Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida launches Youth Pride Chorus
Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida has announced the launch of the Youth Pride Chorus of South Florida.
With the looming threat of “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, the Youth Pride Chorus is positioned to provide a safe place for LGBTQ+ youth and allies.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) has announced the launch of the Youth Pride Chorus of South Florida, a regional program for all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identities. The ensemble will be a visible and vocal advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ youth.
“We must stand behind our youth and make sure that they know they are loved and valued for who they are,” comments Gabe Salazar, Artistic Director for the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida who will also be leading the new youth ensemble. “Bringing together the region’s youth to sing proudly and advocate for human rights will be both empowering and affirming.”
Mark Kent, Executive Director for GMCSF, agrees. “Right now, Florida’s LGBTQ+ youth are hearing in the news that may no longer be validated in school. At GMCSF we decided that we need to do what we can to provide a counter-balance to those negative messages by giving our youth a way to come together and create change.”
The Youth Pride Chorus of South Florida (YPCSF) is open to all students who are currently in high school and who wish to participate. Participants will not have to audition to join, and no singing experience is required. Rehearsals will be on Saturday mornings. They will take place twice a month starting in April and will run through the end of June. GMCSF expects the new ensemble to make its debut at the Chorus’s Pride concerts at Sunshine Cathedral on June 24 and 25.
Students and/or parents who want more information can sign up for an orientation and information session scheduled for Wednesday, March 30th at 7 PM at Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale. Additional information on the program and orientation can be found at ypcsf.org.
About Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) pursues a vision of a diverse world united. The Chorus continues to realize this vision in ways that can only be considered extraordinary. In its short history, the Chorus has grown to over one-hundred-and-thirty men and has become the largest gay men’s chorus in the southeastern United States. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is under the direction of Artistic Director & Conductor Gabe Salazar who joined the acclaimed organization last summer.
Over the years, GMCSF has earned a strong reputation for excellence, garnering prestigious invitations to perform throughout the South Florida region. The Chorus reached a major milestone in December 2016, when it was invited to partner with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood to perform its holiday concerts at Hard Rock Live! The two entities have continued this partnership, now in its fourth year. Prior guest artists have included Linda Eder, Alan Cumming, Matthew Morrison, and Jordin Sparks. Annually, through a combination of mainstage and community engagement performances, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida reaches more than 20,000 individuals.
