Our History
 

The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus is the first gay performing-arts organization in the state of Florida. The chorus was founded in February 1986 by Gary E. Keating (who then went on to create and for many years direct the South Florida Lambda Chorale here in Fort Lauderdale), after he attended a holiday concert of the New York City Gay Men's Chorus perform in the fabled Carnegie Hall the previous December.

The mission of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus is simple — to build community through quality musical performances that promote a world that accepts and values diversity.

The chorus in its 21st season of entertaining its audiences and singing out proud.  Rehearsing Tuesday evenings in Fort Lauderdale, the chorus has singers representing cities throughout Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties and regularly performs in venues throughout the area.

In addition to its regular four-concert season, the FTLGMC participates in many community events such as Christmas on Las Olas, Pride South Florida, and Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale. APFL Red Ribbon, Ball & GLCCSF Stars Of The Rainbow to name a few. The chorus and its ensembles also perform at weddings, commitment ceremonies, memorial services, vigils and private parties.  The FTLGMC has performed at such major venues as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Kravis Center, the Gusman Theatre, the Colony Theatre, the Parker Playhouse, and the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, among many other area venues.

The chorus is a proud member of GALA Choruses, the international association of gay and lesbian choruses, and has performed at international GALA Choruses Festivals in such cities as Seattle, Tampa and San Jose.

We invite you to join us in our mission at any time — either as singing members, non-performing members working behind the scenes, or as donors or advertisers.  For more information on how you can help (and have fun at the same time!), complete the form on our Contact page, call our voice mail at 954.832.0060 or email us at FTLGMC@hotmail.com.