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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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