Vibrant New Performing Arts Center for the Queer Community in San Francisco

We are excited to announce that The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus has moved into our new home, at  170 Valencia Street, near the Castro neighborhood, where it all began! After nearly 45 years without a permanent rehearsal room, office, conference room, or community engagement space, we are thrilled to have one! Though it may be our new home, we also want it to serve the community. 

As part of our commitment to the growth of LGBTQ+ students, artists, researchers, activists, and leaders, we will be holding public events as well as housing the Chan National Queer Arts Center in our new building. This space allows LGBTQ+ people to share their experiences and develop projects that will strengthen the community now and for the future. 

New Performing Arts Building

Harold Stoner's 1930s art deco building is a true San Francisco architectural icon. Considering our deep roots within the city, we are delighted to be able to call it home. Initially built for the Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal society, the building was also the home of a Baha'i center between 1976 and 2018. The four-story building has a large lobby, auditorium, stage, and dressing rooms, elements of which are essential for our chorus to operate successfully. It is necessary to renovate and modernize the interior of the building before it can be used as a performing arts center. 

In his remarks, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus’ CEO, Christopher Verdugo, emphasizes, “Terry Chan was one of our founding members in the chorus back in 1978.” In honor of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, a candlelight vigil was Chan's first performance with the chorus. Since the first concert, Chan has been intensely proud of the chorus and "loves the chorus with his full heart," Verdugo explains, which is evident from his deeply personal commitment to the LGBT community. Chan's commitment to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus led to his grateful founding gift with his husband, Edward Sell, of $5 million. Chan, in the words of Verdugo, is an, “amazing, amazing humanitarian and philanthropist.”

Expanding SFGMC's Leadership in the Community

In 1978, San Francisco was introduced to the Briggs Initiative, which would have made it legal to terminate LGBTQ+ employees from public schools based on their sexual orientation. In the same year, a brick-buying campaign was run to raise funds for constructing an LGBTQ+ community center. Verdugo explains, "...the space they were raising funds for was the very space that we're in, 170 Valencia." 

By establishing the Chan National Queer Arts Center, we have brought together the Chorus' legacy and our future endeavors. We are delighted to have our permanent home in San Francisco, CA. Through this, we can strengthen our mission to inspire activism, foster compassion, and build community through music. Additionally, Glenn DeSandre, MD, Chairman, Board of Directors, explains the center "will create opportunities for other queer arts organizations and artists to make music, drama, and art that inspire others to activism to make the world a better place for us all." 

As part of our community integration efforts, we will organize several activities and events throughout the season to continue sharing love and light with San Francisco residents. The Chan National Queer Arts Center, Verdugo continues, "will provide an opportunity for our community to come together, both queer and queer allies, to create art and music and be in that transformational space that allows for the possibility." We will also continue to perform at our favorite venues throughout the Bay Area. 

Performances and Public Programs in San Francisco, California

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus can now host community events in ways that were never possible before. Among these featured events are guest performances from LGBTQ+ high school and college choirs from across the country and around the globe.

Now that we have access to new recording and production studios, we will continue producing the Behind the Curtain series, a digital content series featuring exclusive interviews with LGBTQ+ artists and musicians, member-made videos, and more. In addition, we will be able to record our performances and chorus members. 

Community Engagement and Partnerships

With the support of local schools, organizations, and educators, we have advocated for young people and adults for over 45 years. Also, our success with RHYTHM (Reaching Youth Through Music) in San Francisco schools has inspired us to extend our model to other schools all over the country. By joining forces with It Gets Better, we will also be able to offer nationwide performance programs. 

The support and unparalleled leadership we have graciously received over these years will be a powerful asset for our next chapter as a national organization. By engaging the global queer community and the San Francisco community, we will be able to attract some of the world's most talented and creative artists and thought leaders to the Chan National Queer Arts Center. 

This means LGBTQ+ arts organizations and movements can use the Chan National Queer Arts Center for rehearsals and meetings. We'll represent the community comprehensively by exchanging ideas, work, creativity, stories, and passions, advancing the field, and serving as a model for similar centers to be set up all over the country. 

The Chan National Queer Arts Center

In its 45 years of advocacy, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus has championed civil rights, equality, and acceptance. As a result, social justice and activism permeate our lives and influence everything we do.  

"Rather than create a space just for us," Verdugo clarifies, "our goal is to continue to promote social justice within the queer community." We will fulfill this through music, drama, and art, but we can't accomplish it alone. That's why the Center exists beyond our needs and provides space and resources for other LGBTQ+ artists and organizations to exchange ideas, interact with one another, and incubate new work. 

Towards achieving this goal, the Center's activities will be driven by six areas of focus:

• Create: Production of live-streaming courses, interviews, lectures, clinics, and symposia will be filmed and available on demand worldwide. 

• Share: We will offer workshop space to composers, librettists, choreographers, and other performing artists to share ideas and collaborate on new works. 

• Convene: We will organize a meaningful biannual symposium to foster dialogue and collaboration between activists, artists, and art leaders involved with LGBTQ arts. 

• Teach: We plan to offer internships and training sessions for LGBTQ+ arts managers throughout the year.

• Research: We will partner with local universities to host researchers in the field, providing them with an opportunity to carry out scholarly research on LGBTQ+ arts. 

Performing Arts Center Programming Starts Soon

There will be brand-new original programming at the Chan National Queer Arts Center beginning in the fall of 2023. We will continue expanding our new programs as the renovation continues. Are you interested in being the first to know when we host an event? Stay on top of all the exciting developments! Make sure you sign up for our newsletter today!

How You Can Help

As of January 27, 2020, Chan National Queer Arts Center has received $9.1 million in donations toward its goal of $15 million. Chan National Queer Arts Center is on the brink of reaching our goal, and we'd love for you to join us! It is always a pleasure for us to receive your support of our community. If you want to contribute to the building's construction or the programming we'll be launching in the coming years please contact our development department via email at [email protected].. Become a part of our dream of achieving equality for more LGBTQ+ people by donating today. Your contribution can help us reach even greater heights. This is because you will support future artistic endeavors, advance research, spread compassion, build community, and ignite the activism that happens when LGBTQ+ people unite.

Arts Curriculum for Empowering Youth: SFGMC’s RHYTHM Program

Did you know that 20% of California teachers don’t teach their students about people, history, or monumental events in the LBTQIA+ community? Or that an LGBTQIA+-inclusive arts curriculum makes students 82% more likely to feel accepted by their classmates compared to an uninclusive curriculum? Having worked with over 10,000 students, we've seen the power of teaching people about the LBTQIA+ community through music and how it can strengthen communities, incite social change, and improve academic and social performance. With just a little RHYTHM, anything's possible.

What is RHYTHM?

Reaching Youth Through Music (RHYTHM), the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus' social justice outreach program, was launched in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the Bay Area in 2018. RHYTHM is a fully customized immersive and educational performance featuring workshops, choral singing, and, if available, a collaboration with the school's choir. 

As part of our RHYTHM programming, we provide students with surveys to ensure that the program is tailored and presented according to each grade level's specific needs, as well as addressing each school's unique culture. 

In addition, the program includes a heartfelt performance by 30-40 singers, showcasing the diversity of voices and faces represented by the student body and sharing their experiences of growing up as LGBTQ+ and accepting themselves. 

Why is RHYTHM Important? (Why is RHYTHM Needed?)

RHYTHM offers students a diverse representation of the LGBTQ+ community that they need to feel a sense of belonging, as well as lessons designed to increase their understanding of LGBTQ+ issues facing the community. It empowers them with ideas on how to act as leaders for change in their communities, and educates them on the vocabulary necessary to describe themselves (should they wish to use it) and other students respectfully; which teaches students how to be authentic and proud of who they are. As a result, students recognize their differences, validate each other's identities, feel a sense of solidarity, and learn how to express themselves creatively without the fear of judgment. 

At the core of RHYTHM is our curriculum, designed to help students understand the personal effects of their actions and words to prevent bullying, promote positive attitudes, and highlight the value of inclusion. To illustrate this point, the chorus members meet with students to share their experiences as LGBTQ+ youth, what it was like to come out, and what it feels like to embrace your most genuine self. Consequently, students gain valuable skills in self-expression, have more self-confidence, and reach their full potential.

What is an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Curriculum?

With an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Curriculum, students receive a comprehensive curriculum and classroom discussions that integrate history, culture, and monumental movements associated with LGBTQIA+ individuals. 
Including LGBTQIA+ figures in the academic curriculum will help students develop a more holistic understanding of history. In addition, it provides a positive representation of LGBTQIA+ people and normalizes LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences for non-LGBTQIA+ students.

Inspiring Social Change and Fostering Community

Including LGBTQIA+ people in your curricula won't eradicate all forms of bullying. However, the better our nation's understanding of LGBTQIA+ people is, the greater our ability to build empathy, improve connections, enhance collaboration, and increase respect for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Furthermore, accurate representations allow LGBTQIA+ students to see themselves reflected in their learning, which motivates and engages them, boosts self-esteem, increases self-worth, and improves academic performance, as well as helps them understand their role and contribution to society, making them feel valued and wanted by society. 

Additionally, students who are comfortable and feel at ease in an inclusive school are more likely to consistently attend classes than those that are not. A sense of belonging and continued attendance in classes minimize conflict and hostility in the classroom. By showing compassion and having the courage to speak out against injustices in the classroom, the playground, and the community, students move from critical understanding to action.

Enhancing Student Achievement

As part of the RHYTHM program, students learn various academic and social skills they can utilize in their present and future lives. The learning process fosters students' ability to think creatively, collaboratively, and critically while enhancing skills such as community building, friendship development, and social support from students they might not have thought would have anything in common. 

The 2022 results of the Trevor Project's National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth indicate that 73% of LGBTQ+ youth reported anxiety symptoms, and 58% reported depression symptoms. Unfortunately, 60% of LGBTQ+ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year could not get it. Unrecognized or untreated mental health issues can adversely affect students' ability to make and maintain friendships and their academic performance, interfering with their academic goals and ability to graduate. Adolescents with mental health problems may also struggle during their transition from adolescence to young adulthood because of emotional and behavioral difficulties. 
The RHYTHM program emphasizes honesty and vulnerability to encourage acceptance, happiness, and confidence; reducing stress and depression among students. 

Upon the conclusion of RHYTHM, SFGMC emphasizes the importance of teamwork and embracing differences through performance. Seeing the passion of our singers and participating in this project empowers students to use their voices to make a positive difference in the world. Whether they participate in an event, protest, write lyrics, or teach, students walk away knowing they can profoundly contribute to their communities. 

Young people can benefit significantly from an LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum because it allows them to explore their world and learn more about themselves through an open and accepting environment. 

The Chan National Queer Arts Center was created with your support, allowing us to expand the RHYTHM program and work with other LGBTQ+ choruses, organizations, and local queer leaders across the country. If you are like us and share our dedication to building community, sharing personal stories, providing education, and utilizing music to connect with students so they can live authentically, please consider donating today! 

How to Be an LGBTQ+ Ally: Powerful Steps to Take

Everybody can ally with LGBTQ+ people. Being an ally, however, doesn't just mean saying it. To make other people think and understand why being an ally is essential, you must speak up, and vote for people and propositions that will keep LGBTQ+ people safe, provide equal opportunities, and challenge social norms. In addition, to be an active ally, you must educate yourself, stay informed, and stay updated on current events.

Those who are part of majority groups, such as white, heterosexual, and cisgender people, are some of the most valuable allies we can get because they are in a stronger social position and are more likely to be heard by all. Are you curious about becoming an ally? Keep reading! 

How to be a Good Friend and Queer Ally

Thanks for joining us! Here is our five-step guide on how to be a good friend and a queer ally. But, before you start your allyship journey, we have a bonus tip for you: While listening to LGBTQ+ people, it's essential to keep in mind that the LGBTQ+ community is diverse and has such a wide range of lived experiences, philosophies, and values that no single viewpoint can genuinely represent the whole community. To be successful, no group, whether marginalized or not, should be treated as a monolith. 

Make Yourself Available

Our first tip is to be available. This means committing and scheduling the prearranged time to ensure you are there when they need you. To be a better ally, you should be able to listen to others express themselves and ask respectful questions when they share important stories or have discussions with you.

Listen to LGBTQ+ People

Being an ally also involves listening to LGBTQ+ people outside of your normal circle. You can better understand LGBTQ+ perspectives, how the world works for them, and how others treat them by listening to them and truly hearing what they say. Understandably, they may feel vulnerable sharing such information, but keep an open mind, ask thoughtful questions, and remain ready to learn. Don't speak over them or interfere as they talk to you. 

A person's truth is their own, and talking over them can be intimidating and may make them hesitant to share further. Also, it would be helpful to research and prepare ahead of time. Aside from giving you an overview of the LGBTQ+ community and current events, you will also understand what questions are appropriate and what questions are not. You will demonstrate a genuine interest in learning rather than relying on them to tell you everything.

Show Up, Be Present, and Lead with Empathy

LGBTQ+ people continue to fight tirelessly for their rights, to prove that their lives are no less valuable than everyone else's. There are plenty of opportunities for allies to shine here, too. Attend LGBTQ+ events and protests, and encourage your friends and family. Think about how you would feel if your government stripped you of your fundamental rights, and then imagine how LGBTQ+ people must feel. 

You can be more effective as a social justice activist if you understand other people's thoughts and feelings. Empathy inspires your passion for a cause and can help you build close relationships with community members and allies. 

You can also show up by joining community groups dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights, subscribing to their email lists, following them on social media, and making your presence known. Also, if you have the resources and time to volunteer at some local LGBTQ+ organizations or nonprofits, you might find the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus to be an excellent place to volunteer. 

Use Your Privilege to Help Amplify Voices

Making space and amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ people is crucial to utilizing your privilege as an ally. Public or private settings are an excellent opportunity to use your voice. For example, if you hear someone say something offensive toward the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledge their comment, explain the problem, and use it as a teachable moment. Then, start a conversation and encourage allyship. In addition, be aware of how much space you are taking up; if someone in the community would prefer to respond, let them speak first. The goal is to learn to talk with LGBTQ+ individuals, not for them.

Don’t Make Assumptions About LGBTQ+ People

An ally should never make assumptions about the lives and identities of LGBTQ+ people. As a result, you may have to do internal work since you're addressing your default assumptions and unconscious biases. However, we all do it, so don't feel like you're alone! 

If you assume someone's sexuality or gender identity based on how they dress or speak, notice it, make a mental note or write it down, and take the time to process and understand where that assumption is coming from. Additionally, it is important to listen to social cues when talking; if someone uses gender-neutral pronouns to refer to another person, do not assume their gender but continue using the same pronouns.

Furthermore, you should not assume that just because a person says they had an ex-partner of a given gender, they are automatically a particular gender or sexual orientation. In addition, it is important not to assume that you have the right to share someone's birth name simply because you know it. What’s more, do not assume that a transgender individual has undergone medical interventions merely because they are transgender. Finally, don't assume that someone who comes out to you is out to everyone; allow people to come out at their own pace and as they please.  

Educate Yourself on Issues 

To be better allies, you must be aware of LGBTQ+ civil rights movements and pivotal events, such as the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot in 1966 or the Stonewall Riots in 1969. Throughout history, discover individuals who have pushed and fought, and even put their lives on the line, for LGBTQ+ rights. Further, learn about the countless individuals and groups omitted from history books or whose biographies neglect to mention their sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition to watching documentaries and reading books, the Internet is a great place to get further information and learn about LGBTQ+ history and the community's current struggles and triumphs. If you are interested in finding out more about the legislation affecting LGBTQ+ people, the ACLU is a great place to start., You can also find blogs and articles written by LGBTQ+ people and allies. 

Support and Share Queer Businesses & Charities

Outside of participating in physical spaces or on the Internet, another way you can support queer people is to become a conscious shopper. Your money allows you to make a direct impact on the government. When shopping, think about supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, restaurants, and cafes. When you buy consciously, you reduce your chances of helping companies, ideologies, or political campaigns that are homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic. Contributing your time and money as a volunteer at LGBTQ+ organizations and charities is always worth it if you have the resources. 

Take Action

To be an ally, you have to be ready to act. Being an ally is a full-time responsibility; for example, you must call out discrimination everywhere you see, whether it is homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic. Express what about their words or actions was offensive and explain why and how their actions impact others. When you are out with family and friends, at work, or at school, amplify the voices around you. 

To make a difference, we need to hold those around us accountable for their actions and words. Change often moves from one person at a time, so you need to be a change agent wherever you go. 

How SFGMC Helps the LGBTQ+ Community Through Music

We believe that social justice, inclusiveness, and acceptance play a vital role in the success and strength of LGBTQ+ communities. As a result, we use our lyrics to sing and belt out our truths and beliefs at our shows. 

Our lyrics aim to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and broaden people's perception of queer life. We can change the course of queer history when we sing as a collective. For the LGBTQ+ community to be its most successful and strong, we all must be involved in social justice, inclusivity, and acceptance. By performing our music, we can inspire other LGBTQ+ individuals to unite, feel powerful in their authentic selves, and build community locally and globally. 

In 1981 we went on our first national tour. While we didn't know it, it would be a pivotal moment for the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus and our future. Our lyrics' power was evident through the tears of parents and the excitement of LGBTQ+ people coming together to celebrate the joy of belonging. This tour prompted many cities to form gay choruses, which continue to flourish today - internationally! 

The feeling of connecting LGBTQ+ people around the world and finding joy in being themselves with one another is unparalleled. There can't be enough emphasis placed on finding your passion and using it to inspire social justice and activism in those around you. 

Takeaways

Starting a new way of life can be intimidating, but once you start incorporating these five steps into your day-to-day life, it will become second nature to you. As soon as you master one step, the others will follow suit inherently because they all blend into one another. Don't be afraid to explore ideas, perspectives, and concepts you've never considered - that's a part of the learning and growing process. 

You do not need to follow any numerical order. Instead, start anywhere comfortable for you, and feel free to go at your own pace. For example, you can begin volunteering with local organizations to meet folks in the community, learn from them, and show your support and belief in what they do. Experience how we support and encourage other LGBTQ+ folks at our Holiday Spectacular! Donating is another excellent way to contribute to the LGBTQ+ community, as it ensures safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people to remain open and accessible and allows them to earn a living. There are many ways to support the community, so go out and do what feels best! 

FAQs

What does ally mean?

An ally provides support, empowers, or advocates for another person or group.

Why is it important to be an LGBTQ+ ally?

By supporting LGBTQ+ people, you encourage them to recognize their value as powerful people with valid identities, a right to be heard, and deserving of respect. Unfortunately, due to the current political climate and the increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, more and more violence is being directed against the LGBTQ+ community, especially against Black queer and transgender people. As an ally, you promote equality, acceptance, respect, and dignity for others; your actions can save lives.

What does the + mean in LGBTQ+?

The plus represents the inclusion and recognition of all the other sexual and gender identities within the LGBTQ+ community. Over time, as we become more aware of inclusivity and representation, we will be able to add more letters to ensure more people feel seen and valued in the community.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Honoring LGBTQ Victims

In 2005, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 60/7, establishing January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day to commemorate the millions who suffered at the hands of the Nazi regime during WWII. This resolution also promoted the forming of educational programs to prevent further genocide and reaffirmed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, stating that “everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”

Now, every year on January 27th, we remember the victims of Nazism, the impact music had on those suffering in the Holocaust, and the thousands of victims left out of history books.

The Nazi regime killed over 6 million Jewish people, but that was not the total extent of their reach. They also hunted down minority groups that had been facing persecution for years, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, Romani people, and others deemed  “socially abhorrent” by the Nazi party. 

Upon liberation from the Nazi concentration camps, many of these “socially abhorrent” victims did not get the recognition they deserved. Instead, they continued to be hunted and ostracized from society until many years later, leading them to be written out of history books and nearly forgotten.

Persecution of Gay (LGBTQ+) People in Nazi Germany

Even before WWII, Germany had outlawed sexual contact between men, deeming it “immoral.” Paragraph 175 of the German Criminal Code was established in 1871 to prohibit homosexual contact, but each governing body after that enforced it with a different level of severity. In fact, during the Weimar Republic (1918-1933), the LGBTQ+ community experienced a sense of liberty as German politicians questioned whether the criminalization of homosexual individuals was necessary at all. 

However, there were many who opposed homosexuality, including the radical Nazi party, who claimed that sexual relations between men would “lead to the disintegration of the German people.”

Thus, a couple of years after Hitler’s rise to power, he expanded Paragraph 175 to ban a broad range of “lewd and lascivious” behavior between men, making such acts punishable by imprisonment. Homosexuality among women was not punished with the same level of severity because the Nazi regime decided lesbian women could be convinced or forced to help grow the “pure” German race. Hitler’s changes to Paragraph 175 put a stop to the humanitarian advancements that were just beginning to take root in German society.

With the new adaptation of Paragraph 175, Hitler was able to purge the flourishing LGBTQ+ subculture and send thousands of gay men to concentration camps. Upon arriving at the camps, these men were forced to wear pink triangles (or ‘die Rosa-Winkel’) as a part of the prisoner marking system and were therefore easily targeted. 

Along with another group, called “asocials” (a portion of prisoners made up of Roma, nonconformists, and other sub-groups), the gay men were not only tortured by the guards, but also outcasted by other inmates due to widespread prejudice. At that point in history, gay men were not only victims of the Holocaust, but they were also cast out from society by nearly everyone

Mass Killings of LGBTQ+ People

Out of the estimated 100,000 men that were arrested and tried for homosexuality during World War II, about 50% were sent to prison or extermination camps. But because these men were considered criminals, even after their liberation from the Nazis, they were often sent back to prison and their stories were discarded by still-prejudice people. 

They were condemned by society and not acknowledged as true victims of the Holocaust for years, despite their staggering death tolls and long term physical and emotional damage. Gay men in concentration camps were often handpicked for the most brutal hard labor tasks, selected for horrific experiments, sexually assaulted by guards, degraded, sterilized, and castrated.

Instead of sending them to the gas chambers, Nazi guards were ordered to drag out their suffering and as such, they often killed them by way of hard labor. No one knows how many gay men were killed during the Holocaust, but experts estimate around 65% died. Whether by suicide or the Nazi soldiers.

It wasn’t until about 50 years after the end of WWII, on June 11, 1994, that Paragraph 175 was finally cast out from the statute book, officially reinstating homosexual rights in Germany. After over a century of persecution and social injustice, people of the LGBTQ+ community could openly love whomever they chose without fear.

What Role Did Music Play in the Holocaust?

Researchers have found historical documentation of musicians and LGBTQ+ composers who brought music to ghetto camps and concentration camps during WWII. This music brought hope and joy to those suffering from some of the worst war crimes in human history. 

One such musician was Yankele Hershkowitz, who, upon being deported to the Łódź ghetto, soon became a crowd favorite. He would sing in the streets, courtyards, and even factories for food and his neighbors would happily oblige him. 

Eventually, he was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and then various other labor camps, where he continued composing songs until he was liberated in 1945. He then returned to Łódź, where he lived out the rest of his life until he died in 1972. To this day, his many published songs continue to inspire Holocaust survivors and everyone else who listens.

Singing Took Place on Several Occasions

Music came in many forms to concentration camps; some were less pleasant than others. A few of those included:

• Singing on command. Knowing that many of the prisoners valued music, Nazi guards often used it as a tool to mock them. They forced inmates to sing during marches, after long work days when they were barely conscious, or whenever they wanted entertainment.

• Official camp orchestras. It became popular among concentration camps to gather prisoners who were amateur musicians or singers to form an official orchestra commanded by the guards. These ensembles performed a greater variety of music than the on-command singing and the musicians were generally treated better than other inmates. However, they were forced to play for not only German holidays and daily announcements, but also for public executions, for the “selection process” so that newly-arrived prisoners did not expect they were about to go directly to their death, and sometimes, they were forced to play near the crematorium as prisoners were being marched inside.

• Spontaneous music. When music was initiated by inmates, it took on a more positive connotation. Performing music for themselves or for other inmates gave them a sense of confidence and reminded them of what their lives were once like while providing them with a diversion from their daily lives.

• Block performances. After the guards had pulled away from the camps for the night, prisoners were often able to gather together in barracks to perform music and skits. This also gave them opportunities to secretly gather for political meetings, though someone always stayed on watch.

Though the Nazi guards tried to ruin a greatly cherished art form for the prisoners, they did not succeed. Instead, inmates found great solace in songs and performances, choosing to let its promise of better days push them through a seemingly hopeless time.

Takeaways

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27th, marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, which was once the largest Nazi concentration camp. This day is now a reminder to the world of how dangerous hatred, racism, bigotry, and prejudice are to mankind.

Additionally, it has empowered minority groups who faced Nazi persecution to stand up for their right to live freely. When the AIDS crisis struck and gay men were once again being targeted and persecuted unfairly, the ACT-UP organization used the upside-down pink triangle and turned it right side up to remind people of what could happen again. In their manifesto, they declared that “silence about the oppression and annihilation of gay people, then and now, must be broken as a matter of our survival.” 

FAQs

What is international holocaust remembrance day?

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an annual international day of commemoration for the six million Jews and other victims that suffered Nazi persecution during World War II.

When is international holocaust remembrance day?

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is on January 27th. It’s dedicated towards honoring the victims of the Nazi regime during the second world war and preventing genocide from happening again. This is being done by providing the younger generations with Holocaust education so that no one ever forgets the horrors and inhumanity seen in the Nazi concentration camps.

Martin Luther King Day 2023

Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister who advocated nonviolent socio-political change, was renowned for advancing racial equality, and leading the Civil Rights Movement.  From 1955 until his assassination in 1968, King led hundreds of civil rights demonstrations, resulting in favorable media coverage and public support. 

Following the Rosa Parks Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Black community in Montgomery, Alabama, staged an overwhelmingly successful bus boycott that lasted nearly a year. As a result of his leadership role in the boycott, King ended up in jail, leading him to become a Civil Rights icon. At age 35, King won the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to the American Civil Rights Movement. 

Despite King's significant contributions to society, his birthday was only declared a federal holiday in 1983. In 2000, MLK Day became a national holiday in all 50 states after much public support and campaigning.

 When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Every year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday of January. This year, MLK Jr. Day will occur on January 16th, 2023. Millions of Americans commemorate this holiday with marches, rallies, and speeches celebrating the life of King and reflecting on the importance of anti-racism, racial equality, and social justice. 

During the March on Washington in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech titled "I Have a Dream," one of the most iconic speeches in American history, to more than 250,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. King made his speech precisely one century after Abraham Lincoln freed millions of enslaved people. 

Despite acknowledging that Black people were still far from freedom, King spoke of his hopes for a future of liberty and equality in a country rife with racism. There is no better way to describe this than through the line, "I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream."

Famous Quotes from Martin Luther King

• “The time is always right to do what is right.”

• "Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood."

• “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

• “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream that…one day, right there in Alabama, little Black boys and Black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.”

• "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

• "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed — we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred."

• “People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”

History of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Although we may understand and associate Martin Luther King Jr. as a pivotal and essential figure in American history, in the 1960s and 1970s, Martin Luther King Jr. Day faced controversy. More so, King's holiday would be the first to celebrate a national figure who wasn't a president and was African American. 

On King's birthday, January 15th, 1968, four days after his assassination, Representative John Conyers introduced the first motion to make King's birthday a federal holiday. Still, it wasn't until 1979 that the motion passed. 

The first attempt fell five votes short of the two-thirds majority despite efforts by Congress and President Jimmy Carter. But that wasn’t the end, in 1981, musician Stevie Wonder released the song "Happy Birthday" to promote King's holiday. In addition, The King Center– established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, King’s wife– organized a March on Washington with approximately 500,000 people. Together, Scott King and Wonder presented a petition, signed by 6 million people, to the House leader, Tip O'Neill.

Martin Luther King Jr. finally received a federal holiday in 1986, almost 20 years after Congress first saw the bill. However, the bill continued to face an uphill battle when it was time for every state to recognize the holiday. As a result, Martin Luther King Jr. Day only gained national recognition in 2000 and continues to collide with Robert E. Lee Day (January 17th, 2023) in Alabama and Mississippi, which honors the infamous Confederate general. 

How Can We Honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s struggle for racial equality, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an ideal time to learn more about his life and work and how you can put them into practice. Also, King's Day is the only federal holiday recognized as a "National Day of Service," so rather than staying home, volunteer and get out to give back to your community. Consider his legacy and the valuable messages he has passed on to us that are still relevant today. Let his legacy inspire you. In honoring King this year, let us never forget how far racial equality has come and how much more there is to do.

Activities for adults to celebrate MLK Day: 

• Take the time to get to know King better: Instead of just reading quotes from King, read or listen to his full speeches so you can better understand the context and power of his words.

• Celebrate the lives and work of Black musicians who used music as an "instrument of change".

• Commit to serving others. For example, clean up a public place, mentor a young person, or provide food to those in need. 

• Support organizations that fight for racial justice.

• Support Black-owned businesses.

Check out these activities for kids:

• Discuss with older family members or a person in your community who lived during the Civil Rights era and ask them about their memories.

• Collect cans for food banks, wash cars to raise money for people who are houseless, or send care packages to soldiers abroad. 

• Discuss the dreams MLK had and ask the students/children about the things they dream about for themselves, their families, the country, and the world.

• You can provide or read some books about the Civil Rights movement that are appropriate for children.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Resources

• For the classroom

• Educational resources

• Teaching beyond MLK's "I have a dream"

• Documents, photographs, and publications 

• Project ideas and tips

In the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. recognized music's power to bring about change, particularly among young people. Music enabled youth to express themselves and become community leaders and changemakers. 

Martin Luther King Jr. was a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement, and his message of equality and nonviolence had a profound impact on American culture, including music. Many musicians during the Civil Rights era, particularly in the African American community, created songs that reflected the struggle for civil rights and the philosophy of nonviolence espoused by King. A great example includes "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke. King's speeches and sermons also often included references to music, particularly gospel music, and he used music as a tool for promoting social change.

World Aids Day 2022

The HIV epidemic started over 40 years ago; however, its ripple effect still impacts people in the LGBTQ+ community today. In the early stages of the epidemic, the LGBTQ+ community was already underrepresented and overlooked by society, making them much more vulnerable as the epidemic spread. In addition, the lack of adequate medical research and accessible information to the public, mixed with the preexisting stigma, only exacerbated the homophobia experienced by LGBTQ+ people. Consequently, nearly 675,000 Americans have died of HIV/AIDS since the epidemic began, nearly wiping out an entire generation. HIV/AIDS remains a major global health issue, and 40 million people have died worldwide. However, our knowledge of reliable treatments and preventative measures is improving daily, and the search for a cure is getting closer.

What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day, or International AIDS Awareness Day, is observed every year on December 1st. Worldwide, people show solidarity and support for people living with HIV/AIDS and unite in the fight to end HIV/AIDS. In addition to educating people about HIV/AIDS and its global effects, World AIDS Day is also dedicated to increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS testing, prevention, and access to HIV care, as well as commemorating those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. 

The Impact of HIV on Gay Communities

Early in the AIDS epidemic, bisexual and gay men made up the majority of HIV infections. The media outlets began labeling HIV/AIDS as "gay cancer" and the "gay plague" as anti-gay activists swept the country. The American people tossed aside the humanity of gay and bisexual men while the LGBTQ+ community continued the fight against AIDS. The US government's inaction reinforced homophobia by underfunding and understudying numerous preventions, treatments, and research opportunities. While the government remained silent and without a vaccine or cure on the horizon, AIDS activists tirelessly began establishing service organizations to provide much-needed assistance and resources for those at home and in hospitals. Also, many LGBTQ+ bars and businesses provided resources such as safer sex education and fundraising to cover daily living and funeral costs for those dying of AIDS. 

HIV/AIDS diagnosis rates began to rise dramatically among gay men and bisexual men of color in the mid-1980s, especially among Black and Latino men. Even though many LGBTQ+ bars, businesses, and community members offered resources, white men dominated the volunteer and staff pool. In addition, due to the lack of ability to address the intersections of racism, poverty, and homophobia experienced by people of color, most men of color felt unwelcome and misunderstood by these organizations. AIDS activists from Black, Latino, and Asian backgrounds formed new organizations to combat the epidemic.

Honoring The Lives We've Lost

San Francisco suffered tremendous losses from HIV/AIDS. The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus had just been founded three years previously, in 1978, when the epidemic began. The Chorus became a refuge for those suffering countless, unimaginable losses throughout the epidemic. As a result of the AIDS epidemic, more than 300 members of the Chorus have lost their lives. We also honor the loss of our founder, Jon Reed Sims, who was diagnosed with AIDS in January 1984 and passed away six months later. However, these members remain integral to the Chorus. In spirit, these members are always on stage with us as we continue to honor and recognize them through our Fifth Section. As part of commemorating these members, we have their names memorialized on our website and in each concert program. Also, within San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, inside the AIDS Memorial Grove, we built the Artist Portal, which has each name engraved onto the monument.

The AIDS Pandemic Today

As of 2021, 38.4 million people worldwide have a positive HIV status. The advancements in HIV research and treatment have allowed many people with HIV to live healthy lives, some of whom have similar life expectancies to HIV-negative people. The life expectancy of people with HIV, however, can be impacted by several factors; for example, the time of diagnosis, starting treatment as soon as possible, access to high-quality medical care and effective HIV treatment, social and economic status, if they've had a severe AIDS-related illness in the past before their diagnosis and or before their treatment began, and the use of intravenous drugs can all shorten the life expectancy of someone with HIV. Like the demographics in the mid-1980s, people with access to resources live longer. Consequently, the same groups who in the past had a high HIV/AIDS rate still have an increased risk of contracting it today. Among the most at risk are gay and bisexual men of all races and ethnicities, followed by people of color, in particular, Black and Latino individuals, intravenous drug users, and transgender individuals.

Protect Against AIDS-Related Illnesses

Approximately 1 in 8 Americans, or 13%, are unaware they have HIV/AIDS. As part of routine health care, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between 13-64 gets tested for HIV at least once. HIV testing is essential, not only for your health but for the health of your partners as well. Those who get tested earlier and more frequently have a greater chance of starting treatment early and being successful if they get a positive test result. Medications can now drastically lower your risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. HIV-positive individuals can, for example, prevent sexual transmission by taking Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Similarly, HIV-negative people can prevent contracting HIV by taking Oral Daily Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). However, the effectiveness may decline if you stop taking either medicine suddenly or if you don't take them as prescribed. 

World AIDS Day Activities 

World AIDS Day often consists of community events and activities to raise awareness, support, and commemorate those who have passed from HIV/AIDS. Community resource centers and nonprofit organizations typically host various HIV-related events, including concerts, memorial services, free HIV testing, discussion groups, and keynote speakers. Additionally, red ribbons can be worn as a symbol of commitment to the fight against AIDS. 

World Aids Day Activities for Students

It is possible for anyone, regardless of age or location, to observe and participate in World AIDS Day. Early HIV/AIDS education is crucial to normalizing, preventing HIV/AIDS from spreading, curbing prejudice, and recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the fight.

One activity you could do is paint murals of LGBTQ+ activists and discuss why they are so inspiring. Organizing a walk or run for HIV/AIDS research and donating the proceeds to a local foundation is another option. Similarly, schools can organize toy and food drives to benefit children living with HIV and their families. In addition, educators can invite guest speakers with HIV or healthcare professionals with HIV experience to present in class. Also, students can wear red ribbons or anything in red, and for everyone who asks them why they're wearing it, they can share an interesting HIV/AIDS fact with them. 

How You Can Help

For over 40 years, we have offered LGBTQ+ people opportunities to share space and be a part of something bigger than themselves at the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. During the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we provided refuge and love to LGBTQ+ people who had nowhere to go. Attending one of our concerts will not only provide you with great entertainment but will provide support directly to the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. The generosity of our donors enables SFGMC to continue advocating for and fostering LGBTQ+ communities locally and nationally through both trying and good times. As always, we are committed to educating and spreading awareness, acceptance, and a love of music to LGBTQ+ youth and adults.  

FAQ

What is Aids Awareness Day?

The purpose of National HIV Awareness Day is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS throughout the year and to learn about people from various communities who have HIV/AIDS, in addition to those from LGBTQ+ communities.

Where Do I Find Gay Organizations Near Me? San Francisco Edition

In San Francisco, numerous community resources focus on wellness, health, safety, advocacy, social justice, and education for LGBT individuals. Unfortunately, there were times when some organizations and community resource centers refused to work with LGBT people, so what could we do? 

In times of societal rejection, our community has turned to one another to demonstrate dignity and respect in a way that otherwise would not be possible. Several of San Francisco's LGBT nonprofits were created by volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that other LGBT people had access to housing, clothes, and food. 

In honor of the resources available to us, most of which are nonprofit organizations run by volunteers, we have selected just a handful to share! 

The SF LGBT Center

Providing community support, resources, and a safe place to congregate, the SF LGBT Center is dedicated to serving the LGBT community. In addition to career counseling and job fairs, the SF LGBT center offers a computer lab, social activities for youth, mentorships, workshops, and youth meals. The SF LGBT Center also holds more than 200 events every month.

Lavender Phoenix

Lavender Phoenix is a grassroots organization devoted to healing and restoring the land and promoting self-determination for queer, transgender, Asian, and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) people. QTAPI-led programs are available at Lavender Phoenix in leadership development, community safety, health and care, ecological justice, and movement building.

Brava for Women in the Arts

Brava for Women in the Arts is a professional arts organization that supports the professional development and creative expression of women, LGBT individuals, people of color, youth, and others underrepresented in the arts. As a part of its current programming, Brava hosts music festivals, film festivals, theatrical productions, comedy shows, lectures, live podcasts, and professional dance performances. 

The Transgender District

The Transgender District is an urban environment led by and for transgender people. Providing building ownership, businesses, homes, historical sites, and community space to the transgender community, the Transgender District stabilizes and empowers the community. There are currently six programming initiatives provided by the Transgender District: tenant protection, economic development, arts and culture, cultural heritage conservation, cultural competency, and land use. 

Equality California 

Equality California is an LGBT civil rights organization that advocates for social justice, health and well-being, develops a leadership pipeline, and increases civic participation among LGBT people.

Gay for Good 

Gay for Good is a national nonprofit organization that promotes diversity, fosters inclusion, and strengthens links between LGBT people and their broader communities. Gay for Good provides training and educational resources to community leaders that facilitate inclusive volunteer opportunities for LGBT individuals. 

Gender Spectrum

Gender Spectrum is a national non-profit organization that offers support and education to parents, guardians, grandparents, and others caring for children and teens who are gender-diverse. The organization also provides training resources for educators, medical and mental health providers, and other professionals working with gender-diverse children and young people. Gender Spectrum hosts educational events, groups, and conferences for youth and parents.

GLBT Historical Society

The GLBT Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of the LGBT community in Northern California. In addition to extensive archival materials, artifacts, and graphic arts, the GLBT Historical Society offers a wide range of educational events and exhibits. 

It Gets Better

It Gets Better was initially launched as a social media campaign. However, due to success, the campaign has become a non-profit organization that provides educational resources, media programming, and motivational stories to uplift LGBT youth. 

San Francisco AIDS Foundation

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is a nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of communities most affected by HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation provides services in sexual health, mental health, substance abuse, advocacy, public education, and community outreach. 

San Francisco Pride 

San Francisco Pride is a non-profit organization that works to educate, commemorate, and celebrate the heritage and culture of LGBT individuals and raises funds for local nonprofits

Conclusion

Volunteers are an essential part of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Our volunteers devote their time and energy, ensure shows are run efficiently and hold down multiple forts when we need them most. 

Whether you've been to one of our concerts, seen us on tour, or attended a community event, you've likely met a kind and passionate volunteer; that could be you! We are looking for individuals passionate about creating change, connecting the LGBT community with one another, and fostering compassion through creating extraordinary music. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please consider volunteering with us for an upcoming event today!

The Rise of the LGBTQ+ Choral Movement

Three years after our initial concert, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus toured the country for the first time in the summer of 1981, just as the 1980s HIV/AIDS crisis was simultaneously becoming more prevalent. This tour served as a spark for what we now know as the LGBTQ+ choral movement—and today we’ll take you through this key moment and others in this social and cultural phenomenon. 

The History of the LGBTQ+ Choral Movement

Throughout history, music has served as a tool for social change and a means of dismantling barriers such as fear and invisibility. As we approach 2024—over 40 years since we began—we are still singing as one and the LGBTQ+ choral movement has grown exponentially since our initial concert. 

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is joined by hundreds of other LGBTQ+ choruses formed since. Did the original singing members imagine it would ignite an uprising or inspire an evolution of LGBTQ+ choral groups? When gay men had little opportunity to meet in public, gay choruses became a source of comfort and support. The need for these spaces contributed to how quickly the movement grew.

How the LGBTQ+ Choral Movement Began

Because so few people stood up for gay people, gay choruses contributed significantly to developing gay pride, a sense of community, and unity with others. With the movement’s expansion, diversity and inclusion have become increasingly important. 

The first gay chorus, although they did not call themselves that, was technically the Anna Crusis Women’s Chorus, now known as the Anna Crusis Feminist Chorus—a lesbian feminist ensemble. It was founded in 1975, “as a community choir with the mission of uplifting the voices of women. It became a safe space for lesbians and straight women alike: a feminist women’s choir.”

When the LGBTQ+ choral movement continued in the 1980s, its focus was largely on creating safe spaces to heal and grieve through music during the AIDS crisis. For existing choruses, the AIDS epidemic “deepened their purpose and reason for being,” explains Timothy Seelig, artistic director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC). 

Even beyond the AIDS crisis, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has been a strong voice for social justice throughout its history. In fact, the choir’s first performance was a display of mourning the night Dan White assassinated Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. 

Standing proudly in solidarity and support for all that Milk had accomplished and, ultimately, given his life, the Chorus gathered on the steps of City Hall, surrounded by tens of thousands of members of the gay community and the San Francisco community in a display of musical activism.

During the Chorus’s 1981 National Tour, they faced significant challenges, including those resulting from the impact of the AIDS crisis. Some Americans were reluctant to interact with LGBTQ+ people because they assumed they would instantly contract HIV. Consequently, several individuals actively avoided the LGBTQ+ community altogether. In response, many LGBTQ+ individuals remained closeted and felt isolated and antisocial. 

While their membership outed a lot of them, the men of the Chorus stood shoulder-to-shoulder, showing undeniable courage in a world of overwhelming prejudice and discrimination. Despite these challenges, being together eliminated much of their isolation as gay men. In the years since the Chorus was created, more than 2000 people have sung in it, including those identifying as transgender, women, and non-binary individuals. 

1981 National Tour Gives Life to LGBTQ+ Choruses Across U.S.

Because the 1981 National Tour served as such a pivotal moment in the rise of the LGBTQ+ choral movement, it’s important to study the history of this tour and the events that followed.

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) delighted audiences in nine cities during the 1981 National Tour: 

1. Dallas

2. Minneapolis

3. Lincoln (Nebraska)

4. Detroit

5. New York

6. Boston

7. Washington, D.C.

8. Seattle

9. San Francisco

The Chorus was both musically and socially triumphant throughout the tour. This transformative journey provided the chorus members with an opportunity to sing across the country and created a bridge between LGBTQ+ individuals and their communities through a mutual appreciation of music.

A success like this changed so many lives, both inside and outside of the LGBTQ+ community, and is still changing lives today.

Get to Know GALA

No discussion of the rise of the LGBTQ+ choral movement is complete without including the history of GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association) Choruses. 

Founded in the early 1980s with just 14 LGBTQ+ ensembles, GALA has more than 190 choruses registered globally and expects to welcome as many as 15 new choirs yearly. 

It provides a number of resources and services to LGBTQ+ choruses, including:

• Administrative support

• Networking opportunities

• Discussion groups

• Annual leadership symposiums

• A resource library

• Invitations to their signature quadrennial festival

GALA Choruses Festival 2024

Every four years, around 6,000 singers attend the GALA Choruses Festival. They enjoy musical events, build community, attend workshops, and just plain have fun. GALA’s festival is the world’s most prominent LGBTQ+ performing arts festival and is world-renowned.

The next GALA Festival occurs in Minneapolis from Wednesday, July 10, to Sunday, July 14, 2024.

List of LGBTQ+ & Gay Choruses

Along with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and GALA, there are hundreds of other LGBTQ+ choruses that have formed over the years and perform around the world.

Below, you’ll find a list of some of the most well-known LGBTQ+ choruses worldwide that have played important roles in the LGBTQ+ choral movement. Whether traveling or looking for a local ensemble to join, these choruses offer an inclusive and supportive space for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus

Jeffrey McIntyre founded Atlanta’s Gay Men’s Chorus in 1981. The choir initially had 45 singers but now has over 100 members. 

The Stonewall Choral

As the nation’s first gay and lesbian chorus, The Stonewall Chorale played a big role in the LGBTQ+ choral movement. It was established in 1977 by Donald Rock and currently has about 60 members. 

Gala Choruses 

The Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) Choruses was established in 1982. It serves as an international association of LGBTQ+ choruses. The GALA Choruses organization assists LGBTQ+ choirs in their formation, artistic direction, administration, networking, and training. There are currently over 190 choruses registered with the organization, representing approximately 10,000 singers.

Lesbian Gay Chorus of San Francisco

The Lesbian Gay Chorus of San Francisco, recently renamed the Queer Chorus of San Francisco, was founded in 1980 by Jon Reed Sims. There are approximately 35 members.

Portland Lesbian Choir

The Portland Lesbian Choir was organized in 1986 to “elevate LGBTQ+ voices, emphasize equity, and encourage collaboration, growth, and service.”

Austin Gay Men’s Chorus

The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus was founded over 30 years ago by sixteen volunteers.

Boston Gay Men’s Chorus

The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus was founded in 1982. Fast forward over 40 years, and it now has over 300 members. Throughout its 40-year history, the Chorus’s membership has grown from 60 to over 1,600 members.

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus was created in 1983. Now, it has over 150 singing members.

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus convened in 1990 with founders Doug Althauser, Kevin Gary, Bob Germain, Phil Martin, and Jack Wisniewski. 

Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus

The Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus was assembled in 1986. Almost 40 years later, it remains the only of its kind in the state.

Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

Founded by Dr. Randal A. Buikema in 2001, the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus has a membership of 40-50 singers.

Heartland Men’s Chorus

The Heartland Men’s Chorus, created in 1986, currently features more than 120 singing members and welcomes non-singing members.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles

Harold Kjellberg founded the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles in 1979 with 99 members. It has since grown to over 300 members.

New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus

The New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus began with 26 members in 1998. Richard Bojko, David R. Snelson, and David Swart were the founders.

New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus

Jerry Zachary formed The New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus in 1982.

New York City Gay Men’s Chorus

Ed Weaver founded the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus in 1979 with 80 original members. Today, the chorus has approximately 260 members.

Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus

Founded by Dick Kramer in 1999, the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus currently has over 60 singers.

Denver Gay Men’s Chorus

Bob Moore founded the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus in 1982. At present, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus has approximately 140 members.

Orlando Gay Men’s Chorus

The Orlando Gay Men’s Chorus, founded in 1990, started with 39 members. Today, there are over 100 members in the queer choir. 

Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus

Gerald Davis founded the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus in 1981, and membership fluctuated from 20 to 60 members throughout the 80s and 90s. Now, the chorus includes more than 150 members.

Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus

The Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus was organized in 1991 as the Grand Canyon Men’s Chorale. The choir currently consists of over 100 members.

Portland Gay Men’s Chorus 

In 1980, Mark Richards, Mark Jones, and Gary Coleman founded the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. The chorus began with 20 singers and today has 150 singing members and 25 non-singing members.

San Diego Men’s Chorus 

Forty-five men convened in San Diego for their first weekly rehearsal in 1985, following a benefit concert by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. Since 2010, the chorus has merged with The Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego and is now called the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus. Their membership is approximately 100 members.

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

Founded in 1978 by Jon Reed Sims, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has grown from nearly 115 members present at the first concert to more than 300 members today. 

Seattle Men’s Chorus

The group was founded in 1979 and currently has approximately 360 members. As a vibrant addition to the music scene and the LGBTQ+ choral movement in the PNW, they perform for an audience of around 30,000 patrons each year. 

Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus

The Chorus was founded in 1983 as the San Jose Liedermann Chorus and had ten members. In 1985, it changed its name to Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus (SVGMC). The Chorus has grown from ten members to approximately 50 as of 2023.

Turtle Creek Chorale

The Dallas-based Turtle Creek Chorale was formed by artistic director and conductor Harry E. Scher in 1980. Initially, the Chorus consisted of 39 members, but it has grown to nearly 200.

Twin Cities Gay Men’s Choir

A stop by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in Twin Cities in 1981 inspired 12 singers to form the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Choir. Today, there are 180 members.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C.

After a performance by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in 1981, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., was established. Marsha Pearson distributed a poster advertising the meeting to organize a gay men’s chorus, attracting 18 men. The Washington DC Gay Men’s Choir has grown to over 300 singers.

Promoting Tolerance and Inclusion

Our lives continue to be political acts of resistance as LGBTQ+ people because we live in a world that struggles to embrace and support us for who we are. Even so, LGBTQ+ chorus members continue to stand together despite adversity, gaining greater self-confidence about their identity and community.

Today, LGBTQ+ choruses remain safe gathering spaces but their focus has expanded to multiple causes and to many different groups of people. For example, as the above list demonstrates, lesbian choruses are now becoming more commonplace. 

There has also been a rise in LGBTQ+ member choruses encouraging all community members, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, to join. This includes the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, where we are proud to continue to be a big part of the LGBTQ choral movement.

The Future of the LGBTQ+ Choral Movement

The legacy of LGBTQ+ choruses worldwide proves that social justice, inclusivity, and acceptance are vital elements binding community members together. In addition to inspiring them to be their most authentic selves, LGBTQ+ choruses often offer the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, unite over their passions, and share that pride with their community. 

LGBTQ+ choruses are places where you enter an atmosphere of unconditional love, fulfillment, validation, and friendship. 

At the SFGMC, our mission is more than to serve as an LGBTQ+ chorus. We strive to ensure civil rights access for LGBTQ+ people, including their health, family, and careers. Keeping these goals in mind, we commission several songs to include crucial issues. We sing our hearts out at rallies, tours, and concerts to raise awareness of these challenges. 

The SFGMC has recently moved to and opened The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our goal, in part, is to provide a sustainable livelihood for LGBTQ+ choruses for many generations. If you want to support our mission or continue our battle for social justice, please consider donating today! 

Did you enjoy learning about the rise of the LGBTQ+ choral movement?

Here are three more posts to read next:

• San Francisco Performing Arts: Past Present, and Future

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

• The Legacy of LGBTQ+ Activists

• 19 Influential Gay Musicians From Throughout the Decades

Celebrating Gay History Month

Throughout October, the United States celebrates LGBTQ+ history month. You're wondering why October is LGBTQ+ history month, aren't you? Don't worry; we're here to answer your questions! October is designated as LGBTQ+ history month because several LGBTQ+ milestones, particularly two national marches to achieve our civil rights, occurred in October.

How and Why It Started

In 1994, Missouri high school history teacher, 29-year-old Rodney Wilson, was teaching his class about the Holocaust. Following Wilson's lesson, he explained to his class that had he lived in Europe; then, he likely would have been executed for being gay. This moment led Wilson to recognize the lack of LGBTQ+ history in the public school curriculum. With the support of other teachers and community members, the foundation for LGBTQ+ history month was formed. During LGBTQ+ history month, LGBTQ+ people will be celebrated and taught about their contributions and the movements they have undertaken to achieve their civil rights.

Why Celebrate LGBTQ History Month?

In celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month, you can generate traction and spark interest by focusing your efforts locally during the month. Learn about the LGBTQ+ history of your city, county, and state. Public schools aren't required to teach queer history, but a few do. Find out if your state is one of the few that incorporates Queer History Month into its curriculum and see if they need any help. 

Don't let LGBTQ+ history slip away; you can make a difference in the fight for equality by spreading the word. Start researching LGBTQ+ historical figures and share their stories and contributions on social media, urging friends and family to do the same. In light of this issue's current and pressing nature, make your voice heard by advocating for change today! 

The Difference Between LGBTQ History Month and Pride Month

LGBTQ+ history month differs from Pride month primarily in its overall message and purpose. LGBTQ+ history month highlights LGBTQ+ historical figures and their contributions to the world. In contrast, Pride month recognizes the past and ongoing struggles within the LGBTQ+ community while celebrating the diversity of experiences and their increased visibility.

LGBTQ+ Icons to Honor

• Harvey Milk made history as the first openly gay elected official in the United States, winning a seat on the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco, California, in 1977. Milk was, naturally, a fan of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus as he was passionate about organizing activities to build community and connection amongst gay men. Although he could not see the formation of SFGMC, we performed during his candlelight vigil in his honor. 

• Marsha P. Johnson played a crucial role and was an influential leader of the early gay rights movement in New York City throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Johnson was also among the transgender women of color who fought in the Stonewall Riots in 1969. 

• Sylvia Rivera a prominent figure during the 1960s and 1970s in New York's gay rights movement, Rivera stood with other transgender women of color during the Stonewall Riots in 1969. She also advocated for transgender youth and women, particularly those of color.

• Billie Jean King played a significant role in women's tennis history during the 1960s and 1970s. King aimed to reduce the disparity in prize money between male and female athletes. In addition, King was the first female athlete to disclose her sexuality as a lesbian publicly. After retiring, King has become a fierce advocate for lesbian and gay rights.  

Other Important Days of Observance

What is National Coming Out Day?

National Coming Out Day was established in 1988 by Rob Eichberg and Jean O'Leary to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and their struggle for civil rights. In honor of the second major gay and lesbian march in Washington in 1987, National Coming Out Day is celebrated annually on October 11th. As well as celebrating LGBTQ+ identities with other community members, National Coming Out Day offers LGBTQ+ individuals the opportunity to come out of the closet alongside others in the community.

What is International Pronouns Day?

International Pronouns Day is celebrated every year on the third Wednesday of October. During International Pronouns Day, we affirm the use of personal pronouns and emphasize the dignity of addressing others by their pronouns. Moreover, it promotes the normalization of sharing pronouns with others and the awareness of the importance of pronouns. 

This holiday has a special significance for transgender and gender non-conforming people, many of whom change their pronouns when transitioning. Gender non-conforming people, for example, may feel that he/him and she/her pronouns do not honor their identity. Therefore, they may prefer a gender-neutral pronoun such as they/them instead. If you do not know a person's pronouns, it is always better to ask than assume what their pronouns may be. 

What is LGBTQ+ Spirit Day?

The annual observance of LGBTQ+ Spirit Day takes place on the third Thursday of October. Spirit Day aims to spread awareness about the bullying and harassment facing LGBTQ+ youth and the high suicide rates among teens. 

Spirit Day was founded in September 2010 by Brittany McMillian. McMillian stumbled across a website discussing the suicides of gay teenagers directly tied to being bullied. It was through her support and solidarity with people facing similar struggles that she felt persuaded to do something about anti-bullying. 

SFGMC’s Contribution to LGBTQ History

In 1978, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus was an immediate success, with more than 100 men attending its first rehearsal. It was the only gay men's chorus in the world at the time, let alone the only one whose name was so openly and proudly gay. We went on our first national tour in 1981 as HIV began to spread. Throughout our travels around the country, more and more cities were interested in forming gay choruses; the movement even spread internationally. On that tour, we saw first-hand the difference we could make in people's lives. As a result, we became inspired to become a national activist organization that uses music to connect LGBTQ+ people with their communities and society.
Today, our community activism roots still ring true. For example, we work with local schools to teach love, inclusion, acceptance, and strength. In addition, our Performing Arts Center, The Chan National Queer Arts Center, has enabled us to expand our leadership role in the community even more. With the community's help, we can all come together and inspire the change in society we know we need. Not just now but also in the future.

As we honor LGBTQ+ history month, Pride, National Coming Out Day, International Pronouns Day, and LGBTQ+ Spirit Day, we pay homage to all of those who came before us and stand proudly with those walking with us now. Looking closely at LGBTQ+ history, you can see how much has changed in the past few decades and how much will continue to change. 

Like any other community, we have made significant contributions to the fabric of this nation; for that reason, we celebrate and feel proud of who we are. Our greatest gift today is that every LGBTQ+ person finds their place within the community; we are stronger.

Donate to SFGMC today and help us make, advance, and support LGBTQ+ people, our communities, and historical progress for decades to come.

FAQ

Why Do We Celebrate Pride Month in June and LGBT History in October

We celebrate Pride in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. Alternatively, LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated in October because, in 1979 and 1987, the first and second marches on Washington for gay and lesbian civil rights took place. On top of that, October is also National Coming Out Day.

SFGMC’s LGBT Volunteers San Francisco

As an organization, we believe that our communities can be cured, educated, and inspired by music. Our chorus members carry this mission with pride wherever they go and showcase their support through the countless hours of community outreach they complete every year. We encourage others to be volunteers who get involved and provide hope, stand up against hate, and share the power of embracing your authentic self in their communities.

SFGMC Chorus Members Volunteer in the Community

Music is a healing method, an educational tool, and a source of inspiration for our communities. Through hours of outreach each year, our chorus members demonstrate their dedication to serving our community. Our mission is to create exceptional music, organize community-building events, inspire activism, and foster compassion both here at home and worldwide. We are dedicated to helping people connect with their true selves, serve their communities, and stand up against hate. 
Here are just a few of the things our chorus members do to advance our mission.

Give Em’ Hope Awards

Our founders built the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus on Harvey Milk's leadership principles early on in our history. Throughout the San Francisco bay area, we employed the mission "You've gotta give 'em hope" as the cornerstone of our community outreach efforts. From this, The Give Em' Hope Awards were born. This program actively supports young artists from underserved and diverse communities and was developed in collaboration with The National Queer Arts Center. Any form of art is welcome, including performing arts, visual arts, literature, and film, as long as it focuses on the theme of hope. 

We all felt the effects of COVID-19, but we understood that young people were adversely affected. In light of the pandemic in 2021, we chose to focus on the work of those who were still hopeful. As a result of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, we were unable to host the award ceremony in person. A ceremony was held online to recognize the young people's accomplishments and talents. Inspired by the talent of these young, under-resourced artists, David Falzone, a member of the chorus, and his family, made the first donation through which the winners received monetary prizes.

RHYTHM

In addition to its musical programs, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus offers public education and social events that unite communities and people. Our Reaching Youth Through Music (RHYTHM) program is one example. This workshop runs for two weeks for elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the Bay Area. We have served over 10,000 students in the Bay Area since 2018 with RHYTHM. 

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus conducts workshops to encourage students, especially LGBT students, to lead authentic lives through messages of love, acceptance, and strength. As part of RHYTHM's education platform, students are taught about the LGBT community and guided to gain awareness, acceptance, and leadership skills. In addition, students learn how they can become role models in their community.

Outside Voices Curriculum

We place great importance on public education and preparing the next generation for the world. So, we worked with the It Gets Better Project to develop Outside Voices, a six-week curriculum. Suitable for students in grades 6-12, this workbook can be used alongside RHYTHM in schools or as a standalone resource for anyone seeking to empower youth through storytelling and promote positive community change. 

Through performance art pieces (song, rap, spoken word, or monologue), students are encouraged to articulate their own stories, use art as an activist tool, and get involved in their communities. Mitch Galli, our Associate Artistic Director, has also produced a video demonstration of each lesson. 

Non-Chorus Member LGBT Volunteers San Francisco

If you live in the San Francisco bay area and are passionate about working with the LGBT community, yet aren't a singer, don't fret! There are many ways to participate in the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. We have plenty of volunteer opportunities, including working at events or programs and interacting with visitors. If you want to connect with like-minded people in the Bay Area and meet people with similar values, this is a fantastic opportunity! 

Leads

Leads provide help and guidance to other volunteers regarding their assignments. Training will be provided for all leads according to their specific volunteer assignment

Floaters

Outdoor floaters are stationed throughout the venue to welcome patrons, collect their IDs, and verify vaccination status. As well as managing foot traffic, they will direct patrons where to go, explain what to expect, and tell them what to prepare. 

Indoor floaters direct patrons to restrooms and box offices, answering questions and directing foot traffic.

Vaccine Checkers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our performing venues have mask and vaccine requirements. Patrons are required to present their vaccine cards (both physical and digital) before entering the venue. Vaccine checkers make sure everyone is safe to enter the building to enjoy the show.

Ticket Checkers

Patrons must show a ticket (physical or digital) for entry. Our ticket checkers are there to verify they hold some version of a ticket to maintain accountability, efficiency, and continuous flow. 

Box office

Box office attendants distribute Will Call orders or provide tickets to patrons who have misplaced them. However, the box office lead will also handle door sales.

Additional Support

Support volunteers are only assigned if there is a surplus of volunteers. These volunteers fill in for no-shows, assist our front-of-house staff members, or even help with the singers backstage. In addition, if any unpredicted needs arise, they will step in and save the day.

Get Involved!

As an organization, The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus thrives because of its volunteers. We are eternally grateful for the time and energy our volunteers give to the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. In most cases, volunteers are behind the scenes putting on the show and ensuring patrons enjoy themselves. 

Our volunteers are singers and non-singers alike. They come together because of their commitment to working with the LGBTQ+ community and their unwavering belief that music can inspire, unify, and educate the world. If you share our passion for working with the LGBTQ community and believe in the power of music and community service, don't hesitate to contact the volunteer coordinator today! 

We are holding auditions for the 45th season of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus this August. So if you can sing in the tenor or bass range, be it on stage or in the shower, and are interested in participating in our outreach programs, we invite you to audition. No matter your gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or race, we welcome singers with a wide variety of singing experiences.

1980s AIDS Crisis: What Do We Know & How Have Things Changed?

Three years before the AIDS epidemic swept the nation in 1981, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus opened its doors. We couldn't imagine how much the crisis of AIDS in 1980s would affect our community and we could not have predicted how many people would turn to the Chorus for refuge and a sense of community. 

Let’s take a look back at the AIDS epidemic history over the past 40 years and how it affected not only our Chorus and our community, but our entire society.

The Beginning of the 1980s AIDS Crisis

There is no clear explanation for the cause of HIV. The first recorded case was in 1959 in a Congolese man's blood sample. While he was HIV positive, the exact details of whether he developed and died of AIDS are unknown. 

Decades later when the 1980s AIDS crisis started, there was only one understanding of HIV/AIDS: it only affected young gay men. These men soon developed uncommon opportunistic infections that previously only affected individuals with compromised immune systems and rare forms of cancer. 

As a result, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) formed a Task Force in the summer of 1981 to address KS/OI (Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections). 

Although HIV and AIDS had originally surfaced decades prior, some believing as far back as the 1930s, the AIDS epidemic mercilessly swept across the United States and the world throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

Today, more than 70 million people worldwide have HIV infections, and about 35 million have died from AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic. 

The 1980s AIDS Crisis: Decade Timeline

While it is impossible to condense the AIDS crisis into one succinct timeline, here are some of the most significant events throughout the epidemic.

For a very detailed HIV/AIDS timeline, visit this in-depth resource from HIV.gov.

The 1920s-1950s

As early as the 1920s, Pneumocystis pneumonia outbreaks ravaged northern and central Europe, with premature infants being the primary victims as they peaked in the 1950s when post-war Europe began recovering.

Experts believed that contaminated glass syringes and needles significantly contributed to the spread of the disease. However, modern research suggests a deeper origin: a retrovirus similar to HIV or even a milder form of HIV. Some speculate Cameroon (which was once a German colony) introduced the virus to Europe. 

The first wave of this epidemic occurred in Danzig City in 1939; it spread to neighboring countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands in the following years.

In December 1959, a Congolese man died of what is now known to be the first recorded case of HIV. 

The 1960s

While the domestic history of the AIDS crisis is commonly thought of as beginning in the 1980s, at least two other cases of HIV occurred in the United States in the 1960s, both in children who had received blood transfusions.

The 1970s

In the 1970s, the groundwork for the AIDS crisis was being subtly laid, although the full-blown epidemic and awareness of it would emerge mainly in the subsequent decade. 

The first recognized cases appeared in the late 1970s when individuals presented with rare diseases like Kaposi's sarcoma. In 1969, a teenager from St. Louis, Robert Rayford, passed away from an unidentifiable illness. 

Eighteen years later, researchers at Tulane University discovered evidence of HIV in his remains. As the 1970s drew to a close, between 100,000 to 300,000 people might have already been infected with HIV. 

Then, in 1980, the symptoms and cases became more noticeable, marking the beginning of a global health crisis that would be officially named and recognized in the 1980s

The 1980s AIDS Crisis

In June 1981, the CDC published a report on five previously healthy young gay men diagnosed with KS/OI. This was the first recognized sign of what would become known as the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s.

The term "AIDS" is officially coined in September 1982 by the CDC. HIV is said to have already spread to at least 15 countries by now.

Until 1983 the WHO released their first assessment of the global AIDS crisis, the disease was still widely believed to only be a “gay disease”. Included in the WHO's first assessment of the global AIDS crisis was the recognition of HIV/AIDS transmission through:

• Blood transfusions (Blood banks in the United States and Europe start screening their blood supply for HIV by the mid 1980s, greatly reducing the risk of transmission through contaminated blood products)

• Heterosexual contacts

• Mother-to-child routes (infected mothers could pass HIV to their babies)

In 1985, researchers introduced antibody blood tests to screen for infections, though they had a limited scope. WHO emerged as a central figure in the AIDS battle. By 1986, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop clarified misconceptions about HIV transmission, urging nationwide education, condom use, and voluntary HIV testing.

The first World AIDS Day was observed on December 1, 1988, and has since been recognized annually as a day to raise awareness and support for those living with HIV. This day is also an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses.

The 1990s

1996 proved to be a momentous year in the history of the AIDS epidemic. The 11th International AIDS Conference took place in Vancouver, where a combination of antiretroviral treatment was introduced for the first time that proved to be effective against HIV. This was also the year the United Nations established the The Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS).

The year following these events, 1997, was the first year the AIDS death rate declined since the epidemic began. Still, in 1997, UNAIDS estimates that, 30 million adults and children around the world had HIV, along with 16,000 people being newly infected with the virus each day. 

In 1998, AIDSVAX began the first human trial of an AIDS vaccine for which more than 5,000 U.S. volunteers signed up.

The 2000s

In 2002, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria was created to fund programs aimed at preventing and treating these diseases. By 2019, the Global Fund has invested over $45 billion in efforts to end the epidemics.

Advancements in HAART

The 2000s also brought improved and more accessible antiretroviral drugs with fewer side effects. HAART regimens transformed AIDS treatment, making it possible for individuals to live longer, healthier lives.

Now, in 2023, modern antiretroviral therapy has made living with HIV/AIDS a manageable chronic condition. These medications suppress the virus, allowing individuals to maintain healthy immune systems and live longer lives.

Prevention and Education

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (which received FDA-approval in 2012) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are now widely available, offering protection to individuals at risk of contracting HIV. Education about safe sex and harm reduction strategies has played a crucial role in HIV prevention.

U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable

Another relatively recent landmark development in AIDS treatment is the "U=U" campaign (launched in 2015), which stands for "Undetectable = Untransmittable." It means that individuals with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus to their partners through sexual contact.

A Long Road Ahead

While significant progress has been made in AIDS treatment and prevention, challenges remain. Stigma, disparities in access to care, and the high cost of medications are ongoing issues that must be addressed.

What Was AIDS Called in 1981?

"Gay-Related Immune Deficiency" (GRID) was coined by doctors in 1981 to describe what would later become AIDS. Nevertheless, society at large referred to the virus as a "gay disease" due to its rapid spread within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among gay men. Then, in 1982 the CDC coined the term AIDS for the first time.

Who Was the Most Affected by the AIDS Crisis in the 80s?

In the early 1980s, AIDS was initially perceived as a 'white gay disease,' affecting primarily white gay and bisexual men. This perception overshadowed the needs of ethnic minorities, leading to a lack of outreach and early treatment options for them.

However, by the mid-80s, the CDC observed that African Americans faced a disproportionate AIDS diagnosis rate. This spurred black activists to advocate for more inclusive AIDS campaigns and initiatives. Parallelly, black, gay, and lesbian communities launched campaigns emphasizing AIDS's non-discriminatory nature.

AIDS in the 80s and Beyond: The Impact on the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

AIDS in San Francisco in the 1980s was devastating and catastrophic. Amid this crisis, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) emerged as an essential organization that not only provided support to those affected by AIDS but also raised awareness and fought against the stigma surrounding the disease. 

Along with being a support system for its members who were living with AIDS or had lost loved ones to the disease, the SFGMC also suffered great losses within its own community.

Our founder, Jon Reed Sims, was diagnosed with AIDS in January 1984 and passed away six months later. Though Sims did not live long enough to observe the impact the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus would have on gay communities nationwide, the Chorus was inspired to carry on his legacy. 

In honor of Sims, we created the Fifth Section to commemorate the over 300 HIV-positive members of our Chorus who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS or other complications since his passing. 

Members of our Fifth Section remain listed in our concert programs and on our website, ensuring their spirits and memories will remain alive. As the AIDS/HIV epidemic in the 80s raged, the Chorus gave many a platform to cope with grief and support one another. Through the support of our surviving and new members, we keep going and remind ourselves of the power of song during some of the most challenging times of our lives. 

The Present: Why the HIV Epidemic is Not Over

As we touched on earlier, the HIV epidemic is far from over. Hurdles remain in not only overcoming the disease itself, but also the stigma and other challenges surrounding it. 

Since the beginning of the epidemic of HIV in the 80s, over 40 years ago, researchers have examined how socioeconomic status, access to health care, and HIV/AIDS transmission affect communities and countries worldwide. 

According to their findings, several factors significantly limit interactions between individuals living with HIV/AIDS and those without the condition.

These include:

• Homophobia

• The stigmatization of HIV/AIDS

• A lack of public awareness (including HIV vaccine awareness)

These barriers can create a discouraging environment, ultimately hindering people from seeking care and support. 

We must address these issues comprehensively to promote inclusivity, understanding, and access to healthcare services for all individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.

Even with the advancement in understanding and treatment, HIV/AIDS remains a severe health threat worldwide due to the lack of treatment centers, limited educational resources, and a shortage of STI testing centers. 

AIDS prevention relies heavily on public awareness and education campaigns. Unfortunately, as much as 13% of HIV-positive people in the United States are unaware of their status. As a result, HIV-positive people are more likely to acquire AIDS and transmit HIV without treatment. 

San Francisco General Hospital developed a holistic approach to HIV/AIDS care in 1983, still in practice today. They focus on raising awareness, educating patients and the public, and addressing social, psychological, economic, and medication aspects. 

They offer:

• HIV testing

• Counseling

• Financial assistance

• Housing

• Home care

• Emotional support

• Community education

The hospital also provides specialized training for physicians and nurses.

HIV/AIDS: The Stigma

As the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS remains prevalent in our society, it's worth noting again how societal attitudes contribute to the spread of HIV. The fear, misinformation, and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS can prevent individuals from getting tested or seeking treatment. This results in a lack of awareness, further spreading the virus.

For our part, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC) is dedicated to breaking this stigma through its powerful musical performances and community outreach programs. 

Make an Impact by Supporting Our Mission

During the AIDS crisis, for many, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus was not just about singing but a sanctuary and lifeline. Our music offered solace, strength, and empowerment during those dire times. 

To combat HIV/AIDS, you can donate, participate in pride celebrations, educate yourself and others about the virus, or be an LGBTQ+ ally. Your support for the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus enables us to produce impactful music, foster community, inspire activism, and spread compassion globally.

Please consider donating to aid our mission against HIV/AIDS. Every contribution counts.

When did AIDS become a crisis?

The CDC reported in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in June 1981 that five young, healthy gay men in Los Angeles had contracted PCP, a rare lung infection. While not known then, this article described the effects of HIV/AIDS. Even though it was unknown to the general public at the time, we have come to believe that it marked the beginning of the AIDS crisis.

How many AIDS cases were there in 1981?

There were 337 reported cases of HIV in the United States in December 1981, but the CDC estimates that roughly 42,000 people were unknowingly HIV positive at the time.

Can you survive having AIDS?

Treatment for AIDS can improve the immune system, reduce virus levels in the body, and decrease complications associated with the disease. However, without treatment, patients with AIDS have an average life expectancy of about three years.

What does AIDS look like?

Most newly infected people do not display any rash, but for those that do, it is often the first sign of HIV. HIV rashes are large areas of flat reddened skin with tiny bumps. Additionally, you may see swollen lymph nodes, oral thrush, night sweats, or sudden and unexplained weight loss. It is important to note that HIV/AIDS does not always have obvious symptoms; most people do not display any. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you're concerned that you've been exposed to HIV/AIDS.

Brave and Bold: Learn from the Legacy of 10 LGBT Activists

Since our first rehearsal, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus has stood as a symbol of activism and unity for the LGBT community. With a mission to integrate more music into San Francisco's Gay Freedom Day parade, Jon Reed Sims founded the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band in 1978, which later evolved into what we know today as the San Francisco Gay Man’s Chorus. 

We have continued to fight for our recognition as LGBTQ+ people on the groundwork laid by those before us.  

Celebrating LGBT activists and community members isn’t something we only do during Pride Month. Like the brave people we’ll talk about in this article today, we celebrate and fight for the LGBT community all year round. 

Our community has a rich history, and we’re proud to help LGBT people and allies alike study it in more detail.

Each LGBT activist is richly different – just like the community they represent. LGBTQ leaders stretch across time, location, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Not all famous LGBTQ+ people set out to be activists, but many of them do speak out against injustice and effect change.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of LGBT activists. Activism can show up in the smallest, most everyday situations. Standing up for a coworker who’s being harassed, voting for pro-LGBTQ+ politicians and bills, and supporting art made by LGBT people are all forms of activism.

Today, we’ll be learning about the lives and work of some of the most influential LGBT activists across history. 

1. Harvey Milk

Harvey Milk (May 22, 1930 - November 27, 1978) was the first openly gay politician to be elected into public office in California. Milk is remembered for his unapologetically out-and-proud nature and the optimism he helped spread to the gay community at a time when the nation at large was still unwelcoming or downright hostile. 

He demanded improvements for the local community and got them access to essential resources. Milk was especially excited about the formation of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Sadly, though, he never got to hear us perform. 

Harvey Milk was assassinated by Dan White, one of his most vocal critics and a former San Francisco city supervisor, on November 27, 1978. Thousands of people gathered in the Castro on the night of Milk’s assassination for an emotional candlelight vigil. 

The first performance of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus was at this vigil, in memory of Harvey Milk.

Now, we celebrate his life and achievements on Harvey Milk Day. Milk was one of the LGBT activists who were nearest and dearest to our hearts, and his election continues to be a proud milestone in our community’s history.

2. Alok Vaid Menon

Alok Vaid Menon is a gender-nonconforming, transfeminine advocate for bodily diversity, gender neutrality, and self-determination. They are an internationally-acclaimed author, poet, comedian, speaker, fashion designer, and social media personality, whose style and identity is in constant flux. 

ALOK uses mixed-media art, fashion, and performance to explore topics like trauma, the idea of belonging without conforming, the dynamics of transmisogyny, and the human condition. They have three published books, Femme in Public (2017), Beyond the Gender Binary (2020), and Your Wound, My Garden (2021), and have made multiple TV appearances in shows such as Planet Sex with Cara Delevingne, PRIDE: To Be Seen – A Soul of A Nation, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, Random Acts of Flyness, and The Trans List.

Amassing over 1 million Instagram followers and having their work shown in over 40 countries, ALOK is making a large impact, giving representation and a voice to important issues for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

3. Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha "Pay it No Mind" Johnson (August 24, 1945 - July 6, 1992) is one of the most beloved LGBT activists for transgender rights. In 1969, Johnson was one of the many people who battled for their rights at the Stonewall Inn, and some sources credit her with starting the riot. 

Acutely aware of the inequalities facing transgender people and young people of color, Johnson paired up with her best friend Sylvia Rivera to open Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to address the urgent needs of house-less transgender and queer youth of color. 

Following her diagnosis of AIDS in 1990, Johnson continued to be one of the most powerful LGBT activists. She spread awareness and advocated for better care for people with AIDS and HIV. 

In 1992, Johnson's body was found in the Hudson River. 

Despite her close friends and family believing she was a victim of a hate crime, the NYPD declared her death a suicide. Her case was reopened in 2012, but her death remains unsolved.

4. Sylvia Rivera

Sylvia Rivera (July 2, 1951 – February 19, 2002) was a Puerto Rican, Venezuelan-American transgender activist – one of many highly influential LGBT activists of color. Rivera was a trailblazer, most famous for her role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969. 

Having been orphaned at the age of ten, Rivera lived and worked on the streets of New York City as a sex worker. Rivera eventually found community with a group of drag queens and transgender women, which became a driving force in her relentless fight for transgender rights. 

As a member of the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), Rivera fought to incorporate transgender people's rights into the first gay rights legislation in New York City, since the bill excluded the rights of transgender people. Shortly after, Rivera and Marsha P Johnson established Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to offer shelter, food, and clothing to homeless transgender youth.

Rivera focused her life on LGBT activism that prioritized intersectionality and inclusivity. She wanted transgender people of color to be welcomed, appreciated, and accepted within the community, especially those who were homeless, incarcerated, and living in poverty. 

As a part of her impact, Rivera help make sure the "T" was added to “LGBT.” Today, there are more letters added, and the LGBTQ meaning is even more inclusive. She helped pave the way for this.

After a battle with cancer, Rivera passed away at 50 years old in February 2002.

5. Billie Jean King

Professional tennis player, Billie Jean King, was born November 22, 1943 in Long Beach, California. King began playing basketball and softball as a young girl, but once she was introduced to tennis, she knew that was the sport for her. King trained strenuously and began winning youth tournaments across California. At 16 years old, King began to play tennis professionally. A few years later, King got her first major win at Wimbledon. 

As a profoundly influential athlete, King spent much of her career unabashedly addressing the gender pay gap facing women as women were awarded far less money than men following a championship win. 

As a means of bringing attention to the seriousness of payment imbalance, King left tennis and declared that until men and women were paid equally, she would not return. In 1973, the US Open was the first major tournament to end gender pay disparities. 

King publicly came out as a lesbian in 1981. 

As a result, all of her endorsement deals were terminated. However, she persevered and became one of the most powerful LGBT activists in the sports world.

King won 39 Grand Slam titles throughout her career, retiring in 1983. In her retirement, she continues to be an LGBTQ leader, speaking out just as passionately for the need for equality, inclusion, and diversity within sports and the LGBT community. 

6. Frank Kameny

Frank Kameny (May 21, 1925 - October 11, 2011), a world-renowned astronomer and WWII veteran, was one of the dedicated LGBT activists advocating for our right to working without fear of discrimination. 

After earning his Ph.D. at Harvard University, the Army Map Service hired him as an astronomer. However, within a few months, an executive order was implemented prohibiting LGBTQ+ people from working in federal agencies. Kameny's security clearance was revoked, and he lost his dream job. 

But he was ready to fight back.

After he was terminated, Kameny filed a lawsuit against the government. In 1961, he brought the first gay rights case to the U.S. Supreme Court. When his appeal was denied, he began a lifelong battle for equality. 

Kameny became a chief advocate of gay rights in Washington DC, organizing protests and demonstrations at the White House, the Pentagon, and the Civil Service Commission. In 1975, the Civil Service Commission lifted its ban on LGBT employees. Fifty years later, Kameny finally won his case when the U.S. government formally apologized for how it treated LGBT employees. 

In 2011, at the age of 86, Kameny passed away. 

He will always be remembered as one of the LGBTQ+ leaders who fought for our legal rights, as well as our right to be accepted.

7. Rachel Levine 

Rachel Levine (born October 28, 1957) is the first ever openly transgender person to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and a powerful leader among medical LGBT activists. After a lifetime of dedication to caring for people through medicine, Dr. Levine started exploring her gender identity, and transitioned in her 40s. 

Afterwards, she was appointed to the Physician General and later Secretary of Health in Pennsylvania, where she implemented measures that saved thousands of lives from opioid overdoses. She was also one of the LGBTQ+ leaders who have worked to provide great access to healthcare for LGBT youth.

In 2021, she was nominated for the position of Assistant Secretary for Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by Joe Biden. She was then approved by the U.S. Senate, making her the highest-ranking openly transgender official in U.S. history. 

8. RuPaul Andre Charles

RuPaul (born November 17, 1960) is one of the most famous LGBTQ+ people in the world, and one of the most powerful LGBT activists, as well. From a very young age, he loved to put on shows and perform for his mother. 

In his adult life, he became a regular performer in The New Yorks LGBT nightclub scene. As he gained international fame, he became the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign. It with MAC Cosmetics in 1994. 

Later, he launched the reality competition show RuPaul’s Drag Race and received 11 Emmy awards, breaking an Emmy record for both black people and LGBT people. The success of RuPaul’s Drag Race has sparked conversations all over the world about inclusion, acceptance, and gender expression. 

9. Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox (born May 29, 1972) is an actress and another among proud transgender LGBT activists. Cox has always loved performing. And in 2014, she became the first trans person to be nominated for an Emmy for her role in Orange Is The New Black. 

She’s used her successful acting career to give a voice to the LGBTQ+ community. 

As of 2021, Cox has performed in more than 40 acting roles, produced 8 films, and won 9 awards for her work. She remains one of the many passionate LGBT leaders who advocate for the protection of transgender women of color.

10. Dr. Timothy Seelig

Conductor, singer, teacher, and motivational speaker, Timothy Seelig (born January 10, 1951) has been recognized for his talents worldwide. 

His first experience with a gay choir was as a conductor with the Turtle Creek Chorale in 1987, shortly after coming out and losing close ties with family and friends. During that time, Seelig saw the pervasive, painful impact of the AIDS epidemic and began supporting his local community. Today, Seelig continues to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic through his musical and speaking engagements. 

In 2011, Seelig joined the SFGMC as Artistic Director, bringing incredible passion and creativity to our chorus. On the 35th anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk, and SFGMC's 35th anniversary, Seelig and Andrew Lippa put together an hour-long concert celebrating Milk’s life and achievements.

This was followed by the Lavender Pen Tour, which toured the Deep South after the government proposed several anti-LGBTQ laws. Seelig is one of the LGBTQ leaders who brought the community together and included allies in conversations that will continue to inspire future generations. 

After nearly 11 proud years, Seelig retired from his position with SFGMC, but not before securing his place among history’s most powerful, passionate LGBT activists. He continues to be a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and frequents local events that are bringing awareness to multiple LGBTQ+ issues.

Supporting and Uplifting the LGBTQ+ Community Today and Tomorrow

As LGBT people, we have lived through persecution, discrimination, and police brutality throughout history. Through all this, we have continued to share our message and values of love and acceptance, always leaning on our community's strength.

Our list here is by no means an exhaustive list of the individuals who have deeply impacted the LBGTQ+ community for the better. If there’s someone who inspires you that you feel needs to be included, please let us know. We’d be happy to elevate their voice and will continue to update this list when we can.

For many members of the community, activism runs in our blood. 

And we have demonstrated what can be accomplished when we stand together. 

Inspired by the work of others in the community, SFGMC was founded as - and still remains - a force for good in our communities.

Support San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus 

We must follow in the footsteps of our predecessors and continue to make an impact wherever we can. Our youth are looking toward us for leadership! 

You can help SFGMC on our mission of musical activism making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. So take action to help end intolerance and bigotry today with a donation.

Donate

FAQs

HOW TO BECOME AN LGBT ACTIVIST?

There is not just one way to become an LGBT activist. Learning, advocating, taking action, and being open to mistakes are all a part of the journey. Understanding the current problems affecting the community is the first thing you must do in order to effectively speak out against injustice. Research and learn about past LGBT activists. It is always a good idea to take inspiration from the past, as many parallels still exist today. Don't expect LGBT people to do the heavy lifting for you. Take initiative: read, ask questions, attend events, and take the time to understand new perspectives. You can start with something simple, yet impactful, like learning about gender pronouns and using more gender-inclusive language in your daily life. Make the most of your social media platforms by building a sense of community, educating yourself and others, increasing the voices of underrepresented people, and voicing your support to those who need it!

WHAT TYPE OF ORGANIZATION IS LGBTQ+?

Many organizations exist to provide resources for LGBT people. Most of these organizations fall within the anti-violence, mental health, and cultural institutions. There are organizations run by LGBTQ+ members (such as SFGMC), organizations made specifically to support the LGBTQ+ community, and still others that are LGBTQ+ inclusive, made to be a safe space for everyone.

WHAT ORGANIZATIONS HELP LGBT?

Local and national organizations across the country provide essential resources to LGBT people. This is a great starting point: https://www.glaad.org/resourcelist

WHO MADE THE LGBT FLAG?

In 1977, Harvey Milk commissioned Gilbert Baker, an artist, and fellow activist, to create a flag for the LGBT community. Baker's creation of a rainbow flag with eight different colors remains the community's symbol. Today, we have many pride flags that represent and celebrate different members of the LGBTQ+ community.

WHO IS THE MOST FAMOUS LGBTQ+ PERSONALITY?

Defining a single person as the “most famous LGBTQ personality” would be impossible, just like defining the “most famous person in the world” would be impossible. There are many famous people in the LGBTQ community, from inventors like Tim Cook to musicians like Elton John.

TLG T1 - Need A Little Christmas

SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS PRESENTS ANNUAL BENEFIT CRESCENDO VOICES RISING

PRESENTED BY THE ARIADNE GETTY FOUNDATION

Now in it’s 15th year, this year’s virtual event will honor legendary ‘Pegot’ aware winner Rita Moreno, Grammy award-winning multi-platinum singer LeAnn Rimes, and Emmy award-winning artistic director of Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Terrance Kelly

Evening to include special performances and presentations by LeAnn Rimes, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Glide Memorial Church Minister of Celebration Marvin K. White, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chours, The Homophonics, and more.

thursday, April 22 at 6p.m. pdt

---

SAN FRANCISCO (March 2, 2021)—Today, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig and Executive Director Chris Verdugo announced Crescendo Voices Rising, SFGMC’s annual benefit honoring extraordinary individuals who tirelessly champion and promote LGBTQ+ equality. Presented by The Ariadne Getty Foundation, the virtual event will take place on Thursday, April 22 at 6 p.m. PDT. Funds raised at this year’s gala will help sustain SFGMC and support its youth outreach programs.

Legendary Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (‘PEGOT’) Award winner Rita Moreno will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Grammy Award-winning multiplatinum singer LeAnn Rimes will be honored with the Ally Award; and Emmy Award-winning Artistic Director of The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Terrance Kelly will be honored with the Inspiration Award. The evening will feature special performances and presentations by San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Glide Memorial Church Minister of Celebration Marvin K. White, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and SFGMC’s vocal ensemble The Homophonics. LeAnn Rimes—joined by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus—will share a surprise rendition of a new song from her forthcoming album, God’s Work.

Crescendo Voices Rising will also include a virtual auction, featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences, wine tastings, trips, travel packages, gym/fitness packages, and more. To register to bid, visit sfgmc.org/crescendo.

Tickets for Crescendo Voices Rising range in price from $25 (single ticket) to $60 (family/household ticket). A limited number of VIP tickets ($250) include a ticket to Crescendo Voices Rising plus a multicourse dinner with wine from Canela Bistro & Wine Bar delivered to your home (San Francisco addresses only). In the spirit of equity and accessibility for all, patrons who are unable to afford the ticket price can use code “COMMUNITY” upon checkout for a complimentary ticket. For those who have the means to pay more than the ticket price, SFGMC humbly asks for donations to their Fund the Future effort to keep the Chorus’s voice vibrant and strong. To purchase tickets, visit sfgmc.org/crescendo.

“It has been amazing to watch Crescendo grow from its rather humble beginnings 15 years ago,” says Seelig. “The first annual fundraiser was the dream of former chairman of the Board of Directors, Paul Olsen. Each year, the support of the community has simply overwhelmed us as the event has turned into not only a gala affair, but one with global reach. The evening will be filled with music, including a world premiere virtual chorus as one of the highlights.”

“This year’s honorees embody the essence of art and activism and continue to inspire and uplift us through their music and advocacy,” adds Verdugo. “We are honored to celebrate their excellence, while also continuing our mission of amplifying the voices of those who have struggled too long to be heard.”

Crescendo Voices Rising sponsors and media partners include Presenting Sponsor The Ariadne Getty Foundation, Ruby Sponsors Chansell Capital Properties LLC, Mikkel Svane, and Zendesk; Platinum Sponsor Joe Czuberki; Silver Sponsor Janet Cluff; and Media Partner San Francisco Bay Times.

Sponsorship opportunities for Crescendo Voices Rising are available starting at $3,500. For more information, contact Ari Lipsky at [email protected].

Co-chaired by Denise Geschke, Robert Moon, and Tom Paulino, the Crescendo Voices Rising committee includes Cammy Blackstone, Bryan Blair, Meghan Cast, Eric Chau, Luis Cuadra, Glenn DeSandre, Chelle Jacques, Monica MacMillan, Chris Padula, Tim Pavek, Keith Pepper, Sarah Reed, Paul Saccone, Deb Stallings, Bill Vastardis, and Ahmed Zaeem.

---

About SFGMC

Founded in 1978, SFGMC sparked a nationwide LGBTQ choral movement after its first public performance at a vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Since then SFGMC has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. It has soothed souls in pain, lifted spirits in triumph, and has remained a steadfast beacon of hope.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC has established a heightened level of performance standards bringing renewed audience and choral industry acclaim. Recent touring schedules, recordings, and outreach programs have broadened its impact and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and ground-breaking performances. In 2019, SFGMC acquired a historic facility that has become its permanent home for rehearsals and offices. The building also serves as the first-ever National LGBTQ Center for the Arts, a community space for LGBTQ artists and arts organizations.

For more information on SFGMC, visit www.sfgmc.org
SFGMC Archive contact: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sfgmc
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sfgmc
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sfgmc
YouTube: www.youtube.com/sfgmcvideo

---

About Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno has won all four of the most prestigious awards in show business: an Oscar, a Tony, two Emmys, and a Grammy. Her countless credits span more than seven decades, beginning with her Broadway debut at age 13. Moreno has starred on Broadway and London’s West End, appeared in more than 40 feature films, and countless television shows, and has performed in numerous regional theaters including her one woman show, Life Without Makeup at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

Moreno co-stars and serves as an Executive Producer in the Steven Spielberg remake of West Side Story, scheduled for a December 2021 release. Her new documentary, Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It, recently premiered at Sundance Film Festival. Moreno also co-stars in the critically acclaimed Latinx reimagining of Norman Lear’s classic sitcom, “One Day At A Time,” on Netflix and CBS All Access.

When not shooting a TV show or film, Moreno performs as a guest artist with symphony orchestras in addition to speaking engagements around the country.

Moreno received the Peabody Career Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center Honor for her lifetime contributions to American culture. Prior to that, she was honored by her peers as the 50th recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. She has served as a Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade.

Moreno released her first ever all-Spanish language album, Una Vez Más, produced by her good friend, Emilio Estefan and has added New York Times bestselling author to her list of accomplishments with her first book, “Rita Moreno: A Memoir,” published by Celebra Books.

Moreno was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush and the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama.

---

About LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes is an international multi-platinum selling acclaimed singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter who has sold more than 44 million units globally, won 2 Grammy® Awards; 12 Billboard Music Awards; 2 World Music Awards; 3 Academy of Country Music Awards; one Country Music Association Award and one Dove Award. At 14, Rimes won "Best New Artist” making her the youngest recipient to take home a Grammy® Award. LeAnn has been honored with the Ally of Equality Award by the Human Rights Campaign for over 20 years of equal rights support, the 2019 HOPE Award for Depression Advocacy, and 2009 ACM Humanitarian Award, among other recognitions, solidifying her dedication to making the world a better place.

The powerhouse vocalist lit up television screens this past December as she won “The Masked Singer” on FOX, mesmerizing the crowds as The Sun. Prior to that she starred and served as an Executive Producer in Hallmark’s “It’s Christmas, Eve,” which earned the highest TV original movie debut to-date for the channel premiering to over 4.3 million viewers. Passionate about using her voice to help heal the world, LeAnn released a chant record in November of 2020 called CHANT: The Human and The Holy (Soul of EverLe/Thirty Tigers). Rimes continued her wellness journey with the launch of an iHeartRadio podcast, Wholly Human, which brings her lifestyle blog, Soul of EverLe, to life and introduces fans to the teachers and wise souls that have made a positive impact on her life. Next up, LeAnn will release her forthcoming studio album, God’s Work, on May 14th and then will celebrate her monumental 25th anniversary as a recording artist in July, commemorating the release of “Blue.”

---

About Terrance Kelly

Terrance Kelly, Founding Artistic Director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, was born into a family of an esteemed jazz and gospel pianist father and gospel choir director and pianist mother. He has extensive musical credentials in both gospel and jazz music; and his operatic range and joyous emotional feel for the music make him a popular soloist as well as an accomplished director, composer and arranger. Kelly’s credits include choral arrangements on CDs by Linda Ronstadt and Kronos Quartet and gospel arrangements of popular music for TV and video soundtracks. He also wrote and/or arranged most of the music for OIGC’s six recordings. Honored at the Gospel Music Awards in 2005, Kelly received an Emmy Award in 1995 for his choral arrangement of OIGC’s KGO-TV PSA; a “Local Heroes Award” from KQED Television for his directorship of the Oakland Interfaith Youth Gospel Choir; the Dr. Edwin Hawkins Excellence Award in 2013, and Bay Area Gospel Music’s “People’s Choice Award'' in 2019.

SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS PRESENTS ANGELS

Virtual musical event to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the world’s first AIDS requiem, “When We No Longer Touch”

Evening also features the premiere of a video celebrating SFGMC’s Artists Portal at the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park

— Thursday, March 11 at 6 p.m. PST —

SAN FRANCISCO (February 11, 2021)—Today, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig and Executive Director Chris Verdugo announced Angels—a virtual musical event in remembrance of those loved and lost to AIDS—streaming on Thursday, March 11 at 6 p.m. PST on SFGMC TV, the free online platform showcasing exciting performances, dynamic interviews, singer spotlights, and more. To RSVP, visit www.sfgmc.org/angels.

Angels will commemorate the 30th anniversary of “When We No Longer Touch,” the world’s first requiem dedicated to those lost to AIDS, with a rebroadcast from SFGMC’s momentous 40th anniversary concert that took place on October 26, 2018 at San Francisco’s St. Ignatius Church. This moving work was commissioned by SFGMC Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig and the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas, Texas. A documentary of the work was created by PBS and awarded the Emmy Award for ‘Best Documentary’ in 1994.

The event will also include the premiere of a video celebrating the creation of SFGMC’s Artist Portal at the National AIDS Memorial Grove located in Golden Gate Park. Positioned at the west entrance of the Grove, the stunning installation centers around an eight-foot-tall Emperor Chime. This unique aural feature provides the extended SFGMC family from around the world with a place to reflect and remember. The memorial includes the names of regional, national, and international arts organizations from all disciplines who have also lost members.

“Those of us now living through the second pandemic of our lives know on an even deeper level that we are surrounded by angels,” said Seelig. “The losses are unimaginable. There is no doubt they continue to give us strength to carry on in their memory. This extraordinary work has proved itself to be timeless. Having been performed all over the world, it still brings a very personal message to each listener. All of us have experienced all of this in our lives. Yet, we can stand and sing or say as the music soars to its triumphant end, ‘Through all the tears, pain and sadness, comes the one thought that can make me smile again: I have loved.’"

“As we approach the one year anniversary of COVID-19, it is important to reflect on the loss our community has endured, both now and during the AIDS pandemic,” adds Verdugo. “Angels is sure to be a cathartic experience that sends a message of healing and hope.”

Founded in 1978, SFGMC sparked a nationwide LGBTQ choral movement after its first public performance at a vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Since then SFGMC has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. It has soothed souls in pain, lifted spirits in triumph, and has remained a steadfast beacon of hope.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC has established a heightened level of performance standards bringing renewed audience and choral industry acclaim. Recent touring schedules, recordings, and outreach programs have broadened its impact and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and ground-breaking performances. In 2019, SFGMC acquired a historic facility that has become its permanent home for rehearsals and offices. The building also serves as the first-ever National Queer Arts Center, a community space for LGBTQ artists and arts organizations.

---

For more information on SFGMC, visit www.sfgmc.org

Visit SFGMC TV: www.sfgmc.org/sfgmctv

SFGMC Archive contact: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sfgmc

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sfgmc

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sfgmc

YouTube: www.youtube.com/sfgmcvideo

NATIONAL QUEER ARTS CENTER OPENS CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR INAUGURAL GIVE ‘EM HOPE AWARDS

Five artists to receive $1,500 in support of a project that focuses on the themes of hope

SAN FRANCISCO (February 3, 2021)—Today, the National Queer Arts Center—home of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC)—announced a call for entries for the inaugural Give ‘Em Hope Awards. Inspired by Harvey Milk’s pioneering “Hope” speech, the Give ‘Em Hope Awards will provide five artists with $1,500 each to support an artistic project that focuses on the themes of hope. Winners will also have their work featured on SFGMC TV, a free online platform showcasing exciting performances, dynamic interviews, singer spotlights, and more.

The Give ‘Em Hope Awards are designed to serve under-resourced and diverse communities and are open to artists up to the age of 25. The artistic medium may be any expression of hope, including performing arts, visual arts, literature, and film. Artists interested in submitting their work for consideration should register by February 15 at [email protected] to receive more information. All entries must be submitted by April 1, 2021. Award recipients will be announced on April 15, 2021.

“We are thrilled that singing member David Falzone and his family stepped forward to provide the inaugural donation to create a special projects fund for the Chorus,” said SFGMC Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig. “One of the initiatives they were passionate about was giving immediate support to young, under-resourced artists to help them continue to pursue their art even in these dark times.”

“The theme of ‘hope’ has been instrumental to the work of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for over 40 years and remains a major tenet of our mission,” adds SFGMC Executive Director Chris Verdugo. “Had the pandemic not shuttered the National Queer Arts Center, we would be bringing young artists to the Center to provide them with an outlet for their art. It is with great excitement and gratitude for this gift that we are able to virtually hold the hands of fellow artists, lift them up, and provide a gift of hope.”

Purchased by SFGMC in April 2019, the National Queer Arts Center (formerly the National LGBTQ Center for the Arts) is a four-floor historic property that houses rehearsal and office space, conference rooms, and community engagement spaces. The interior has more than 23,000 square feet, including a spacious lobby, auditorium, stage, dressing rooms, office space, multiple conference rooms, kitchens, and storage. Given SFGMC’s deep roots in the community, the space brings the chorus and community together for events such as master classes, lectures, symposia, and sing-ins for the community to join the chorus.

The historic property—located at 170 Valencia Street in the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District—was designed by architect Harold Stoner and completed in 1930 for the Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal society that sought a space for convenings. The building has a classic art deco façade showcasing scallops, scrolls and floral motifs quintessential to the time period. From 1976 until 2018, the space was used as the City's center for the Bahá’í faith.

---

ABOUT SFGMC

Founded in 1978, SFGMC sparked a nationwide LGBTQ choral movement after its first public performance at a vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Since then SFGMC has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. It has soothed souls in pain, lifted spirits in triumph, and has remained a steadfast beacon of hope.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC has established a heightened level of performance standards bringing renewed audience and choral industry acclaim. Recent touring schedules, recordings, and outreach programs have broadened its impact and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and ground-breaking performances. In 2019, SFGMC acquired a historic facility that has become its permanent home for rehearsals and offices. The building also serves as the first-ever National Queer Arts Center, a community space for LGBTQ artists and arts organizations.

---

For more information on SFGMC, visit www.sfgmc.org

Visit SFGMC TV: www.sfgmc.org/sfgmctv

SFGMC Archive contact: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sfgmc

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sfgmc

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sfgmc

YouTube: www.youtube.com/sfgmcvideo

What Will We Hear

This past summer, as we considered our future and what it would look like, Broadway composer and friend of the Chorus, Andrew Lippa, composed a song for us. It is titled "What Will We Hear." The Chorus set about recording the song with the help of Kristin Chenoweth as the featured soloist and the incredible Leslie Ann Jones from Skywalk Sound as the producer. The result is amazing. We are very happy to announce that the song is now available as a single on all music streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Please listen and share. And, of course, you can watch the music video on YouTube!

SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS RINGS IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH (AT) HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANNUAL CONCERT, THIS ALL-VIRTUAL HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA WILL FEATURE JOYOUS MUSIC, HEARTWARMING VIDEOS, AND A FEW SURPRISES!

SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE TONY AWARD WINNER LAURA BENANTI, COMEDIAN AND “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” CHAMPION BIANCA DEL RIO, INDIA’S FIRST OPENLY GAY ROYAL FIGURE PRINCE MANVENDRA SINGH GOHIL, AND SAN FRANCISCO PHILHARMONIC

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 AT 5 P.M. PST

SAN FRANCISCO (November 19, 2020)— San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig and Executive Director Chris Verdugo announced today that Home For the Holidays, SFGMC’s holiday tradition usually held at San Francisco’s iconic Castro Theatre, will be presented as the all-virtual holiday extravaganza, (At) Home For the Holidays. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the annual concert, this year’s show will feature joyous music—including upbeat, show-stopping numbers, updated, modern takes on old favorites, and the world premiere of “Merry Everything”—as well as heartwarming videos, and a few surprises! Special guests include Tony Award winner Laura Benanti, comedian and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” champion Bianca Del Rio, India’s first openly gay royal figure Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, San Francisco Philharmonic, and more. (At) Home For the Holidays will take place on Thursday, December 24 at 5 p.m. PST. Tickets range in price from $25 (single ticket) to $60 (group viewing) and are on-sale now at www.sfgmc.org. A limited number of VIP packages are also available for $150 and include a selection of holiday treats and libations (available for San Francisco Bay Area residents only).

“This annual holiday tradition began in 1990. The chorus gathered at the Castro Theater on Christmas Eve to bring a bit of bring home and family to those who had none due to the ravages of the AIDS Pandemic,” says Seelig. “Since we won’t be at home at the Castro, we’ll be peeking into the homes of chorus members—masked and distanced—to see how they celebrate. We are also thrilled to visit Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, one of India’s most outspoken LGBTQ+ rights activists, in his home in India as he brings holiday greetings. We are excited to be in your home for the holidays.”

Adds Verdugo: “Music is an inextricable part of our lives—especially during the holiday season—and this year we need it more than ever. As we continue to distance and are unable to be with family and friends this holiday season, we wanted to do our part to bring us together in shared musical experience infused with cheer and love. And for the first time ever, we’ll be able to share our holiday tradition across the country and even the globe.”

Founded in 1978, SFGMC sparked a nationwide LGBTQ choral movement after its first public performance at a vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Since then SFGMC has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. It has soothed souls in pain, lifted spirits in triumph, and has remained a steadfast beacon of hope.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC has established a heightened level of performance standards bringing renewed audience and choral industry acclaim. Recent touring schedules, recordings, and outreach programs have broadened its impact and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and ground-breaking performances. In 2019, SFGMC acquired a historic facility that has become its permanent home for rehearsals and offices. The building also serves as the first-ever National LGBTQ Center for the Arts, a community space for LGBTQ artists and arts organizations.

---

For more information on SFGMC, visit www.sfgmc.org

Visit SFGMC TV: www.sfgmc.org/sfgmctv

SFGMC Archive contact: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sfgmc

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sfgmc

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sfgmc

YouTube: www.youtube.com/sfgmcvideo