GMCSF And Ft Lauderdale Merge Into One Of The World’s Largest Gay Men’s Chorus

South Florida makes history again. The gay choral movement can be linked to the very early days of LGBTQ+ civil rights and the riots of Stonewall. Nearly 200 queer choruses exist today across the world. Gay Men’s Chorus help propel the message of resistance and resilience to the broader world. A Chorus is the living and sound embodiment of Pride. South Florida has three LGBTQ+ chorus groups including one in Miami-Dade County and two in Broward County. 36 years ago the South Florida chorus was formed. In 2010 the chorus split in interests and direction. Today, the two organizations have announced they will merge. This news celebrates the career and now the retirement of the founding director of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, Gary Keating. Keating is leaving a huge legacy of music, civil rights and some of the most important moments in South Florida LGBTQ history. The one united chorus starting January 1, 2023 will emerge as one of the world’s largest and most important queer musical groups. The Gay Mens Chorus of South Florida will have more than 170 singers and will continue a legacy of world class musical performance. Executive Director Mark Kent told Queer News Tonight “If we want unity in our community…we have to have unity. The results of the political world our LGBTQ+ lives in make our lives tough enough. This new unity can give our community the support it needs. With the LGBTQ+ community’s liberties under threat in this state and across the nation, we have decided to stand together in strength and sing to protect our future.” The merging of the two organizations makes the Gay Mens Chorus of South Florida one of the 5 largest LGBTQ choral organizations in America. GMCSF is under the direction of Gabe Salazar. FTLGMC last concert will be the upcoming holiday performance on December 3. Keating is credited for organizing the Fort Lauderdale chorus 36 years ago, in 1986. It was the first gay performing arts organization in the state and one of the first in the nation. The FTLGMC will welcome some of the members of the GMCSF to sing a song with them at their final concert on Saturday, December 3, at 8 p.m., at the United Church of Christ (Information and tickets: www.ftlgmc.org). The GMCSF will welcome members of the FTLGMC to join them for a song at their holiday concerts on Friday, December 16, at 8 p.m., at Sunshine Cathedral and on Sunday, December, 18 at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood (Information and tickets: www.gmcsf.org/concerts). Hotspots Magazine Happening Out Television Network is a premiere sponsor of The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida and will broadcast the Holiday Concert on Apple TV and other streaming platforms. #southflorida