We Lift Our Voices Letter

We Lift Our Voices

Dear CGMC Community,

This past weekend in Boston we saw how coming together in solidarity can overcome the hatred and bigotry displayed in Charlottesville and elsewhere around the country. We grieve with the people in Charlottesville for the loss of a life and for the injuries of many. But beyond shock, grief, and anger, we need to come together as a community and stand up against hatred. Whether the label is white supremacists, alt-right, or Neo-Nazi, any group whose agenda is to exclude and discriminate must be condemned and stopped.

For nearly 35 years, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) has been a haven, safe from discrimination and intolerance. Our mission statement declares that we are an inclusive arts organization that entertains and enlightens, inspires change, and builds community. “We seek to delight our audiences, enrich our members and explore issues relevant to LGBTQ+ people and their allies—enlivening Chicago’s cultural landscape and creating a better community for all.” Throughout the years, we have remained true to our mission in providing a safe space for our members and in creating memorable and meaningful experiences through our shows.

In these challenging times, CGMC must stand firm in our commitment to equality and inclusion of all people. We must not be timid in our fight against rhetoric, policies, and attitudes that harm women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. We must continue to lift our voices to create expressions of beauty and truth and share a vision for something new and better. We must continue to be visible symbols of courage, diversity, and change.

Together, we can build a more beautiful world.

In solidarity,