LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AT SFGMC
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus welcomes arts, philanthropy, and nonprofit leader Lane Sugata as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, beginning August 24, 2026. Sugata succeeds Christopher Verdugo, who is stepping down after a 10-year tenure.
“San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus sits uniquely at the intersection of artistry, activism, and community—creating not only beautiful music, but refuge, visibility, and hope for generations of LGBTQ people,” says Sugata. “At a moment of heightened division and attack, I see tremendous opportunity for the Chorus to expand its role as a force for free expression and community resilience.”
SFGMC Takes the Stage at Outside Lands
We’re excited to open the main stage at Outside Lands on Sunday, August 9!
SFGMC is thrilled to once again perform at this world-class festival set within San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Park. After joining Big Freedia last year, we’re thrilled to be back and taking the stage ourselves. We can’t wait to share this moment with our community and close out this concert season with a bang!
Although tickets are sold out, you can join the waitlist below.
JOIN THE CONDUCTOR’S SOCIETY
We’ve got a secret to share—joining the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Conductor’s Society is the it way to support our mission of spreading hope, love, and joy through music. Hop on board and be part of something fabulous. Your support helps us create groundbreaking performances, build community, and work our magic—especially through our RHYTHM youth program.
Oh…and members get early access to the best seats to our concerts!
News & Announcements
Season 46 Announcement coming soon!
There’s always something exciting happening that you just can’t miss.
SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS CLOSES OUT SEASON 45 WITH HELLO YELLOW BRICK ROAD
June 9, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR LONDON BREED NAMED INAUGURAL RECIPIENT OF THE NANCY PELOSI ALLY AWARD AT SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS’ 17TH ANNUAL CRESCENDO
April 12, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS PRESENTS 17TH ANNUAL CRESCENDO
February 16, 2023
Our Mission
To lead by creating extraordinary music and experiences that build community, inspire activism, and foster compassion at home and around the world.
For 45 years, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has served as an international standard bearer for a powerful mix of musical excellence and mission-driven activism. Founded in 1978, SFGMC was the first choral organization to courageously proclaim its orientation in its name and is credited with helping start the LGBTQIA+ choral movement that now spans the entire globe, galvanizing and changing the course of LGBTQIA+ history.
See our Season 48 Strategic Plan.
Use BART’s Trip Planner for easy directions right from your door. We encourage you to allow extra time for travel and/or parking.
Support San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Our growth depends on you
Make a 100% tax-deductible donation today. Proceeds directly support SFGMC's performances and programs that promote an inclusive and just world for today and for future generations to come.
Sing With Us!
Auditions are open to any and all persons in the Bay Area who can sing in the tenor or bass range, irrespective of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or race.
If you want to be involved with the Chorus in the San Francisco Bay Area as a non-singing member, we can get you in touch with our volunteer coordinator.
Like other gay organizations in San Francisco, SFGMC is volunteer-driven, so we always welcome community service volunteers as valued participants.
Follow Us
Connect with us on our social channels to see what we're up to.
FAQS
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The Castro District, also known as Eureka Valley, is a neighborhood in San Francisco, California. It is also known as The Castro. San Francisco's gay village is mostly concentrated in the business district, which runs from Market Street to 19th Street on Castro Street.
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There are many ways you can meet members of the diverse community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Joining San Francisco gay organizations like the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus as a singer or volunteer is a great way to meet members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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The LGBTQIA+ community in San Francisco has one of the largest and most prominent populations of residents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
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No, auditions are open to anyone who can sing in the tenor or bass range, irrespective of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or race.
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Over 2,000 different men, cis and trans, and non-binary people have sung with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus since the first 115 members sang on the steps of City Hall in 1978. Before his tragic untimely death from AIDS, Jon Reed Sims, who founded the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, went on to found a number of gay and lesbian choral and instrumental ensembles.
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The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus embarked on a tour of the American Deep South in response to a wave of discriminatory anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and the divisive 2016 election.
The tour, led by Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig and joined by The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, led by Artistic Director Terrance Kelly, brought a message of music, love, and acceptance to communities and individuals dealing with intolerance. More than 300 singers toured Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina. They performed in churches, community centers, and concert halls in the hopes of uniting us during a difficult time.