Gay Choir: The 1981 National Tour

When Jon Reed Sims thought more music would be appropriate for the Gay Freedom Day Parade in 1978, he was amazed to see 100 people attend the rehearsal. The result was the formation of the first openly gay chorus in history. 

Almost a month after that first rehearsal, we performed on the steps of San Francisco's City Hall for a candlelight vigil honoring Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. Our first national tour followed just a few years later. Alongside the Bay Area Women's Brass Quartet, we performed in Texas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., Washington state, and San Francisco. 

Since our first public performance more than 44 years ago, we have had over 2,000 members. Our tenacious determination against discrimination and prejudice ignited a national LGBTQ+ choir movement.  And we’re just getting started.

Saying Gay

Homosexuality was not widely accepted or viewed positively when the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus was formed. Additionally, it was just years before the AIDS epidemic began, and many were far from sympathetic due to our "lifestyle choices." Many people did not disclose their sexual orientation publicly, there were not many gay organizations, and media representation was limited.

Regardless, we were there, unapologetically declaring our orientation in our name. For many of our original members, joining the chorus was their first time participating together in public as gay men. Of course, performing such a feat requires vulnerability and resilience. Yet, throughout the tour, audiences of all kinds learned that LGBTQ+ people could achieve success when they come together and persist with undeniable, unified strength. LGBTQ+ choir movements began across the country because of this camaraderie. In today's world, members of LGBTQ+ choirs are change-makers in their cities and continue to share the strength they inherited from our founding members.

SFGMC Tour

The first public performances of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, conducted by Dick Kramer, took place in nine cities across the United States in 1981. Concerts took place in Dallas, Minneapolis, Lincoln, Detroit, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., and Seattle. The final show of the tour was in San Francisco. This tour profoundly affected those in attendance as well as the chorus members, giving them a chance to sing around the country.

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus National Tour created a bridge between LGBTQ+ individuals and their communities through music appreciation. This encouraged several gay choruses to emerge in cities across the country. The members soon realized that becoming a national activist organization meant the choir could continue to serve the broader San Francisco community and positively impact the lives of LGBTQ+ people nationwide.  

Dallas, Texas

The first stop was in Dallas. According to Mark Rhynsburger, a former chorus member, no programs were delivered by freight, no concert ads in the Dallas dailies, and no marquee to signal their arrival. However, it didn't matter that there were hiccups; the chorus received 11 standing ovations and three encores.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The chorus members were well received in Minneapolis, as they had been in Dallas. Rhynsburger recalls that this concert was "our best performance to date," which included a charismatic presence from Dick Kramer and a crowd that was moved to tears during "We Kiss in a Shadow.”  

Lincoln, Nebraska

As soon as the chorus arrived in Lincoln, the enthusiasm they received was unparalleled. Rhynsburger recalls, "The entire gay community, about 2,000 people, mobilized to welcome them." The chorus had a potluck picnic sponsored by the Office Lounge in Antelope Park, followed by rib dinners at the Alternative. Before they left, they were even treated to continental breakfast at the airport.

Detroit, Michigan

Next up was Detroit. Rhynsburger recalls that many chorus members considered the formal reception at the Versailles Room to be the best party of the entire tour and proclaimed that Detroit's men were the friendliest.

New York City, New York

As Rhynsburger sees it, New York is the Music Mecca and home to the tour's "most critical ears." Despite the tour programs failing to arrive for the second time, the chorus remains vibrant at the Beacon Theater, and everyone notices. Rhynsburger recalls the choir singing to a "wildly enthusiastic" and receptive crowd. After the performance, many members head to the West Village to "celebrate the memory of awakenings in their early gay lives." The following day, The New York Times published an article on the choir in a very positive light.

Boston, Massachusetts

While the Chorus stayed at the Combat Zone Hotel when they arrived in Boston, Rhynsburger admits that being in "ex-loversville" for him was difficult. But, unfortunately, both of his exes will be at the Opera House that evening. A Richard Dyer article follows the Chorus' performance in The Boston Globe. Rhynsburger considers Dyer's review of the Chorus its most critical review. Despite the momentary sobering nature of the review, Rhynsburger concedes that it was fair and enlightening, ultimately providing "good medicine" for the Chorus.

Washington D.C. 

The chorus then stopped at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. A detailed feature article was published in advance for the Washington Star, and KRON-TV news in San Francisco televised the concert live. Rhynsburger argues that this stop gave the tour "irrevocable legitimacy."

Seattle, Washington

When the chorus arrived in Seattle, the Seattle and Portland Men's Choruses greeted them and led them to their hotels. There was a bomb threat during the concert's intermission; however, after a "communal embrace," the chorus decided to ignore the threat, and the show went on as planned. 

San Francisco, California

The chorus celebrated their arrival in San Francisco with champagne and had a night filled with extraordinary music at Davies Symphony Hall. In honor of the chorus' accomplishment, Mayor Dianne Feinstein awarded the chorus the key to San Francisco. It was the first time a gay group had received such recognition.

What We Learned On Tour

Despite the ferocity of hatred that pervaded during the AIDS crisis, the Chorus was able to foster compassion through its singing; they also fought to enact the change they wanted to see in our society. Furthermore, by coming out and revealing their orientation, these gay singing members humanized the community, enhancing their lives and influencing our futures to be much brighter. The songs featured stories about LGBTQ+ identities, which helped many parents better accept and understand their gay children. San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus symbolized LGBTQ+ talent, joy, love, and resourcefulness during its 1981 national tour.

Gay Choruses 40 Years Later

From one gay man's vision and the support of his community to our founding members' commitment and bravery, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus has played an essential role in inspiring the creation of today's many gay choirs. In 1978, we were the only gay men's chorus in the world; today, having performed for nearly 45 years, we have contributed to more than 190 gay and lesbian choruses worldwide. Musical excellence can transform cultures everywhere. Gay choruses build community, inspire activism, and demonstrate the power of musical excellence in bringing people from all walks of life together.

Taking the Chorus to New Heights 

The future holds many exciting opportunities for us, including our move to 170 Valencia Street, The Chan National Queer Arts Center. Our new home will allow the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus to engage with our audience, community, and partners through programming that has never been possible before. For example, we will expand our Behind the Curtain series with interviews featuring leading voices in the LGBTQ+ and musical communities, hosting performances from high school and college choirs, and community sing-ins.

Moreover, we will be able to collaborate with more San Francisco art organizations, expand the RHYTHM (Reaching Youth Through Music) program, offering more LGBTQ+ leaders, scholars, and students opportunities to meet, share experiences, and work together. 
The experiences we have had so far are just the beginning of what we will be able to share with you in the years to come. As we spread our mission, we know we will take more action, perform more concerts, and continue to change the world for the better. So if you're interested in joining us, attending a concert, or making a donation, please do.

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