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.
The two organizations (Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus and Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida) 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.
