After performing many sold-out shower shows to my shampoo bottles, I joined the Gay Mens Chorus to find a less soapy community. The most embarrassing thing about me is how much I love to sing (yes, even more embarrassing than being a tall gay guy). For me, singing has always been a form of self expression and a way to tap into my inner diva by pretending I am a scantily clad global pop superstar. But most of those performances never saw the light of day as I often felt there was too much vulnerability in singing in front of others, because I was literally terrified that people would think I'm gay. Over the years, I've shed a lot of that insecurity, and joining the chorus has been a huge part of finding my identity as a queer person and feeling supported by a community of people who are succeeding together despite obvious societal challenges that face them. Also, I saw the Lyle Lyle Crocodile movie the other night and really wish I had that representation as a child (singing crocodile with gay-sounding voice). If Shawn Mendes can be that confident, so can I!
All jokes aside, arts organizations across the country continue to face tough financial challenges as programs increasingly see budget cuts, even though the arts are the core foundation of human joy and necessary for our survival.
We're also seeing a huge denial of LGBT existence as politicians attempt to restrict and strip the rights of not only the LGBT community, but other marginalized peoples. The Gay Men's Chorus uses our voices to be louder than the hate, and remind the world that we exist, we are still here, and we are still fighting.
To continue this mission, we need financial assistance. This Membership Drive gives you the chance to give back to the chorus and help elevate our messaage.
We kindly ask for your support, so that we can make this world a better place through song.
Lots of love,
Zach
More about the chorus...
The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus is an internationally renowned performing arts institution in New York City and a pioneering voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Through the power of song, NYCGMC challenges people’s perceptions of the LGBTQ+ community, combats fear and hatred, encourages compassion and human connection, and thrills audiences with inspiring performances. NYCGMC champions social justice and embraces the values of diversity, inclusion, equity, and intersectionality.
Founded in 1979, NYCGMC provided a community when LGBTQ+ people faced daunting challenges and devastating loss. The Chorus now confronts the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic in its inimitable fashion by reflecting on our extraordinary past and forging an innovative and exciting path towards the future, inviting New York City and the entire world to join in the celebration.
Comprising nearly 400 talented singers of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences, across a spectrum of gender identity and sexual orientation, NYCGMC is especially excited to welcome our new Associates singers this season from across the US and Canada. The new Associates program is designed as a service to the choral field and the LGBTQ movement, expanding the reach and breadth of music and mission, and helping all of us reach for the most radical egalitarianism in the most pragmatic way at this difficult time. NYCGMC is actively engaged in how we can be stronger together, rather than struggling individually in isolation.
As a non-profit organization, NYCGMC relies on the generosity of donors to support this important work and to keep our song alive. With the impact of COVID-19 creating particularly challenging circumstances for choral and performing groups. Your support allows NYCGMC to amplify our mission and our voices at this important moment. Thank you for your generosity!
When performing in person, NYCGMC presents three mainstage shows and over forty outreach activities across all five boroughs and beyond annually. Previous years’ outreach performances have included appearances at LGBTQ teen homeless shelters, at SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBTQ Elders), and at corporate and public pride celebrations. NYCGMC has performed at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and Yankee Stadium; at gala fundraisers for the Swish Ally Fund and the Ackerman Institute; and at the Brooklyn Museum and the Global Citizen concert in Central Park, among many others. Television appearances including Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, and Last Week Tonight have provided a national platform for the mission. Through technical assistance and joint concerts, NYCGMC supports development of LGBTQ choruses in the U.S. and internationally. NYCGMC’s school outreach program serves over 2,000 NYC public middle and high school students.