Gay Men’s Choruses Unite Over Kennedy Center Cancelation
There are hundreds of gay men’s choruses worldwide, and the queer US choral community is reeling from the news that one key gay men’s chorus has been canceled from a Kennedy Center event.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts recently canceled a Pride event that included the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington performing with the National Symphony Orchestra. The cancellation spurred backlash from LGBTQ+ choruses across the country. The Kennedy Center said the performance was canceled before President Donald Trump appointed himself as chairman of the organization this month.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ cancelation of a Pride event that included the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington spurred backlash from LGBTQ+ choruses across the country.
In a statement, National Symphony Orchestra Director Jean Davidson denied that the decision to postpone the performance stemmed from its LGBTQ+ content, and that it was “due to financial and scheduling factors.”
But gay men’s choruses are sounding the alarm in what is part of the widespread targeting of LGBTQ rights and visibility. Executive director for the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Mark McCrary, said news of the cancelation came as a shock.
“The optics of all this just look very bad,” he said. “We’re beginning to see a trend toward silencing the queer community.”
McCrary said other choir executive directors have started to worry for the safety of their members. Some performances have been picketed by protesters, and others have received death threats.
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus posted a statement on their official Instagram account:
“The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW) had their Pride concert at the Kennedy Center canceled without explanation—just after Donald Trump took over as chairman of the board. Meanwhile, the National Endowment for the Arts has slashed funding for DEI-focused arts programs.
“This isn’t just about funding. It’s about erasing LGBTQ+ voices. But we refuse to be silenced.
“PGMC stands with GMCW. We will keep singing—about love, struggle, and hope. Stronger than fear. Louder than hate.”
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) recently shared in a statement they were “deeply disappointed” to hear about the Kennedy Center’s cancelation of A Peacock Among Pigeons, their Pride performance with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO).
LGBTQ+ choruses have been a fixture in queer culture since appearing in the late 1970s and grew in numbers during the HIV/AIDS crisis as a way of boosting morale and forming a community for a hard-hit and demonized demographic.
A gay men’s chorus primarily aims to provide a space for gay men to express themselves through music, build community, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and challenge societal perceptions by using their collective voice to promote acceptance, inclusivity, and awareness through song, often tackling important issues related to the LGBTQ+ experience; essentially acting as a platform for both artistic expression and social activism.
United States
- New York City Gay Men’s Chorus: One of many gay men’s choruses in the United States
- New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus
- The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC
- Boston Gay Men’s Chorus: Collaborates with the Boston Pops Orchestra and other organizations
- Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus: One of many gay men’s choruses in the United States
- San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus: The first openly gay chorus in the world
- Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
Which is the oldest?
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) is the world’s first openly gay chorus. Since its premiere performance on the steps of City Hall with 100 members singing to stand up against discrimination and bigotry, the chorus has inspired the worldwide LGBTQIA+ choral movement.
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus inspired the worldwide LGBTQIA+ choral movement.
Europe
- LEGATO: An association for lesbian and gay choirs and ensembles in Europe
- SING OUT!: The Association of Lesbian and Gay Choirs in the UK and Ireland
Australia
- Low Rez Melbourne Male Choir: A community choir that welcomes male-identifying people of all ages and backgrounds
- Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus: An award-winning choir that supports the LGBTQIA+ community
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir: An unauditioned choir that has been performing since 1991
International
- GALA Choruses: An international association of LGBTQ+ choruses that helps with formation, administration, and training
Impact
These choruses are safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and political acts that challenge heteronormativity. Please support them!
