Gay Mens Chorus of Honolulu Inc

 

OUR STORY:

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu is the FIRST openly-gay performing arts organization in the State of Hawai‘i.  While other singing groups with gay members have indeed existed in the past and present, GMCofH is unique in that the chorus has publicly and proudly stated that it is an organization by, for, and of the LGBTQ community.  No other group has ever done this here!

The world is changing.  It seems almost daily that we hear of progress made in LGBTQ rights in the US and around the world.  However, we also continue to hear of efforts (some successful) to pass or uphold exclusionary laws that restrict the rights of our community.  People in many places still do not know that it is okay to be gay.  GMCofH believes that our presence in the community is vital to show a beacon of hope for people in Hawai‘i that there is an organization that not only welcomes gay men but celebrates them.  It is no longer enough in Honolulu to be a gay-supportive musical organization that is not afraid to be labeled due to stigma or fear. 

To help our community thrive we must be open and proud of who we are and what we represent.  We must also maintain an active and visible role in our community through performances and events, both our own and those to which we are invited.  In order to do this, we need assistance.  Since beginning in September 2012 GMCofH has appeared throughout the wider community, including our own full-length concerts, other arts groups’ performances, and other extended community events.  We would like to do more. 

During the short history of the organization, GMCofH has had new members who have found the strength and courage to come out to their families and friends.  These men were able to take this action largely through the support of the new family they have found in the Chorus.

Much of Honolulu’s LGBT community is divided amongst itself.  GMCofH hopes to bring healing and unity to this community through our mission of song and fellowship.  Music can be a great source of healing and by way of the music and message of the chorus, new things may be possible in Honolulu.

Please help support our mission.  Ticket sales cover less than half of the operating expenses.  The difference comes from the generous support of  ‘ohana, friends, and patrons.

ABOUT US: 

Formed in 2012, The Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu consists of male-identified voices from all walks of life.  The Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu is Hawaii’s first openly gay musical organization.  The mission of the GMCofH is to sing, to perform, and to celebrate the voices of men.  The music performed by GMCofH comes from a wide variety of styles.  As a proud part of the LGBT community in Hawai‘i, GMCofH seeks to support, encourage, and promote that community.

The purpose for our organization is:

• To cultivate and further the art of male choral singing;
• To develop the musical talents of its members;
• To provide entertaining public performances of male choral music;
• To foster within the Honolulu community, including but not limited to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) and allied community, an interest in and appreciation of male choral music; and
• To affirm the contributions of the LGBT community and to provide a positive image through music.