Musical activism has long been a powerful force for positive change in the LGBTQ+ community. The universal language of music possesses the remarkable ability to unite individuals, transcending the divisions that may arise from differing beliefs or identities. This innate power of music to bridge gaps and foster profound transformations in people's hearts underscores the profound connection between music and activism.
What is Musical Activism? How Does it Create Change for the LGBTQ+ Community?
While we’re focusing on musical activism today, it’s helpful to look at advocacy as a whole and the forms it can take to understand its roots. Many think of rallies and protests when the term comes to mind, but activism takes on diverse forms beyond this.
It also extends into actions like voting, making conscious consumer choices to support meaningful causes, and speaking out against injustice within one's workplace, and of course, activism through music—each a distinct facet of advocating for change.
At its core, activism aims to spotlight injustice and demand transformation. Within the realm of music, the focus is on harnessing the evocative power of music to drive these changes. Music, an enduring emotional force in human history with roots dating back tens of thousands of years, finds a unique expression through the oldest instrument of all: the human voice.
Singing, in particular, possesses a singular energy. While instrumental music moves us with its sound, singing has the added dimension of conveying meaningful words.
Within the LGBTQ+ community, musical activism has emerged as a vibrant force, utilizing the universal language of music to champion inclusion, raise awareness, and inspire positive change. This form goes beyond mere performance; it's a harmonious call to action that resonates with the shared values of unity and acceptance.
The History of LGBTQ+ Musical Activism
There is a long history of music being used as a powerful tool for activism in the LGBTQ+ community.
In the 1980s, as the AIDS epidemic began to ravage communities across the United States, a powerful wave of musical activism emerged in response, with ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) at its forefront. ACT UP was a grassroots organization founded in 1987 that utilized direct action and civil disobedience to raise awareness about AIDS, challenge government inaction, and demand access to life-saving treatments.
Music played a pivotal role in their activism, serving as a unifying force that both mourned the countless lives lost to the disease and fueled the fight for change.
ACT UP's actions were often accompanied by music, with protesters using songs to protest and solidarity. The group's iconic chants, such as "ACT UP, Fight Back, Fight AIDS," echoed through the streets of major cities, their rhythm and repetition creating a powerful cadence that drew attention to the crisis.
Of course, other moments in LGBTQ+ musical activism have also had a profound impact. Artists like Elton John and Queen used their music to challenge homophobia and advocate for equal rights, paving the way for future generations of queer artists.
Along the way, there have been plenty of iconic moments in both LGBTQ+ history and musical activism worth mentioning.
Iconic Moments in LGBTQ+ Musical Activism
To condense all of the most iconic moments in LGBTQ+ musical activism into a single article would be nearly impossible. Instead, we’ll look at three of the biggest.
In 2011, the iconic Lady Gaga released her empowering anthem, "Born This Way," a remarkable song celebrating the beautiful diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. However, as we’ve seen, she certainly wasn't the first artist to utilize the power of music to challenge societal norms and shift cultural perspectives.
In 1984, the legendary rock band Queen made a bold statement with their track "I Want To Break Free." Accompanied by a music video, the band members appeared in drag, fearlessly expressing themselves and singing about the universal theme of love. This powerful visual representation challenged traditional gender roles and left a lasting impact on music and pop culture.
But let's rewind even further to 1928 when the influential blues singer Ma Rainey penned the song "Prove It On Me Blues." In this groundbreaking track, Ma Rainey openly expressed her love for women, defying societal taboos and paving the way for future LGBTQ+ artists to embrace their authentic selves through their art.
These examples further highlight how music has been a powerful medium for advocating acceptance, embracing diversity, and challenging societal norms throughout history.
Musical Activism at The Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center
Music for a cause is vital to what we do at the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, as we believe it is one of the greatest tools in the world for justice, unity, and acceptance. Our recent move to and opening of the Pansy L. Chan and Terrence D. Chan National Queer Arts Center is a powerful step toward being able to offer even more creative and diverse performances and resources to the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who wishes to attend.
The Chan National Queer Arts Center provides us with a dedicated space to elevate and amplify the voices of queer artists through music on an even bigger stage.
Bringing the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Mission To Life With Music
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is proud to be among many other LGBTQ+ artists making music for social change.
In 1978, 115 gay men stood on the steps of San Francisco City Hall and raised their voices in song. This very first performance was in memoriam of Harvey Milk– the first openly gay elected official in California– and Mayor George Moscone, who was assassinated on the steps of City Hall.
That night, the first members of SFGMC sang to support and comfort the group as they grieved the loss in a candlelight vigil.
Since then, we’ve stayed true to our mission to lead by creating extraordinary music and experiences that build community, inspire activism, and foster compassion at home and worldwide.
Through our travels and social media, we’ve connected with thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals of every age, gender, and race. And our musical activism has inspired hundreds of similar choruses throughout the US.
Music for a Cause: Widespread Impact and the Diverse Repertoire of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Over the years, SFGMC has fought to bring acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community through a number of concerts and other events.
Take a look at some of the special moments in SFGMC history and the causes they were championing.
Classical Action: A Concerted Effort Against AIDS
Starting very early in our history, we were heavily involved in musical activism for the AIDS crisis. In 1995, we held “Classical Action: A Concerted Effort Against AIDS” – the largest live-performance benefit staged in San Francisco.
Fifth Section
After losing over 250 members to AIDS, including our Founder, Jon Reed Sims, we created the Fifth Section. Included in all our programs, the Fifth Section honors and memorializes our chorus members who have been taken from us by AIDS.
Through our work creating music for social change, SFGMC has been honored to partner with other incredible musicians at home and on tour. Our tours have taken us all over the country and the world. They have been joyful celebrations of unity and acceptance, bringing social change through the experience of hundreds of voices raised in song.
Lavender Pen Tour
Our Lavender Pen Tour occurred exclusively in the United States Deep South in 2017. This musical activism tour was life-changing for audiences and our choir members. We faced the fear of violence, protesters, and hatred, focusing on one thing: giving every person we meet an interaction that changes them.
And it happened.
Audiences came to see us in numbers far more significant than we expected. To listen. To learn. And, for many, to finally begin to understand and support our community. Our choir members re-visited painful memories of their youth and coming out. But music heals. We found this journey to be a beautiful act of healing, hope, music, and activism.
As these events and others go to show, musical activism is the core of what we do and who we are at SFGMC. But our work is far from over!
Music Bringing Communities Together: Our Enduring Legacy
We’ve used musical activism to raise funding for the LGBTQ+ community in our world during the AIDS crisis. We’ve used music for a social cause to bring awareness and acceptance to the heart of America’s Deep South. And we’ve used it to unite people, offering a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people of all ages.
Explore, in depth, the first 44 years of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and all we have accomplished.
Now, we’re eager to tell you about one of our more recent programs and its role in musical activism and education.
RHYTHM (Reaching Youth Through Music)
Our RHYTHM program brings music and education to schools throughout the Bay Area. We help students become more effective leaders, showing how music and activism intersect and helping them form a better understanding of activism and how to be an LGBTQ+ ally.
If our visiting school has a choral program, we rehearse and sing with the students. Our show for the whole student body combines song, story, and discussion. Our choir members share their experiences of growing up, coming out, and becoming an active part of the LGBTQ+ community.
After the show, we talked with kids at a meet-and-greet lunch. During this informal time, the students can ask more questions about what it’s like making music for a cause and about the performance and find a new role model to boost their confidence in their identity.
Supporting Musical Activism: What You Can Do
You don’t have to tour the world to participate in musical activism. There are gay choruses worldwide, creating spaces for everyone to support the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate our differences.
And choruses aren’t the only way to engage with music for social activism. Here are six ways you can support musical activism:
1. Attend shows
If you live in or close to a big city, chances are there’s a gay chorus near you. Support these organizations by attending their shows and bringing your friends along. By doing so, you’ll enjoy some great music and bolster an important cause.
2. Listen to openly LGBTQ+ artists
In addition to attending shows, take the time to actively seek out and listen to openly LGBTQ+ artists. Many talented musicians out there identify as part of the community, and by listening to their music, you’re showing your support and amplifying their voices.
3. Share this music with others
Don’t keep this great music all to yourself! Spread the word about these artists and their message by sharing their music with your friends, family, and community. You never know who might be inspired or comforted by their music.
4. Volunteer at LGBTQ organizations
Another way to get involved with musical activism is to volunteer at LGBTQ organizations. These organizations often have programs or events that use music as a form of activism, and your help could make a significant impact.
5. Participate in protests
If any protests or marches in your area support LGBTQ+ rights, consider joining in a show of solidarity. You can bring signs with song lyrics, play music on a portable speaker, or simply use your voice to sing along to empowering songs.
6. Educate yourself
Last but not least, educating yourself about the LGBTQ+ community and its struggles, including the 1980s AIDS crisis and the rise of the LGBTQ choral movement is crucial for supporting musical activism and LGBTQ+ activism as a whole.
Take the time to learn about different artists, their stories, and the issues they face. This knowledge will make you a better advocate for musical activism and help you understand and help LGBTQ+ people in other ways.
Get Involved Today
No matter how you get involved, music is one of the simplest ways to start supporting the LGBTQ+ community. It offers a new perspective, often challenging us to re-examine our feelings and beliefs. It transcends time, language, and culture.
Music and activism can help bring positive change to communities by using the irresistible force of music to call for justice. That’s our mission at the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Thank you for your continued donations and support.