good thing. And it’s ok to come out even if you aren’t totally sure whether you’re bi or gay, trans or non-binary. 

The true LGBTQIA+ meaning includes those who are questioning as well. 

The most important thing you can do when deciding whether to come out is to think about your future. What would your life look like if you felt free to really be yourself around your friends, family, and community? How would you feel? 

Don’t just plan to come out. 

Make affirming, optimistic plans for after you come out, too. 

1. Remember: This Is About You, Not Others

Many times, when people are creating plans for how to come out, they spend a lot of time worrying about the reaction of the people they’re coming out to. 

And that’s definitely not something to take lightly, but remember:

This isn’t their life, body, or identity. It’s yours. 

Coming out is about you living your happiest, healthiest, most authentic life. Throughout this whole process, take care of yourself and do what makes you comfortable. 

2. Identify Your Support System

You might feel like you don’t know who you can trust. If you’re not out to anyone, how can you know who will accept you? 

Coming out can be scary, but listen to your intuition. Deep down, you already know who will accept and love you unconditionally. 

If you aren’t sure, make testing the waters a part of your plan for how to come out. You can try any number of things.

Invite family or friends you want to come out to over to watch a show or movie that centers on the experiences of LGBTQ+ characters. Hang a pride flag outside your home, if you are okay with the public show of support. Attend LGBTQ+ events in your community. 

Watch how they react and ask questions about their thoughts and feelings about the LGBTQ+ community. Feeling out their general opinions is a great way to confirm who belongs in your support system.

3. Decide Who You Want To Come Out To

Who you come out to is completely your choice. Many people prefer coming out to friends or family members they’re already sure will be supportive first. When you do this, accept their support and encouragement. Remember that no matter what happens, they’re cheering you on! 

You might want to ask those people for support when you come out to family or friends who may not be as supportive. 

Knowing that they’re there for you can give you confidence in your decision and a secure landing pad to come back to if things go awry.

4. Decide When You Want To Come Out

There’s no need to feel rushed. 

How to come out and when to come out aren’t standardized. There’s no rule book, and there’s no way to do it “wrong.” 

Deciding when you want to come out can involve all kinds of factors. You might need to schedule time on someone’s calendar to ensure you have their dedicated attention, you may want to be in public, or you might choose to make things more casual in your own home. 

5. Take It At Your Own Pace

Some people choose to come out all at once with a public social media post or mass text. Others move more slowly, telling only a few people at a time. How to come out should be completely up to your personal comfort levels. 

There’s no right time to come out for the first time, and there’s no right time to come out to everyone. Share as much or as little about your LGBTQ+ experience as you’re comfortable with, whenever and with whoever feels right to you.

6. Plan Out What You Want To Say…

You don’t need a script for coming out, but when you’re planning for how to come out, practice might help. Try talking about your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender pronouns, and anything else you want to come out about to yourself in the mirror. You can also try journaling to make it feel more natural. 

Remember, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You’re not confessing to a crime. This isn’t a terminal illness. 

This is you – at your happiest and most real. 

The more you can say it to yourself, the easier it will be to say it to someone else.

7. … And How You Want To Say It.

You can communicate with anyone in many different ways. When it comes to how to come out, choose whatever will feel comfortable and safe for you. Talking face-to-face can allow you to more closely gauge what the other person might be feeling. 

A video or phone call can give you a personal connection while maintaining some healthy space. If things start to go badly, you can hang up. And you can both have physical space to process the conversation whether it goes well or badly. 

A text, email, or letter gives you lots of space and lots of time. There’s no immediate expectation for a response, and you can write and re-write until you have an answer that feels right. You can both take a moment to handle your emotions before you continue the conversation.

8. Settle Into a Safe, Quiet Place

Again, there’s no answer book for how to come out. 

That being said, most people will probably prefer a safe, quiet place for this conversation. Somewhere loud and public may put you and the person you’re coming out to more on edge or afraid to show emotions, adding extra tension to the conversation.

9. Prepare For Questions

Even the most supportive people in your life might have questions about your experience. When you’re preparing a plan for how to come out, make space to answer them. Many of these people have known you a long time, so they’re likely to be curious about what “changed”. 

It’s always ok to say, “I don’t know” or “it’s always been this way.” 

Don’t feel pressure to have it all figured out. Exploring and changing isn’t a bad thing!

10. Prepare For Resistance

Not all the questions people ask you will be in good faith. Sometimes, people who aren’t supportive of your identity will ask questions to make you doubt yourself or change your mind. 

These might include: 

• Isn’t that a mental illness?

• Didn’t gay people cause AIDS?

• Aren’t trans people in sports cheating by getting moved to a different gender category?

These aren’t questions asked in good faith, and you don’t have to answer them. 

Remember, this is about you and your identity. Your experiences don’t and can’t encompass every member of the LGBTQ+ community, the political agendas that are pushed against it, or the stereotypes and misunderstandings that someone might have encountered.

11. Affirm Your Identity To Yourself

Part of planning how to come out is planning to take care of yourself. This starts with affirming your identity to yourself through this whole process. Even when someone isn’t supportive, you can still care for yourself. 

Show up in LGBTQ+ spaces – online and in-person – and engage with other members of the community. Journal about how you’re feeling, and look back on any journal pages where you write about feeling happy and affirmed in your identity. If you’re trans, make gender-affirming choices in how you dress or do your self-care.

12. Take Time To Rest and Recover

Even when it goes well, coming out is hard and tiring. 

Take time to let your body and mind rest and recover from the stress and anxiety of coming out. Do gentle movements like walks or yoga to release tension, engage in your favorite hobbies, and get plenty of sleep. 

Whatever self-care looks like for you, do lots of it!

13. Don’t Let Anyone Force You Into a Conversation

Whether you’re planning for how to come out or you’ve already come out, don’t let anyone force you into a conversation about your identity that you’re not ready and 100% comfortable having. Whether they’re asking questions you aren’t ready to answer, demanding a religious answer to your identity, or refusing to stop pushing political topics, you don’t have to answer. 

If you aren’t ready to have a conversation with someone, let them know and then change the subject. 

If they keep pushing your boundaries, it’s ok to get some space.

14. Find Additional, Local Coming Out Resources

The people in your support system don’t have to be your only coming-out resources. Your local LGBT community can support you, too. Seeing that you aren’t alone is a powerful thing, especially if coming out didn’t go as you expected.

And if there are people in your life who want to learn how to be an LGBT ally, the people who run your community center can share their experiences and tips with you and your loved ones.

What to Do with a Negative Response: Protecting Yourself 

Sadly, coming out doesn’t always have a happy ending. Violent homophobic and transphobic views can blind people to the truth of who their LGBTQ+ loved one truly is. Instead of seeing the happy, fulfilled person that you are, they see something “broken” or “wrong.” 

When this happens, it may be necessary to protect yourself. If you’re still living with the person you’re coming out to, have a plan for how to come out and stay safe. Find someone who would be willing to let you stay with them ahead of time, and if you’re being verbally or physically abused as a result of coming out, go and stay with that person. 

Do not be afraid to take a step back from relationships where someone is attacking your identity, using harmful stereotypes, or being unkind about your choice to come out. This might mean taking a break from communication or letting the person know you aren’t ready to speak with them again until they can be respectful and kind. 

Your safety is important. 

If you’re planning to come out, but you’re not sure about your safety in a given situation, prioritize your safety. 

You will have time to come out when you can be safe and supported. 

Living As Your Most Authentic Self

When you’re researching how to come out, you might feel very alone. The good news is, you’re never alone here. Many, many people have come out before you, and each one had a unique experience with different people who supported them, loved them, and made them feel understood. 

At SFMGC, we started the RYTHYM Program to share LGBTQ+ history and experiences with more than 10,000 students via the power of music. We don’t want a single person to feel that coming out means they’ll be alone. And we work hard to foster a supportive community of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies each and every day.

You were never alone.

Thousands of people have done this before, and we’re waiting to welcome you with open arms. 

To support SFMGC’s mission please consider making a donation.

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LGBTQIA+ Meaning: Acronym Breakdown and Definitions

Struggling to understand the LGBTQIA+ meaning of the acronym? You’re not alone. 

For many people who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community, this acronym can seem confusing or overwhelming. 

If you are new, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here with us today. 

And if you aren’t new to the community, but are curious to learn more about how the community has changed over the years, we’re delighted you’ve joined us today, too. 

The way the LGBTQIA+ community interacts – both with each other and with the world around us – is constantly changing. We strive to include everyone and to make everyone feel seen and understood. 

What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?

For many years, the umbrella term “gay” was used to describe the community. 

Now, many people worry about how to come out, but coming out before the 1970s wasn’t even an option, as many states illegalized what they called “homosexuality” or “sodomy.” There was also no acronym at all, restricting the inclusivity of our community.

Once an acronym appeared, all versions of it began with “L” – for an important reason. 

In the early days of the gay rights movement, the lesbian community often felt dismissed or rejected. This led to strong division within the community, with lesbians feeling like “second class” in the gay rights movement. 

During the AIDS crisis in the 80s and 90s, thousands of gay men were disowned by their families after contracting AIDS. The lesbian community came together to care for men with this illness as members of their community. 

As a gesture of gratitude for their support, the acronym was set in stone as “LGB”. 

But we had a ways to go before getting to LGBTQIA+. The LGBTQIA+ meaning is being as inclusive as possible. The “T” was added to include our transgender brothers and sisters in the early 2000s, and “LGBT” was the standard for many years after that. 

The “Q” was officially added in 2016, though many people had been using it for years prior. 

What Are The New Letters in LGBTQ+?

The new letters in the LGBTQ+ acronym have been added to expand the inclusivity of our community further. No term will be perfectly inclusive, but our community wants to give everyone a voice. 

As we learn more about gender and sexual expression, the LGBTQIA+ meaning and acronym will change and evolve, too. The acronym isn’t typically standardized, so some communities may add additional gender or sexual identities, especially if they’re representing a community center or non-profit dedicated to those communities.

What Do The Letters in LGBTQIA+ Stand For?

The “LGBTQIA+” meaning of the letters represents different facets of our community. Each one stands for a gender or sexual identity, with the “+” at the end standing in for the many gender identities that aren’t included in this version of the acronym. 

Understanding the differences between these communities, like recognizing pride flags, might feel confusing at first. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure which community you identify with most closely–or if you aren’t sure about the differences between them YET. 

When it comes to how to be an ally, know that good faith questions and exploration of the differences within LGBTQIA+ – meaning you genuinely want to learn and understand – are always welcome!

L: Lesbian

Lesbians are women who are attracted to other women. Some lesbians do prefer being called “gay,” since “gay” can be an umbrella term for anyone attracted to the same sex. The lesbian community has always been at the forefront of LGBTQIA+ rights.

And they even helped spearhead feminist movements in the 1970s. 

Lesbian is one of the oldest terms in the acronym LGBTQIA+, meaning this term predates the 20th century. 

It originates from an ancient Greek writer Sappho of Lesbos, a woman who wrote passionately about the beauty of women and her attraction to them. The term “lesbian” first appeared in the 1800s to describe a woman who loved women, just as Sappho did.

G: Gay

Gay can be used as an umbrella term to refer to anyone who is attracted to a person of the same gender. 

Most frequently, though, “gay” refers to men who are attracted to other men. The gay community first embraced this term in the late 1960s. Before this, “gay” was a slur used to harm and degrade men in this community. 

The community embraced the word “gay” over words like “homophile” and “homosexual”, because it was a word that didn’t refer explicitly to sexual activity. The gay community has always been about love, so we chose a word that could hold all the love, not just sexual attraction.

B: Bisexual

Bisexual people are attracted to both men and women. 

Bisexual people were one of the earliest additions to the acronym we use today. The LGBTQIA+ meaning has grown, but we continue to honor the history of those who came before us, including the bisexual people who marched at the first gay rights marches. 

Bisexuality can sometimes be misjudged as a “pit stop” on the way to being gay, but it isn’t. While sexual identities can and do change over time, bisexuality is its own identity, not just a path to coming out as gay. Bisexual people sometimes have sexual histories that include both genders, sometimes just one, and sometimes neither. 

No matter what it looks like for you, your bisexuality is valid!

T: Transgender

The term “transgender” was first coined in the 1960s, and refers to anyone whose gender identity does not match the gender they were assigned at birth. This can include transwomen (women who were assigned male at birth), transmen (men who were assigned female at birth), and nonbinary people (who may have been assigned male or female at birth). 

The word “transgender” was advocated for by activists like Virginia Prince. They argued for it to replace “transexual,” since sex and gender are different concepts. 

Transgender people can make a number of gender-affirming choices. This might include the way you dress, getting prescribed hormone therapy, and/or gender-affirming surgeries. Many trans people also change their gender pronouns to align with their identity.

Just like with bisexuality, being gay, and being a lesbian, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to be trans. You are just as valid as anyone else, no matter how you choose to express your identity as a trans person.

Q: Queer/Questioning

The “Q” in LGBTQIA+ meaning can change, depending on who’s speaking and when you see this term appear. 

Now, the “Q” most commonly refers to “Queer,” another reclaimed word. Similarly to “gay”, “queer” is an umbrella term that can refer to just about anyone in the community. 

Many people prefer the term “queer” because it feels all-encompassing. Being queer isn’t about your gender or sexual identity, it’s about both. Queerness is sometimes seen in political movements because it’s about operating outside the norms.

“Q” can also refer to “questioning” – this means someone who is still exploring their gender or sexual identity. You are part of the community, even if you aren’t sure what to define yourself as just yet.

I: Intersex

Intersex individuals are born with both male and female chromosomes and/or sex characteristics. Intersex individuals are not trans, but their identities are often erased and shamed – much like other members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Not all intersex people identify with LGBTQIA+, meaning they may not feel that this community addresses their needs or feelings.

A: Asexual

Asexual – sometimes shortened to “ace” – people don’t feel sexual attraction at all. 

Asexual people can still feel romantic attraction, which means they might date, have long-term partners, or even get married. They also might choose to engage in a variety of sexual activities, or only have sex under certain circumstances. 

Asexuality is on a spectrum, like all gender or sexual identities within the umbrella of LGBTQIA+. Meaning, again, that there’s no “right way” to be ace. Asexuality is about your relationship to sex and sexuality, and it can be fluid or static, just like any other gender or sexual experience 

+ Plus 

Last, there’s a plus sign at the end of the LGBTQIA+ acronym, meaning anyone who is not listed in the acronym but still identifies as part of the community. These can include: 

• Two-spirit

• Non-binary

• Pansexual

• Demisexual

• Aromantic

• Genderfluid

• Agender

There are many more gender and sexual identities in the LGBTQIA+ community, since our understanding of ourselves and others is always changing and evolving.

Ready to Share the Pride and Be an Ally?

Being an ally isn’t about knowing all the LGBTQIA+ meanings, acronyms, important dates, and definitions. It’s about listening to and understanding the people in your life and standing up for them. Being an ally means allowing the people in your life to be fully themselves, without fear of judgment, harassment, or danger. 

And there’s no way to know someone’s gender or sexual identity by just looking at them, so ask! 

You can use gender-neutral pronouns until you know for sure what they’re comfortable with. You can also share your pride or allyship by wearing pride flag pins, stickers, or patches to let everyone know you’re a safe, welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

And remember that gender and sexual identity don’t exist in a vacuum. 

If you want to show added support and raise awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community, you can actively participate in special days like the International Transgender Day of Visibility, Harvey Milk Day, IDAHOBIT, Gay Pride Month, and many other days set aside to spread love and awareness. 

Get involved in creating safety and freedom for your community by volunteering for governmental movements or donating to gay rights activism organizations that are run by members of the community.

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Get to Know the Meaning Behind the Colors of Major Pride Flags

The use of colorful pride flags is a longstanding tradition in the LGBTQ+ community. And while many people have likely seen one or more of these flags, not everyone understands the symbolism and the story behind each one. 

We want to help you know the flags! Here’s your guide to many different pride flags, their meaning, and the communities they celebrate, starting with some of the most widely used ones.

Table of contents (click on the button you want to jump to a specific section)

• Gilbert Pride Flag

• 6-Color Pride Flag

• Progress Pride Flag

• Philadelphia Pride Flag

• Nonbinary Flag

• Bisexual Pride Flag

• Lesbian Flag

• Gay Men’s Pride Flag

• Leather Pride Flag

• Intersex Flag

• Asexual Flag

• Demisexual Pride Flag

• Graysexual Pride Flag

• Pansexual Flag

• Abrosexual Flag

• Polysexual Pride Flag

• Drag Feather Pride Flag

• Transgender Pride Flag

• Bigender Pride Flag

• Genderflux Pride Flag

• Demiboy Pride Flag

• Aromantic Pride Flag

• Maverique Pride Flag

• Genderqueer Pride Flag

• Ally Pride Flag

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Gilbert Pride Flag

You might be familiar with the six-colored rainbow flag that is widely used to represent the LGBTQ+ community. But did you know that this is a relatively new rendition of the original? 

The original flag (shown here) was designed by activist, veteran, drag queen, and artist, Gilbert Baker, and made its debut at the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade in 1978. He was inspired by the Rolling Stones song She’s a Rainbow, and the 1960s hippies movement, assigning each color with a specific meaning:

• Pink: Sex (later removed)

• Red: Life

• Orange: Healing

• Yellow: Sunlight

• Green: Nature

• Turquoise: Magic (later removed)

• Indigo: Serenity

• Violet: Spirit 

The evolution to the six-colored flag used today happened out of practicality. 

After the parade in 1978, demand for the Pride Flag increased, but the hot pink fabric was difficult to find in large quantities. Then, the Paramount Flag Company started making a version out of the standard rainbow colors to help meet demand, and a seven-color pride flag was the new norm.

A year later, the flag evolved once more…

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6-Color Pride Flag

In 1979, Baker was decorating street lamps along a gay pride parade route and wanted to split his now iconic flag colors between lamp posts. He dropped the turquoise stripe to have a flag that could be symmetrically split. 

By the ’80s, the Rainbow Flag was being mass-produced in multiple sizes, on clothing, and on accessories. It’s normally flown with the red stripe on top and has been a lasting symbol of acceptance, community, diversity, and love.

A version of the six-colored Pride Flag has been proudly hanging in the MoMA since June 26, 2015, the day the US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage.

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Progress Pride Flag

The LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag is an updated version of the traditional rainbow flag. It was designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018, in response to a need for a more inclusive symbol that acknowledges the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.

The Progress Pride flag features the traditional rainbow stripes but includes movement and a few new colors.

Pink and turquoise re-appear in this flag, but they have a different significance than they did in Baker’s original Pride Flag. The chevron of light blue, pink, and white stripes represents transgender and nonbinary individuals. Meanwhile, the black and brown stripes represent people of color within the LGBTQ+ community. 

These new additions are in the shape of an arrow on the left pointing to the right, which represents forward movement and the need for continued progress.

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Philadelphia Pride Flag

The Philadelphia Pride Flag is another variation of the traditional pride flag containing elements of the newest Progress Flag. It was designed in 2017 by artist Daniel Quasar. 

In addition to the six colors of the rainbow flag, the Philadelphia Pride Flag also features black and brown stripes at the top to represent LGBTQ+ people of color.

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Nonbinary Flag

A symbol of the nonbinary community—which includes individuals whose gender identity is not exclusively male or female—the Nonbinary Flag was created in 2014 by nonbinary activist Kye Rowan. 

The flag features yellow, white, purple, and black stripes. The yellow stripe represents gender outside of the binary, the white stripe represents those who identify with multiple genders, the purple stripe represents a combination of masculinity and femininity, and the black stripe represents those who identify as agender (those without a gender).

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Bisexual Pride Flag

The Bisexual Pride Flag was designed in 1998 by LGBTQ activist Michael Page as a symbol of those in the gay community who are attracted to more than one gender. The flag’s pink stripe represents same-sex attraction, while its blue stripe represents opposite-sex attraction, and its purple stripe represents a combination of both.

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Lesbian Flag

Noticing a lack of a universally recognized lesbian pride flag, Emily Gwen designed the Lesbian Pride Flag in 2018. It features seven shades of pink, orange, and red stripes, with a white stripe in the center. The pink and red stripes represent love and attraction to women, the orange stripe represents community, and the white stripe represents intersexuality.

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Gay Men’s Pride Flag

As the rainbow pride flag shifted to represent the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, there became a need to create a flag specifically for gay men. The design was proposed by a Tumblr user in 2019, and though it faced controversy at first (with accusations that it was transphobic and copied the lesbian flag), it was eventually accepted by the community. 

It features five colors (sometimes seven), ranging from green to white to purple. The green and turquoise colors represent community and healing. White represents gender nonconforming, transgender, and non-binary individuals. And the blue to purple colors represent love, diversity and fortitude.

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Leather Pride Flag

The Leather Pride Flag represents the leather subculture and other forms of fetish. Leather activist, Tony DeBlase, designed the flag in 1989 as a symbol of unity and pride for the community. 

A black stripe represents dedication to discipline and self-control, while a blue stripe represents the community’s commitment to openness and honesty. Finally, a white stripe symbolizes purity, with a heart in the corner of the flag representing love and connection with others.

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Intersex Flag

The Intersex Flag was created by intersex activist Morgan Carpenter in 2013 in response to a lack of visibility and understanding of those who do not conform to the standard gender binary. It was first flown at an Intersex Day event in Australia. 

The flag’s circle represents wholeness, while the yellow background represents gender neutrality. The purple represents the diversity of intersex people.

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Asexual Flag

The Asexual Pride Flag is a symbol of those who experience little to no sexual attraction. It was designed by asexual activist and artist David Jay in 2010 and features a set of four horizontal stripes in black, gray, white, and purple. 

The black stripe represents asexuality, the gray stripe represents ace and demisexual identities, the white stripe represents sexuality, and the purple stripe represents community.

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Demisexual Pride Flag

Demisexuals only experience sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional bond with another person. This community's flag was designed in 2010 by a member of the AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network) forum known as Alexander. 

This flag is an adaptation of the asexual flag. It aims to provide a visual representation of the demisexual identity and promote awareness of the community.

It features a black triangle on the left, which is a nod to the larger asexual community and is meant to represent a lack of sexual attraction. In contrast, the top white stripe symbolizes allosexuality, or the presence of sexuality. The bottom gray stripe symbolizes the gray-ace or graysexuality people in the community. This is meant to include those that fall somewhere between asexual and sexual, or who might not have a clearly defined sexuality. 

Finally, the purple strip in the middle divides the flag and touches all other colors. This is an ode to the purple color used by AVEN and, as in the asexual flag, it is meant to represent community.   

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Graysexual Pride Flag

Milith Rusignuolo designed the Graysexual Pride Flag in 2013 as a symbol of individuals who identify as asexual but don’t fall into the one of the primary types of asexuality. Typically, a person who identifies as graysexual experiences very little sexual attraction. 

Purple signifies someone who experiences no sexual attraction. The fade to white represents a signal experience of sexual attraction before shifting back to asexuality.

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Pansexual Flag

The Pansexual Pride Flag was designed by graphic designer and activist Evie Varney in 2010 to represent individuals attracted to people of all genders and gender identities. The pink stripe represents attraction to women, the blue stripe represents attraction to men, and the yellow stripe represents attraction to people of all other genders, including non-binary individuals.

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Abrosexual Flag

The Abrosexual Pride Flag, designed by Mod Chad from flags-for-us, is meant to represent those who have fluid sexual orientation and those whose sexual orientation might shift over time. 

It features a set of five horizontal stripes in shades of pink, white, and green. It’s unknown why these colors were chosen, but one Tumblr user shared their interpretation, “Green represents a queer attraction, the fade to white is for the in-between stage of attraction shifting, and pink is for the actual shift itself. Also, the colors match that of watermelon, which could be a fun pun on the /fluidity/ of our orientation.”

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Polysexual Pride Flag

The Polysexual Pride Flag represents people who identify with a polysexual identity—being attracted to multiple genders but not all genders. The flag was created by a Tumblr user known as "Samlin" in 2012. It features a set of three horizontal stripes in pink, green, and blue. The pink stripe represents attraction to women, the blue stripe represents attraction to men, and the green stripe represents attraction to non-binary or other gender identities.

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Drag Feather Pride Flag

The Drag Feather Pride Flag is a symbol of the drag community designed in 1999 by artist Sean Campbell. It features a golden phoenix meant to represent rebirth and the fiery passions that the drag community faced in the early years of the AIDS pandemic. 

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Transgender Pride Flag

The Transgender Pride Flag was designed by activist Monica Helms in 1999 to represent those whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The Transgender Flag features a set of five horizontal stripes in light blue, pink, and white. The light blue stripe represents the traditional color for baby boys, the pink stripe represents the traditional color for baby girls, and the white stripe represents non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals.

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Bigender Pride Flag

The Bigender Pride Flag is a symbol of the bigender community, which includes individuals who identify as having both masculine and feminine identities. The flag was designed by a member of the bigender community known as "Samuel" in 2011. The Bigender Pride Flag features a set of five horizontal stripes in shades of pink, lavender, white, light blue, and dark blue.

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Genderflux Pride Flag

In 2012, Tumblr user "campcounseling" designed the Genderflux Pride Flag to represent individuals who have experienced fluctuations in their gender identity over time. The Genderflux Pride Flag features a set of five horizontal stripes in shades of pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

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Demiboy Pride Flag

Another Tumblr user, known as "transrants,” created the Demiboy Pride Flag in 2015. This flag represents those who partially identify as male, but also identify outside of the binary gender system. The Demiboy Pride Flag has since been widely adopted by the demiboy community and is used to show pride and solidarity.

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Aromantic Pride Flag

The Aromantic Pride Flag represents individuals who experience little to no romantic attraction. It was created by a Tumblr user known as "cameronwhimsy" in 2014. It features five horizontal stripes: green, light green, white, gray, and black. 

Green and light green represent the spectrum of aromantic individuals, with green being on the opposite end of the color wheel to red (which is the color traditionally associated with romance). White represents platonic relationships. And black and gray represent those of other sexualities.

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Maverique Pride Flag

The Maverique Pride Flag represents those who are free to use any pronouns they like and express themselves in whatever way feels comfortable, regardless of gender. 

The flag features a set of three horizontal stripes in yellow, white, and orange. The yellow stripe is a color commonly associated with non-binary individuals, the white stripe represents freedom from gender binary, and the orange stripe represents the inner conviction and uniquity that Maverique persons express. It was designed by Tumblr user "microliths" in 2014.

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Genderqueer Pride Flag

The Genderqueer Pride Flag was designed by artist and activist Marilyn Roxie in 2011. It features a set of three horizontal stripes in lavender, white, and dark chartreuse. The lavender stripe represents androgyny and the combination of masculine and feminine traits, the white stripe represents agender identity, and the dark chartreuse stripe represents the unique identities and experiences of genderqueer individuals.

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Ally Pride Flag

The Ally Pride Flag represents straight or cis-gendered people who have recognized the discrimination that the LGBTQ+ community faces and stands with them. It unites the two communities with the black and white heterosexual colors as the background and a six-colored rainbow “A”, that stands for “ally”, in the center. 

Donate to Help SFGMC’s Pride Efforts

If you enjoyed this look at the many different LGBTQ flags, please take a moment today to help all of our educational and community involvement. Make a 100% tax-deductible donation to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus today to directly support our performances, programs, and our work toward creating an inclusive world for LGBTQ+ individuals.

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Harvey Milk Day: Honoring the Legacy of a Beloved Gay Activist

Harvey Milk Day is a California state holiday observed annually on May 22 (Milk's birthday). The day serves as a reminder of Harvey Milk and his legacy advocating for civil rights and the LGBTQ+ community. 

Let’s take this opportunity to learn more about the famous activist and how he helped transform the LGBTQ+ community into what it is today.

Who was Harvey Milk?

Harvey Milk will forever be known as the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. 

He was born in Woodmere, New York, in 1930 and moved to San Francisco in the early 1970s. He first ran for public office in 1973, throwing his hat in the ring for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. 

Milk lost that bid, but the following year, he became the co-owner of Castro Camera in San Francisco's Castro District. There, he became involved in several community organizations, including the Castro Village Association and the Gay Democratic Club.

In 1977, Milk ran for the Board of Supervisors again, and this time he won. As a Supervisor, Milk fought for the rights of the LGBTQ community, senior citizens, and other marginalized groups. 

In 1978, he helped defeat Proposition 6 (the "Briggs Initiative"), a statewide ballot measure that would have banned gay people from working in California public schools. That same year, Milk sponsored a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and housing, one of the earliest examples of gay rights legislation in the United States.

Inspirational Quotes from Harvey Milk

• "Hope will never be silent."

• "All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential."

• "Coming out is the most political thing you can do."

• "If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door in the country."

• "All men are created equal. No matter how hard they try, they can never erase those words. That is what America is about."

• "The only thing they have to look forward to is hope. And you have to give them hope. Hope for a better world, hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a better place to come to if the pressures at home are too great. Hope that all will be all right. Without hope, not only gays, but the blacks, the seniors, the handicapped, the us'es, the us'es will give up."

How Did Harvey Milk Die?

On November 27, 1978, Daniel White, a former member of the Board of Supervisors, assassinated Milk and San Francisco Mayor, George Moscone. 

Milk's death was particularly devastating for the gay community. His assassination was seen as a significant loss and a horrifying reminder of the violence and discrimination that LGBTQ+ people face. Moscone's death also shocked San Francisco, where he was widely respected as a progressive leader. 

In the wake of the deaths of Milk and Moscone, thousands of people took to the streets in protest. This eventually led to changes in California state law, including the elimination of the notorious "Twinkie Defense," which had been used by White's lawyers to argue that he was not entirely responsible for his actions.

Despite his short time in public office, Milk is remembered as a significant figure in the LGBTQ community. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

What Is the Harvey Milk Foundation?

In 2009, Stuart Milk and Anne Kronenberg founded the Harvey Milk Foundation to honor Harvey Milk's legacy and continue his work of promoting equality and social justice.

The nonprofit organization's mission is to empower LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and organizations to realize Milk's vision of a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The foundation achieves this by providing education, outreach, and advocacy programs.

One of the Harvey Milk Foundation's first achievements was helping to establish Harvey Milk Day. In 2009, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill creating the holiday after the foundation played a crucial role in advocating for it.

History of Harvey Milk Day

Since Milk died in 1978, people have fought to keep his legacy alive. May 22 was chosen as Harvey Milk Day because it marks Milk's birthday. It represents the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing fight for equality, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

In 2022, Governor Newsom signed a proclamation to recognize Harvey Milk Day as an official day of particular significance in California. Outside of the state, it is celebrated by activists for social justice around the world.

How You Can Celebrate Harvey Milk Day

Even if you don't live in San Francisco or the state of California, you can celebrate Harvey Milk Day by helping a variety of causes that benefit the LGBTQ+ community or other marginalized groups. Here are a couple of ways to honor Milk's legacy.

Donate to the Harvey Milk Foundation

The Harvey Milk Foundation relies on donations to continue its advocacy in memory of Milk. Make a donation to show your support for the foundation.

Take Time to Understand the Efforts of Harvey Milk

Harvey Milk will always be known as a tireless activist for the LGBTQ+ community, but he also advocated for senior citizens. He was a proponent of education, affordable childcare, and social justice. He dedicated his short life to the causes that were important to him. If you would like to honor his legacy, learn about and understand his efforts, then follow his lead in your community.

Harvey Milk and the SFGMC

In many ways, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus will be forever linked to the legacy of Harvey Milk. Here are some ways their shared history has intertwined over the years—and how SFGMC continues to honor Milk's legacy.

Milk was excited when Jon Sims founded the chorus in 1978. Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to hear the group perform. The chorus met for only its fourth rehearsal on the night of his assassination. The first public performance of SFGMC would be at a vigil for Milk, held at San Francisco City Hall.  

In 2013, SFGMC recorded I Am Harvey Milk and released it on CD. The album told the story of Milk's life in a style described as "part choral work, part theater piece." It later won the Soundtrack/Cast Recording award at the Independent Music Awards (IMAs).

In 2021, SFGMC created and awarded the first Give 'Em Hope Awards. Inspired by Milk's famous "Hope" speech, the Give 'Em Hope Awards recognize five artists. They each receive $1,500 to support an artistic project focusing on themes of hope. 

Donate to SFGMC

Like Harvey Milk, SFGMC works to promote acceptance and inclusivity. Make a donation to the cause today. 

All proceeds directly support our programs and performances and help create an inclusive and equal world for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Donate

Gender Pronouns: 5 Ways to Use Inclusive Language

Language is always evolving, playing an important role in how we understand the world, ourselves, and the people around us. As society’s understanding and acceptance of gender identity continues to grow, so does our use of more inclusive and accurate gender pronouns.

This helps create a welcoming and respectful environment for people of all genders.

If you’re new to the concepts of gender identity and inclusive language, here's a quick guide to using gender pronouns respectfully and accurately.

The Difference Between Sex and Gender

The terms sex and gender are often used interchangeably. However, they have distinctly different definitions that can have a significant impact on a person's life experiences and opportunities when used correctly or incorrectly.

Sex refers to the biological differences between males, females, intersex individuals, and hermaphrodites. This is identifying someone strictly by the reproductive organs and chromosomes they were born with or currently have. 

Gender, meanwhile, is a social construct. 

Gender refers to the social and cultural roles, behaviors, and expectations that are associated with the title “boy,” “girl,” “intersex,” “nonbinary,” etc., in a given community. There are over 90 recognized genders in 2023 (with a range of corresponding gender pronouns), each varying across different contexts and time periods. 

Gender can be assigned to someone by another person, or declared by an individual for themself.

Most importantly, though, gender identity is what someone feels is their gender.

While sex is typically expressed as male, female, intersex, or hermaphrodite, gender is a more fluid concept that encompasses a range of identities and expressions beyond the traditional binary definitions. 

What Is a Gender Pronoun?

Pronouns are words used to refer to someone in the third person—for example, in the English language we have he/him, she/her, and they/them. They are most often used to indicate the assumed sex of the person being referred to. They are tied to the binary concept of male or female, with "he/him" being used for males and "she/her" being used for females.

For example, you see someone who is woman-presenting and say, “I gave the book to her.”

But gender pronouns are also a way of respecting someone’s true gender identity, regardless of their assigned sex at birth or how they present to the public.  

The List of Common Pronouns

Understanding how to correctly use gender pronouns may feel like thinking back to elementary school English class. 

To help, here is a table with the most commonly used gender pronouns:

Person	Subject	Object	Dependent possessive	Independent possessive	Reflexive
First	I	Me	My	Mine	Myself
Second	You	You	Your	Yours	Yourself
Third (male)	He	Him	His	His	Himself
Third (female)	She	Her	Her	Hers	Herself
Third (gender neutral)	They	Them	Their	Theirs	Themself

5 Ways to Use Gender Pronouns Correctly

Most of us want to create a safe, friendly environment for the people in our community. By mindfully using gender pronouns and adopting inclusive language, we can make huge strides. 

When you use the wrong pronouns, it can be hurtful, invalidating, and even dangerous. 

For instance, misgendering a transgender person with their sex assigned at birth can contribute to feelings of gender dysphoria, depression, and anxiety. Misgendering also fosters an atmosphere where harassment and discrimination are normalized.

While you should strive to always use an individual’s preferred pronouns, mistakes are bound to happen. This is a process of learning and being open to correction. Here are five things you can start to do to use people’s correct gender pronouns.

1. Share Your Pronouns First

One of the best ways to easily learn other people’s preferred gender pronouns is to share your own first. This shows you support gender inclusivity and strive to create a more welcoming environment, without singling out an individual whose physical sex or gender may appear fluid.

• When you introduce yourself to someone new, try to remember to say your pronouns along with your name. 

• Include your pronouns in your email signature or update the bios of your social media profiles. Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Linkedin all have dedicated fields for preferred gender pronouns.

• If you find yourself leading a meeting or teaching a class, include your pronouns in your opening remarks or on the first slide.

The more this becomes the norm, the less shame or hesitation others might feel about sharing their preferred pronouns.

2. Use Gender Neutral They/Them as the Default

Gender is a complex and personal aspect of a person's identity. When we assume someone's gender or pronouns based on their appearance or other factors, we deny them the agency to express their identity, reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes. 

It’s important to note that someone’s preferred gender pronouns may not be obvious. 

Some people may be forthcoming about telling you their pronouns. Others may still be exploring their own gender identity and sexual orientation, not ready to publicly identify themselves to others. And others simply don’t want to share.

For you, the best course of action is to use gender-neutral pronouns such as “they/them.”

It works for all genders and can even be singular or plural, ensuring anyone you are speaking to will feel acknowledged.

3. Just Ask - When The Time is Right

The easiest and most respectful way to find someone's correct gender pronouns is to simply ask them what they prefer.

This comes with caveats, though.

First, you need to be aware of the environment and the present company. Would someone feel safe identifying themselves as trans, gay, non-binary, or anything outside of the CisHet norm (meaning they identify with the sex and gender they were born with and are attracted exclusively to the opposite sex)?

Put yourself in that person’s position. If you wouldn’t want to be singled out based on your sex, gender, or sexual orientation, it’s best to use gender-neutral pronouns. 

If it is appropriate, remember to ask for their gender pronouns in a respectful, non-judgmental way. When possible, asking in a private setting will help ensure the person feels more comfortable.

4. Be Genuine And Apologize if Needed

If you call someone by the wrong gender pronouns, simply apologize and correct yourself. 

Don’t draw attention to your mistake or make a big deal about your apology. After all, it’s not about you. It’s about making the person you’re talking to feel more comfortable. Show that you are making a genuine effort by using their correct gender pronouns in your new conversations and interactions. 

Most people will appreciate your efforts to correct your speech. But if you continually use an incorrect pronoun after they’ve corrected you, it will feel more like a personal slight. 

For example, imagine someone mispronounced your name and you corrected them. Despite that, they continue to pronounce your name incorrectly every time they see you. 

5. Support Groups that Promote Gender-Inclusivity

SFGMC is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in society. It’s our goal to help create a more respectful and empathetic environment where everyone can feel seen, heard, and valued. 

By offering free events and programs to the public, we are taking the onus of leading conversations around sex or gender off of individuals and letting them show up truly and completely as themselves.

But we can’t do it alone.

Please take the time today to support SFGMC and our continued efforts to promote acceptance and inclusivity. Make a 100% tax-deductible donation today! All proceeds directly support our programs and performances and help create an inclusive and equal world for LGBTQ+ individuals.

These five steps are simple, yet impactful ways to become more inclusive with your language. 

As traditionally marginalized groups gain more acceptance in mainstream society, the topics of gender pronouns and inclusive language will be new to some people. But you can lead by example and show others that it’s not difficult to use gender-neutral language and other people’s preferred pronouns.

It’s worth the effort.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do gender pronouns matter?

While pronouns can initially seem like a trivial matter (often to CisHet individuals), they make a big difference for others. Using someone’s preferred pronoun is a bit like taking the time to learn the correct pronunciation of their name. It demonstrates respect for their gender identity and lived experiences while creating a more inclusive, judgment-free, and welcoming environment.

What to do if you use the wrong pronouns?

If you have used the wrong pronoun for someone, it’s important to apologize and correct the mistake. Say, “I’m sorry, thank you for sharing that with me.” Then immediately start using the person’s preferred gender pronouns.

What is inclusive language?

Inclusive language is a form of speaking or writing in ways that avoid discriminatory, insensitive, or offensive speech. It seeks to be respectful toward individuals or groups with regard to their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, or other characteristics. Using inclusive language means striving to eliminate harmful stereotypes and biases that have been perpetuated by language over time. Using people’s preferred gender pronouns or gender-neutral pronouns are both examples of inclusive language.

What pronouns are gender-neutral?

The most commonly used gender-neutral pronouns are they/them. While some contend that this causes confusion as to whether a single person or a group is being referred to, this argument is often made in bad faith. The truth is “they” and “them" have been used as singular pronouns in the English language for centuries now.

Everything You Should Know About National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is observed annually on May 18th. This day was designated to promote awareness of the importance of HIV vaccine research and to recognize the efforts of scientists, healthcare professionals, and community members who are working towards finding an effective vaccine against HIV.

As declared by former President Bill Clinton in 1997, "only a truly effective, preventive HIV vaccine can limit and eventually eliminate the threat of AIDS." 

National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is a collaboration between the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, and other organizations working on HIV prevention, testing, and vaccine research.

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an infectious disease that attacks the immune system. If left untreated, progressive damage to the immune system can lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). 

HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.The most common modes of transmission are sexual contact, shared intravenous needles, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Anyone, despite sexual orientation or gender identity can be infected, so it’s important that everyone get’s tested regularly.

Is There a Vaccine for HIV?

There is currently no vaccine or cure for HIV. However, a class of medications known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively serves as a preventive vaccine. Along with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication. 

PrEP and PEP can be used by all people living without HIV. For those infected with HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has proven effective at suppressing the virus, allowing them to lead longer and healthier lives. 

Significant progress has been made in HIV vaccine research, and several potential vaccines are in various stages of clinical trials. Public awareness initiatives like HIV Vaccine Awareness Day present the opportunity for everyone to get caught up on the status of vaccine research.

What Can the Preventive HIV Vaccine Do?

PReP medications stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and fight off HIV before it can take root, essentially reducing the risk of contraction.

Some PReP drugs claim to reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99%, but as with all medical matters, sexually active people should consult their doctors to find the best preventive HIV vaccine for them.

How to Spread Awareness for the HIV Vaccine

Everyone can do their individual part to promote HIV vaccine awareness. Here's a look at some of the best and most effective actions you can take right now.

Take an HIV test

25% of HIV infections stem from people who are unaware they have it. Frequent testing is the best way to know your HIV status and help prevent the spread of the disease. 

Donate to organizations

Several LGBTQ+ and healthcare organizations work to promote HIV awareness. Donating to these groups is a great way to contribute to the HIV cause. The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus is one such organization, make a tax-free donation today.

Donate

Create a supportive environment

In the early years of the AIDS pandemic, stigma around HIV and AIDS delayed efforts to find treatments, vaccines, and a cure. When you create a supportive, understanding environment, you help us move closer towards a future free of HIV.

Support HIV Awareness by Donating to SFGMC

Whenever the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus performs, we sing for our former chorus members who were lost to the AIDS pandemic. We call this group our "Fifth Section," and we honor them through music and activism.

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus holds many events throughout the year to promote HIV awareness. Join our mission by donating today.

FAQs

When did the preventative HIV vaccine come out?

The FDA approved the first PReP HIV preventive vaccine in July 2012. Efforts for a vaccine to inoculate the population against HIV have been underway since 1987.

What is the problem with the HIV vaccine?

PReP medications do not provide immunity to HIV and must be taken regularly to be effective. As with any medication, there is a long list of potential side effects from taking PReP medications.

Can you get AIDS without HIV?

No. AIDS is a condition caused by an HIV infection. The idea that you can get AIDS without HIV is not backed by medical science and is one of the many misconceptions about the disease seen over the years.

Where did HIV come from?

The origins of HIV are believed to stem from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa. Some studies have shown the virus was transferred to humans through the consumption of infected meat in the late 19th century or early 20th century. However, the virus was not identified until the 1980s. The earliest known case of HIV in humans was detected in a blood sample from 1959. However, the virus likely circulated for decades in underdeveloped countries. In the early 1980s, HIV infection was almost entirely associated with the gay community. As the media and politicians pushed this false narrative, the disease spread to pandemic levels. Today, it is understood that HIV and AIDS can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

How do I know if I have HIV?

The only way to be sure you have HIV is to get tested. HIV testing has come a long way, and there are now several simple, confidential methods to learn your HIV status. This includes a blood test, an oral swab, or a finger prick test. They all detect the presence of HIV antibodies or the virus itself. Since many drugs can now treat HIV effectively, it's best to get tested regularly and seek appropriate medical care if a test shows you have the virus.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

The symptoms of HIV can vary from person to person. You may even have no symptoms, especially in the early stages of HIV infection. Flu-like symptoms are common among those with the virus, including a sore throat, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rashes are also common, particularly on the body's trunk. Lymph nodes may also become swollen, particularly those in the neck, groin, and armpits.

When is National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day?

The National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is held annually on May 18. To observe the day, look for events in your area that support the development of HIV vaccines. Share groups that work to prevent HIV infection on your social media feeds, and support those groups financially. One worthy example is the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.

Celebrating IDAHOBIT 2023

IDAHOBIT is coming up in the middle of May. 

The acronym might not roll off the tongue, but it’s a day of action that should be marked in the calendar of every queer person and ally across the US and beyond. 

Especially now, as our community suffers new and reemerging challenges, it’s important to celebrate the rights and freedoms that have been so hard won. IDAHOBIT is the day to do this, as we also work to fight the many ongoing battles faced by the LQBTQIA+ community. 

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus works tirelessly to lift every member of the community and amplify all our voices. This was true when the chorus was formed over four decades ago, and it remains true today.

What is IDAHOBIT?

Celebrated every year since 2005, IDAHOBIT is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. Sometimes, the name is expanded to include intersexphobia or modified to include lesbiphobia. Fighting both of these is well within the remit and core aims of IDAHOBIT.

Every International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, the international LGBTQIA community and its supporters work together to raise awareness around human rights, gender identity issues, and the many interconnected, ongoing international fights against discrimination of all kinds.

From public hearings in Brazil to rainbow flag parades in Spain, Ramadan iftars in Jordan, and a complete program of events at the UN in New York City, IDAHOBIT is celebrated worldwide. It’s a day for protest, progress, and celebration. 

When is IDAHOBIT?

IDAHOBIT is held on May 17th every year. The date remains constant no matter what day of the week it falls on because 17th May symbolizes hope for the LGBTQ+ community everywhere. It’s a date that proves positive change is possible because of its history. 

Why May 17th? 

On the 17th of May 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). 

While homosexuality remains illegal in many countries and homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and intersexphobia remain real and present issues, the WHO’s 1990 decision was a watershed moment for the queer community. 

IDAHOBIT offers a chance for members of that community to work together to promote equality and acceptance and raise awareness of the struggles they still face. Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, people are part of a wider struggle for equality and acceptance everywhere.

As a day designed around grass roots lobbying and decentralized action, IDAHOBIT is open to everyone. If you want to mark it, organize an event, or participate in something happening locally, you can be a part of the movement. 

IDAHOBIT is everyone’s opportunity to celebrate diversity and center the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

The History of IDAHOBIT

Although it was first officially celebrated in 2005 and commemorated the WHO’s 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from the ICD-10, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia has deep roots in history. 

Its DNA can be traced back to the late ’80s and early ’90s, when LGBTQ+ activists were focused on protesting against the discrimination, violence, and political and medical othering faced by members of their community.

From 2004-2005, the IDAHO committee pushed for May 17th to be recognized as a day of grass roots action for LGBTQIA+ rights. 

The first official IDAHOBIT was held on May 17th, 2005. At the time, the day was known as ‘IDAHO’, or the International Day Against Homophobia. Over the following years, the title was adjusted to be more inclusive. 

May 17th became IDAHOT, including trans rights explicitly in its fight, and then IDAHOBIT. Now, IDAHOBIT is understood to be a day dedicated to the rights of all people under the broad and welcoming LGBTQIA+ umbrella. 

Despite name changes, the core message of IDAHOBIT has remained the same; events held on May 17th aim to raise awareness of issues faced by the queer community and push for greater equality, acceptance, and inclusivity across society. It’s a chance to address the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community at a local, national, or international level. This flexibility comes from how the day of action is planned and managed. 

No longer organized by a central committee, IDAHOBIT encourages grass roots networks around the globe to take action in whatever way they can. As a collectively-managed event, it is designed to empower groups of all sizes to create change. 

What is the Official Theme of IDAHOBIT 2023?

The theme of the upcoming 2023 IDAHOBIT is “Together always: united in diversity”. 

This theme was chosen in consultation with LGBTQIA+ groups from around the world. As an open invitation to togetherness and community, “Together always: united in diversity” allows for the celebration of human rights defenders, a continued and unified fight for queer rights everywhere, the inclusion of community, and space for allies to join the movement.

As we continue to fight for acceptance across the spectrum of gender and sexuality, and the rights we thought were already secure appear to be in increasing jeopardy, working together is more important than ever. 

As a worldwide movement, we may not be able to gather together in the literal sense, but we are connected by a shared mission and a belief that the world could and will be a better place for LGTQIA+ people.

Wherever you are, however, you’re fighting for a better world, and we’re united in our mission.  

IDAHOBIT Celebrations Around San Francisco Bay Area

Of course, if you happen to be in the Bay Area, you can mark IDAHOBIT with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. 

The SFGMC stands with queer people and their allies around the world against homophobia, biphobia, interphobia, and transphobia. 

The history of the chorus is steeped in activism, action, and community building. These days, our mission to combat bigotry through the power of music is carried out from the Chan National Performing Arts Center in the queer heart of San Francisco– The Castro District. 

We welcome anyone into the chorus irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity, or race. All that matters is a passion for music and the ability to sing in tenor or base range. The SFGMC holds community outreach events throughout the year, as well as RHYTHM, our LGBTQIA+ inclusive elementary, middle, and high school music education program.

To stay up to date with SFGMC performances, community action, and plans for IDAHOBIT, join our newsletter today. Become a part of our community and help us change the world for the better this May 17th and every other day of the year too. 

Celebrate and Support International Transgender Day of Visibility

International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is a day to celebrate trans people and raise awareness about the issues faced by the trans community. 

Celebrations might be organized at the local or city level and take the form of marches, rallies, parades, or other community events. Social media campaigns have also played a part in spreading the word about TDOV worldwide.

If you’re ready to increase positive visibility for trans individuals this year, we have five great ideas that extend beyond one single day. But first, here’s a bit of history about the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

What Is International Transgender Day of Visibility?

Rachel Crandall, a transgender woman from Michigan, wanted to create a day that celebrated transgender people and their contributions to society. She also wanted a way to raise awareness of the discrimination and challenges faced by the transgender community and non-binary people.

Crandall knew of one day to recognize the challenges faced by the transgender community. But there was not a single day that celebrated their achievements. She imagined a day that would both raise awareness and promote acceptance and understanding of transgender people, their lives, and their experiences.

She wanted a day full of positive stories.

After sharing her hopes for a day of joy and celebration on Facebook, the very first International Transgender Day of Visibility event happened on March 21, 2009. It included a social gathering, a picnic, and a film screening later in the evening. 

From those humble beginnings, TDOV has grown to become observed by local governments, at the White House, and by people around the world. It is truly an international event bringing people together over shared life experiences and support.

Crandall's action at a local level resulted in international awareness. And today, International Transgender Day of Visibility still has room to grow.

Where Is It Recognized?

For over a decade, the International Transgender Day of Visibility has served as a day to stand in solidarity with the trans community. While U.S. states do not yet officially recognize it, many individuals, organizations, corporations, and local governments observe March 31 as an annual "trans day" event.

In 2019, San Francisco became the first city to officially observe the day when it issued a proclamation recognizing March 31 as International Transgender Day of Visibility. 

In 2021, New York City followed suit and issued a similar proclamation. 

In 2021, President Joe Biden also issued a presidential proclamation that stated in part, "(I) do hereby proclaim March 31, 2021, as Transgender Day of Visibility. I call upon all Americans to join in the fight for full equality for all transgender people."

5 Ways to Get Involved and Celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility

Recognition at a federal level helped spread the word about International Transgender Day of Visibility and solidify its place on our calendars. But, it’s still a movement that must first start in the hearts of individuals and local communities.

Ready to be an ally to trans people, starting right now? 

Here are five ways a single individual can make an impact and promote trans visibility.

1. Never Stay Silent

Make a pledge to yourself and all trans people to start speaking out against discrimination and transphobia when you witness it. Staying silent could endanger a trans person - or someone who loves a trans person. By showing others around you that you will not promote or tolerate transphobia, you can create safer, more comfortable social environments for everyone in your community. And this isn’t just something to do on International Transgender Day of Visibility - it’s something you can carry with you for the rest of your life.

Want to take it a step further? 

Work with your local and state governments and advocate for laws that promote trans rights. There are multiple bills being proposed that could infringe on the rights of transgender youths, and it takes you, as a voting citizen, to help stop them.

2. March and Shop With Pride

If you look more carefully, you will likely find multiple ways to support trans people within your own town or neighborhood: 

• March with parades and proudly celebrate Pride Month. 

• Help start pride month celebrations in your community if they don’t already exist. 

• Support trans-owned businesses, making an effort to purchase products or services from those companies (online and in-person).

• Accompany a trans friend to any and all of the above events to ensure that they feel safe and supported in pursuit of expressing themselves

3. Become a Patron of the (LGBTQIA+) Arts

The LGBTQIA+ art community is a great way to learn more about the trans community and other marginalized groups. You can contact local galleries and venues to see if they support trans artists and musicians. 

Or, you can support online by finding trans creators, advocates, and artists. Follow them, save and share their content, and buy or donate when you are inspired by their work.  

Local to San Fran?
The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus hosts the Reaching Youth Through Music (RHYTHM) program in many elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the Bay area. RHYTHM promotes awareness and visibility for marginalized groups, including trans youths, through the unifying power of music. 

4. Start a Donation Campaign

International Transgender Day of Visibility is a great excuse to start a donation effort amongst your friends. Start a virtual effort online, or host a party on March 31 and have a silent auction, with all the proceeds going to a nonprofit that’s helping uplift the trans community. 

Multiple organizations offer free support for trans individuals. For example, The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus does community outreach into local schools, where we can bring a positive impact to young people. Any contribution helps us continue our mission, as we and most other LGBTQIA+ and transgender groups are nonprofits that rely solely on donations and volunteers. 

If donating money isn’t an option for you, you can donate time. Find a trans support organization or community and reach out to see how you can get involved.

5. Learn How to be an Ally and Advocate

Here at The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, we’re passionate about sharing our message and mission with the world. And International Transgender Day of Visibility is the perfect opportunity to do so.

If you’re ready to help make a positive impact on your community and your country, learn how to become an LGBTQ+ ally.

Will You Help Us Spread the Word?

The International Transgender Day of Visibility is an example of how a great idea can start with just one person and grow to become an international phenomenon. 

But the work isn’t done. Trans people should feel safe, supported, and celebrated every day of the year. 

Trans rights organizations and LGBTQ+ groups can't continue their mission without your support. If you’d like to take action, make a 100% tax-deductible donation to The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus today! All proceeds directly support our community programs and performances, helping create an inclusive and equal world for all LGBTQ+ individuals.

Donate

24 Fun & Unique Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco is known for a lot of things, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, world-class food, and a diverse entertainment scene. When visiting the majestic bay city, it can be easy to run out of time when you’re trying to see it all. So we’ve compiled a list of the top 24 must-see attractions that will make your visit unforgettable.

1. Lift Your Spirits at One of SFGMC’s Upcoming Concerts

What do Disney, Elton John, and the Wizard of Oz all have in common? They are all on our calendar for season 45 of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus! Don’t miss out on the magic as we revive timeless classics alongside a 30-piece orchestra, touching on themes like love, LGBTQ+ pride, and family ties.

Since 1978, SFGMC has been at the front lines of the gay liberation movement, inspiring activism and empowering the LGBTQ+ community through music. Experience one of our moving performances and take part in the battle towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Join us this year! 

2. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts

One of the most picturesque places in the entire country, the Palace of Fine Arts was modeled after an ancient Greek temple complex and is surrounded by a swan-filled lagoon and lush parklands. Located in the Marina District, it's a favorite for weekend picnics as well as a top spot for wedding photography sessions. 

3. Enjoy the Biggest LGBTQ+ Events in SF

San Francisco is the undisputed capital of LGBTQ+ culture in the United States. That means that no list of the top things to do in San Francisco would be complete without a breakdown of the best of the bunch in terms of LGBTQ+ Events.

From the Castro Street Fair in October to the Folsom Street Fair in September, the Up Your Alley fest in July, to the massive San Francisco PRIDE festival and parade in June, there are world-class LGBTQ+ events all year long. For those looking for something more fringe, don't miss Frameline and the Fresh Meat Festival, both in June.

4. Take a Stroll Through the San Francisco Botanical Garden

Featuring the native flora from not just biodiverse California, but many different ecosystems around the world, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon in the city. And because it’s located within Golden Gate Park, the SFBG is close to many other major attractions.

5. Celebrate Black Cultures Through a Global Lens with the Museum of African Diaspora

Dedicated to telling the story of Black culture through the lens of the displacement of Africans, a visit to the Museum of the African Diaspora is one of the most unique, fascinating, and educational things to do in San Francisco. 

6. Experience the Ultimate Surround Sound at San Francisco Symphony’s Film Nights

From Star Wars to Fantasia, join the world-renowned San Francisco Symphony as they play along to blockbusters and classics on the big screen. Remember that the SFGMC also does classic soundtracks, including Disney, throughout the season.

7. Dine in One of SF’s Many LGBTQ-Owned Restaurants

San Francisco has dozens of top-notch restaurants owned and managed by LGBTQ people. From Chef Kasem Saengsawang's Farmhouse Thai to Mat Schuster’s Canela Bistro and Wine Bar, choosing where to eat is the only problem you will face!

8. Indulge Your Passion for the Arts at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

One of the top things to see in San Francisco for visitors of all backgrounds, the  San Fransisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a palace of creative delights. From works by masters like Picasso and Miro to top local artists, you will not be disappointed here.

9. Get to Know the Man Behind the Mouse at the Walt Disney Family Museum

Located in the lush Presidio complex, the Walt Disney Family Museum is one of the most eclectic things to do in San Francisco. Learn about the personal and family life of America's most famous cartoonist.

10. Celebrate the Impact of LGBTQ+ Trailblazers at the Rainbow Honor Walk

Follow the plaques dedicated to heroes of the LGBTQ+ movement through the colorful streets of the Castro District on the Rainbow Honor Walk. The Castro District was one of the first gay neighborhoods in the US and home to a famous gay rights activist, Harvey Milk. Today, the neighborhood remains one of the most well-known symbols for LGBTQ+ activism and hosts exciting LGBTQ+ events year-round.

Don’t miss out on this thrilling, colorful experience!

11. Visit the Heart of SF at the Golden Gate Park

One of the greatest urban green spaces in the entire country, Golden Gate Park is a verdant playground that stretches from the Haight-Ashbury district all the way to the Pacific Ocean. 

This epic urban park is also home to several top things to do in San Francisco including the California Academy of Sciences), the de Young Museum, the Conservatory of Flowers,  and the Japanese Tea Garden.

12. Discover a New Page-turner at City Lights Bookstore

One of the most important things to do in San Francisco for book lovers is to visit City Lights Bookstore, in North Beach. This pioneering bookshop and publisher helped launch the beat poetry movement and remains at the heart of the city's literary scene.

13. Nurture Your Child’s Imagination at the Children’s Creativity Museum

Located in the Yerba Buena Gardens, the Children's Creativity Museum is a must-stop for those with little ones in San Francisco. It offers interactive, hands-on activities for children aged 2- 12 years old that inspire creative confidence and problem-solving skills. With an Animation Studio for kids 5 and up, an Imagination Lab for younger ones, and a carousel for everyone, your children can expand their minds and enjoy San Francisco as much as you! 

14. Connect to the Community at the San Francisco LGBT Center

Located on Market Street, the San Francisco LGBT Center is a non-profit that serves all members of the gay, lesbian, and transgender communities. If you’re looking to connect with the LGBT community, this business has a broad network of organizations that they can get you in touch with. Additionally, the LGBT Center has a robust calendar of events and activities of its own that you should check out. 

15. Hitch a Ride with the San Francisco Love Tours

Jump into a brightly painted hippy bus and take a tour of the city by the bay that hearkens back to the Summer of Love. One of the most iconic things to do in San Francisco, besides checking out an SFGMC performance of course. The love tour is a blast from the past.  

16. Order an Irish Coffee from Its Birthplace: The Buena Vista

Established in 1916 and located on Hyde Street, Buena Vista is famous for its creation of Irish coffee. It’s said that in the 1950s, the cafe owner and a travel writer for the San Francisco Chronicle collaborated to make the drink and tried numerous different concoctions before settling on the recipe that Buena Vista still uses today. 

But that’s not all Buena Vista has to offer, it’s a great place to go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing a wide array of different delicacies. 

17. See One of the Most Extensive Collections of Asian Art at the Asian Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum was founded by Olympian Avery Brundage in the 1960’s and is famous for its vast collection of ancient masterpieces. With over 18,000 works of art, some being as old as 6,000 years, the Asain Art Museum is an absolute must-see when visiting San Francisco.

You can expect to see a broad range of creations, including sculptures, jades, painted landscapes, elaborate goldwork, woodblock prints, and more when you tour the magnificent building. Among these incredible treasures, you’ll find great representations of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, South Asian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian arts.

18. Get the Complete Tiki Experience at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

Located in the Fairmont Hotel, the world-famous Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar offers an incredible experience to everyone who’s okay with a little bit of rain! With a tiki-themed lounge and a blue lagoon, this unique restaurant opened in 1945. It’s full of lively dancing and music and features Polynesian-fusion-style cuisine with beachy rim drinks.

But keep in mind that a few times every hour, the dining venue gets a little “surprise” thunder and lightning storm.

19. Go For a Hike on the Historic Angel Island

Located in the center of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island offers great views of Alcatraz, San Francisco, the bridges, and more. But beyond its prime location and ideal hiking and biking trails, this island is a fascinating place to visit for those interested in history. 

It housed an immigration and deportation facility during WWII, which detained hundreds of thousands of Japanese and Chinese immigrants. Now, you can tour the abandoned military buildings and the immigration museum itself and learn all about the conditions in which these immigrants were unfairly kept before their release.

You can get to Angel Island by the Golden Gate Ferry, which is in operation 7 days a week.

20. Attend a Show at the Iconic Castro Theatre

The Castro Theatre was built in 1922 on Castro Street and became a San Francisco historic landmark in 1976. Its located at the core of the Castro District and is a wonderful part of the lively LGBTQ+ culture. It plays a wide range of films and, in recent years, has been the site for several gala tributes to famous Hollywood actors, including Sandra Dee, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Curtis, and more.

21. Learn Something New at the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium originally opened in 1969 at the Palace of Fine Arts; however, it moved to Piers 15 and 17 in 2013. It was founded by Frank Oppenheimer, a physicist and university teacher, with the goal to teach the public about science. What he originally created as a “library of experiments” for his university students to explore science at their own pace became the model he used to open the Exploratorium.

Today, you can visit the Exploratorium and people of all ages can get hands-on learning experiences on how to build things like windmills, bottle racers, head harps, and more!

22. Strap on Your Skates and Attend the Church of 8 Wheels

Have you ever skated in a church? Well, it just so happens to be the ideal spot to get your groove on with friends. 

One of the few historical relics to survive the 1906 earthquake, the Sacred Heart Catholic Church was originally constructed in 1898 but closed in 2005 due to high maintenance and refitting costs. In 2013, David G. Miles Jr. transformed the gorgeous landmark into a disco-themed roller skating rink called the Church of 8 Wheels. It provides the ultimate skating experience and weekend activity. You can’t leave San Francisco without skating amidst magnificent stained-glass windows and disco lights.

23. Take a Walk on the Wild Side at the San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo is on 100 acres of land located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco. Home to more than 2,000 endangered, exotic, and rescued animals, this exciting destination boasts a wide variety of unique and thrilling exhibits. When you visit, you see things like the penguin feedings, lemur forest, African savannah, an open aviary, and much more.

24. Discover the History of Comics at the Cartoon Art Museum

Established in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum is the only museum in the Western US that specializes in the exhibition of all cartoon art forms. At this fun stop, you can check out everything from old comic strips to anime to political cartoons. Finish out your trip to San Francisco with a bang by visiting this landmark for cartoon history.

No Matter What You Do in SF, Make Sure You Have Fun!

From world-class museums to raging street festivals, the bay city has it all. No matter what your interests are, there are exciting destinations that you’re guaranteed to love. And even if you don’t hit every spot on your list, you can always come back and experience the gorgeous city all over again. 

Take some time when you’re planning your trip to see what events are happening so that you can make sure you’re enjoying your vacation to the fullest. For example, Pride Month is in June and San Francisco is the ideal place to go support the LGBTQ+ community! 

Start your pride celebrations out strong by attending an upcoming SFGMC concert. Join us for our 45th season and experience the magic as we perform timeless Disney classics!

SFGMC Partnerships to Promote the LGBT Community

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.

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The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Pride Month in 2023

Pride Month is coming up—a time when we get to look back at the challenges and victories that the LGBTQ+ community has faced and celebrate how far we’ve come in achieving equality and the freedom to express ourselves. 

So how can you get in on the celebration? 

In this guide, we’ll go over why Pride Month is so important and talk about the best ways to take part in the fun!

What Is Pride Month?

Each year, we celebrate Pride Month in remembrance of the Stonewall Riots, which were pivotal points in the United States gay liberation movement. Though the Stonewall Riots were not the first time the LGBT community stood and fought for their rights, it remains one of the most recognized benchmarks of the LGBTQ movement. The uprising took place in Manhattan, in June 1969, when police raided the notoriously gay-and-lesbian-friendly nightclub called Stonewall Inn. 

Protestors took to the streets and for six long days, neighborhood residents and bar patrons violently clashed with law enforcement. They refused to let the oppression faced by the gay community continue and demanded the freedom for each person to be open about their sexual orientation without fear of imprisonment.

This sentiment was not only echoed throughout the United States, but the entire world could feel the need for change. So now, we celebrate Pride Month– marching in the streets and relishing in the freedom that we once didn’t have.

When Is Pride Month?

Though many cities hold Pride events at other times of the year, Pride Month is nationally recognized in June. Across the country, people rise up in celebration, finding fun ways to shout out to the world that they’re proud to be an ally or a part of the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, every year (except during the Trump-Pence administration), the U.S. Embassy flies the Pride flag in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

One of the best places to celebrate Pride is in San Francisco. San Francisco has one of the biggest Pride Month celebrations in the world, taking place in June and culminating in the massive Pride Festival and Parade that takes over Market Street. 

What Is the Pride Symbol?

The universal symbol of Pride is the rainbow flag. It was designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker of San Francisco as a representation of inclusivity that embraces all the different identities included in the LGBTQ+ movement. Since then, it has been updated to include other groups that are often overlooked in the movement. The rainbow flag is now flown at Pride and other LGBTQ+ events around the world. It symbolizes inclusivity, resistance against oppression, and celebration of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle and movement.

5 Ways To Celebrate Pride

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, often called simply LGBTQ+, has many ways to celebrate Pride. Here are some of our favorites:

Take Part in a Pride Parade

Pride parades and other Pride events occur year-round in cities and towns across the country and the world. Pride parades, in particular, are the highlight of most pride celebrations around the world and are loads of fun to participate in. Take a look at the global listing of Pride events and parades published by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association for something near you! 

Learn About LGBTQ+ Literature, Television, and Film

The LGBTQ+ community has produced a wide range of literature, television shows, and films in the last couple of decades. Much of it is dedicated to their struggle against discrimination and oppression and revolves around activist themes.

Check out this list of the top books by LGBTQ+ authors to get started learning more today. Or if you’re looking for something more binge-worthy, here is a list of LGBTQ+ television series to watch this Pride month and here is a top list of the best LGBTQ+ movies ever made. Enjoy!

Give to LGBTQ+ Nonprofits

Many LGBTQ+ nonprofits rely on donations and gifts from supporters to keep doing the important work they do for the community. This includes fighting against discrimination and helping members of the community who are disadvantaged in different ways. Consider giving to LGBTQ+ communities to help keep the momentum going. The SFGMC annual fundraising drive is underway right now; click here to help us keep producing great music. 

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Learning the History of Pride Month

Learning about the Stonewall riots and important figures in the gay liberation movement, like Harvey Milk, is also a meaningful way to support the LGBTQ+ movement and celebrate Pride Month. Here is a great list of LGBTQ+ resources you can draw from to learn about the history of Pride Month and why we should all attend and show our support. 

Wear LGBTQ+ Friendly Clothing

When you wear LGBTQ+-friendly clothing, you publicly support the movement and help us advance the cause by making it more mainstream. Many shops in San Francisco and online specialize in LGBTQ+ clothing, including the Gay Pride Apparel shop. Get colorfully fitted for the next Gay Pride parade and festival. 

Learn the Different Flags and What They Mean

Flags serve as sociopolitical representations of visibility, community, and belonging. Throughout the country, you may have seen a variety of Pride flags at community celebrations and festivals, outside homes and businesses, on sidewalks, and even flown over Congressional buildings. Each flag represents a different group within the LGBTQ+ community and by learning what each of them means, you can help everyone feel more seen. 

Support the LGBTQ+ Community

The LGBTQ+ community is vibrant and creative and has overcome many obstacles, but there is still much more work to do. Consider supporting the SFGMC this Pride Month with a one-time or annual donation today!

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FAQs

What happens during Pride Month?

Pride Month is full of festivals and celebrations, as well as events like film festivals, book readings, and talks that celebrate the LGBTQ+ movement. Different cities and countries celebrate Pride differently, but the most common form of celebration is a parade that takes over the streets and fills them with music and dancing. This carnival of color and fun actually has its roots in the street protests that broke out after the Stonewall raids in New York City in 1968. Now, Pride parades are the cornerstone of Pride Month pretty much everywhere in the world.

How Do I Celebrate Pride Month as an Ally?

Allies are not only welcome but essential to the LGBTQ+ movement. They help us get our message to the mainstream and act as front-line support for our cause when it comes to protests, demonstrations, and other actions against discrimination. Allies show up for the LGBTQ+ community when there are incidents that require massive numbers of support and to celebrate with us, which is usually a lot of fun.

When Did Pride Month Start?

Pride Month started in June 1968 with the Stonewall riots in New York City. It has been celebrated annually since then. In 1999, President Bill Clinton declared June the official Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in honor of these riots and the Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement that was born from them. In 2011, President Barack Obama expanded the definition of Pride Month to include the entire spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community.

19 Influential Gay Musicians From Throughout the Decades

Today, the LGBTQ+ community can look to several gay musicians for inspiration, but that wasn’t always the case. Several pioneering openly gay singers paved the way from a time when sexual orientation wasn’t a topic for public discussion. 

Indeed, these famous gay musicians faced tremendous backlash and damage to their careers because of their honesty and openness.

As we explore queer performance art, we pay homage to those who came before us. In this piece, we’ll list some of the most influential names in the queer art movement and their impact on our past and present.

Being an Openly Gay Musician

Undoubtedly, the entertainment industry has come a long way in accepting and representing LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it wasn't always this way, especially for musicians.

Coming out as a gay musician in the 20th century was no small feat. It required immense courage and determination, especially when the music industry was predominantly hetero-normative. 

Sexuality was not only a taboo topic for public discussion but could also result in alienation from fans and even cause damage to one's career. As such, many gay musicians chose to keep their sexual orientation hidden for fear of retribution. 

Take Bruce Wayne Campbell (known by his stage name Jobriath), for example. He was not only one of the first openly gay rock musicians to get signed to a big record label, but tragically, he was also one of the first internationally famous musicians to die of AIDS. Despite tremendous talent, he also came up against severe backlash for his sexuality.

Music Activism as a Tool for Change in the LGBTQ+ Community

In the face of such challenges, many gay musicians turned to music activism to advocate for their rights and create change. Over the decades, gay musicians have utilized music's power to connect people and spread important messages, and the LGBTQ+ community and gay history are no exception.

Through their songs and performances, these courageous individuals were able to shed light on important issues and promote love, tolerance, and acceptance. They used their platforms to speak out against discrimination and fight for equal rights for all.

Now, let's turn our attention back to musicians like Jobriath, who are or were openly gay in the music industry. Their bravery and willingness to be themselves have helped pave the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ artists. They serve as a reminder that it is possible to thrive as a musician while being true to oneself.

19 Famous Gay Musicians

Now, here’s a look at 19 of the other most influential gay musicians throughout the decades.

1. Benjamin Britten

Benjamin Britten is one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. He was also open about his homosexuality in a time and place where being gay was heavily stigmatized and illegal. In 1953, Britten was among the signers of a letter to a newspaper called The Observer, which demanded decriminalizing homosexuality, which was then punishable by imprisonment in the UK.

Many of Britten’s songs were dedicated to his lover and muse, Peter Pears. Some of Britten's works, such as his opera Peter Grimes, dealt with themes of persecution and social exclusion, making him an early advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility.

2. Akihiro Miwa

Japanese cabaret performer, singer, actor, drag queen, and social activist Akihiro Miwa began his career as a cabaret performer in the 1950s, quickly gaining notice for his androgynous appearance. Miwa's performances often included a mix of Japanese and English, along with extravagant costumes and makeup.

As an openly gay performer in a largely conservative society, Miwa's activism has promoted greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ people in Japan. He has been a vocal proponent of same-sex marriage and has spoken out against discrimination and harassment.

3. Little Richard

Richard Wayne Penniman was born in 1932 and began singing in church at an early age. In the early 1950s, he began performing in clubs and bars, developing the stage persona Little Richard.

Today, many artists and historians recognize Little Richard as a very influential figure in the rock and roll space. As one writer put it, such recognition eluded him in his heyday because he was “too black, too queer, too holy” for mainstream acceptance in the 1950s.

Despite his rock and roll success with hits like “Tutti Frutti” and “Lucille,” Little Richard remained connected to the church throughout his career, even becoming a minister in 1957. He later returned to secular music but continued to draw on his religious beliefs in his music. Little Richard passed away on May 9, 2020, at the age of 87.

4. Sir Elton John

Singer, songwriter, and pianist Sir Elton John is one of the most successful and influential musicians ever, with over 300 million records sold worldwide. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, John began playing the piano at a young age.

In the 1960s, John established himself in London bars and clubs, eventually earning a record deal in 1969. His 1970 self-titled album started a long run of commercial hits, including “Your Song,” “Rock Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Crocodile Rock,” and “I’m Still Standing.”

Since the 1980s, John has become equally well-known for his philanthropic efforts, including his work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Now, he is widely considered one of the most successful and influential gay musicians of all time, winning five Grammy Awards to date and an Academy Award for his work on the soundtrack for the film The Lion King.

5. Freddie Mercury

As Queen shot to fame in the 1970s on the strength of hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “We Are The Champions,” the focus was on their flamboyant lead singer, Freddie Mercury. His powerful vocals and eclectic stage style combined elements of rock, pop, opera, and even more esoteric styles.

In the late 1980s, Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS, a highly stigmatized and misunderstood disease. His death at age 45 in November 1991 shocked millions of fans. But it also led to a greater understanding of the effects of the disease, bringing visibility to the issue outside of the gay community. Today, Mercury is seen as a pioneering figure for LGBTQ+ visibility.

6. George Michael

English singer, songwriter, and producer George Michael rose to fame as a member of the pop duo Wham! With hits such as "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Careless Whisper," and "Last Christmas." In 1987, he began a solo career with the album Faith, which spawned even more worldwide hits like the title track, “Father Figure,” and “One More Try.”

In the 1990s, Michael became involved in HIV/AIDS activism after his partner, Anselmo Feleppa, died from AIDS-related complications. He worked tirelessly to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, often donating the proceeds from his concerts to charities supporting people with the disease. In 1992, he performed a version of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" with Elton John at a benefit concert for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Michael, one of the most popular gay musicians of his time, passed away on December 25, 2016, but his music and LGBTQ+ activism continue to inspire fans.

7. Rob Halford

Rob Halford is best known as the lead vocalist of the British heavy metal band Judas Priest. Halford came out as gay in a 1998 interview with MTV News, making him one of the first well-known heavy metal musicians to identify as queer openly. He initially feared that revealing his sexual orientation would alienate Judas Priest’s fanbase, known for its masculine and macho image.

However, Halford’s fears proved unfounded—he was widely praised for his courage and honesty. He continued to perform with Judas Priest, and the band’s popularity grew. His coming out is now seen as a pivotal moment toward greater acceptance and LBGTQ+ visibility in the metal community.

8. Big Freedia

Big Freedia is the “Queen of Bounce,” a style of music that originated in New Orleans and is characterized by uptempo beats. Their influence on music, specifically in the hip-hop and R&B space, was solidified with their collaborations with artists like Beyonce (on “Formation”) and Drake (several songs, including the chart-topper “Nice For What”).

Big Freedia’s music has long celebrated Black, queer, and transgender culture. Their platform extended to TV after appearing in the reality TV show Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce on the Fuse network. 

9. Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X shot to fame in 2019 when his country-rap song “Old Town Road” topped numerous charts across genre lines. Shortly afterward, he came out as gay in “c7osure.” He then endeared himself to fans by openly and honestly discussing his difficulty in accepting his own sexual orientation.

In an interview with Gayle King, Lil Nas X detailed his long journey to self-love and acceptance. He has since been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, making him an inspiring figure to many young people seeking approval. 

Now, Lil Nas X is known for his willingness to embrace his true self, even in the face of intense media criticism, making him a symbol of hope and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community—or fans of any sexual orientation.

10. Ricky Martin

Known worldwide as the "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer, Ricky Martin came out as gay in 2010. He admitted to staying quiet for years due to fear of damaging his career but ultimately decided living authentically was more critical.

Since coming out, Martin has actively supported LGBTQ+ rights and even established his own foundation, The Ricky Martin Foundation, to advocate for children's well-being and human rights.

11. Sam Smith

Sam Smith rose to fame with their soulful voice and hit songs like "Stay With Me" and "Writing's On The Wall." In 2014, they came out as gay, and in 2019, as non-binary and genderqueer, using the pronouns they/them.

Since then, Smith has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used their platform to raise awareness about the community's issues. They have also been open about their struggles with body image and mental health, using their music to spread messages of self-love and acceptance.

 12. Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is an Australian singer, actor, and YouTuber who came out as gay to his fans in a heartfelt YouTube video in 2013. He has since become a prominent figure in pop music, known for his catchy songs like "One of Your Girls" and "Rush." 

Along with being a gay musician, Sivan is also an actor, and with both his music and acting, he hopes to "make a better world for LGBT people that are to come."

13. MNEK

MNEK, whose real name is Uzoechi Osisioma "Uzo'' Emenike, is a British singer, songwriter, and producer who publicly came out as gay at 18. He has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry and has worked with numerous artists, including H.E.R., Selena Gomez, and Beyonce, as a songwriter and producer. 

In 2019, MNEK created a one-of-a-kind songwriting camp for LGBTQ+ singer-songwriters in association with Pride in Music.

14. Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert's first claim to fame was being the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol. In 2009, he came out as gay in an interview with Rolling Stone. Since then, he has become a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his powerful vocals and dynamic performances. 

Lambert's career has included solo albums, collaborations with Queen, and a successful residency in Las Vegas. He was honored with the GLAAD Media Award in 2013 for promoting equality through his music. 

15. Clay Aiken

Clay Aiken gained fame as the runner-up on the second season of American Idol in 2003. While he didn't publicly come out as gay during the competition, he later confirmed his sexual orientation in a 2008 interview with People magazine. Aiken's music career includes several successful albums and Broadway performances, making him a notable LGBTQ+ artist.

16. Rufus Wainwright

Known for hits like his cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and "Going to a Town," Rufus Wainwright has been openly gay since the start of his career. His music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and identity from a queer perspective. Wainwright's authenticity and talent have made him a beloved figure in both the music and LGBTQ+ communities.  

17. Lance Bass

Lance Bass skyrocketed to fame as one of five members of the iconic boyband *NSYNC. While he initially avoided questions about his sexuality, Bass came out as gay at the age of 27 in a 2006 interview with People magazine. Since then, he has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and was even honored with the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award in 2006. 

In 2014, Bass married his partner, Michael Turchin, and their wedding became the first same-sex ceremony broadcast on cable television. 

18. MIKA

MIKA (Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr.) is a British-Lebanese singer-songwriter known for his colorful pop music and energetic performances. He has publicly identified as gay since 2012 and has also served as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. 

MIKA's debut album, "Life in Cartoon Motion," included hits like "Grace Kelly" and "Love Today," which showcased his unique style and charisma. His fun, danceable music often explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and embracing one's true identity.

19. Barry Manilow

After keeping his sexuality a secret for decades, beloved singer-songwriter Barry Manilow came out as gay in 2017 at the age of 73. He revealed that he feared disapproval from his fans but ultimately decided to speak his truth and live openly with his partner and now-husband, Garry Kief, whom he married in 2014.

Known for classic hits like "Copacabana" and "Mandy," Manilow's music has touched the hearts of millions around the world. He continues to perform and share his talents with fans, proudly living as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.  

Musical Activism: Donate to Keep Music Alive

Thanks to the bravery of these gay musicians (and many others), the LGBTQ+ community today has more mainstream acceptance than ever before. But struggles with prejudice and visibility remain. We need your support so we can keep making progress. 

Please consider donating to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus today to help keep the music alive and support the LGBTQ+ choral movement.

The SFGMC has recently moved to The Chan National Queer Arts Center; learn more about the Nation’s first LGBTQ+ community center here.

Did You Enjoy Reading About Famous Gay Singers?

Here are two more posts to visit next:

• San Francisco Performing Arts: Past, Present, and Future

• The History of the LGBTQ+ Movement

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