SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — For 35 years, the Syracuse Gay and Lesbian Chorus, or the SGLC, has brought together singers across generations, creating a space for the LGBTQ+ community, with visibility and connection through music. The SGLC performs two main concerts each year and gets invited to perform at a variety of events during Pride Month and the holiday season.
The SGLC was created in 1991, following a visiting performance of the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus in Syracuse. Jenny Gluck, an original member of the SGLC, remembers how the idea for a local chorus emerged after that performance.
“At the end of the performance, a few people went down to the stage at the bottom and said, how about a chorus in Syracuse?” said Gluck. “They sort of wanted to make it a men’s chorus like Rochester. And we said, uh, you’re not going to do that. And so we ended up being a mixed chorus.”
When the group originally formed, there was a lot of social stigma around the LGBTQ+ community. For Gluck, the chorus gave her an opportunity to do outreach in a positive way.
“We really wanted to make a statement that we existed. You know, we wanted the world to know that we were here. And for me, I wanted to do it in a way that wasn’t just in your face, but that was community building,” said Gluck.
Heidi Hart-Gorman was in attendance for the SGLC’s second concert as a teenager.
“I wasn’t out yet. And I remember going to see this group of grown-ups who seemed so happy and relaxed and just joyful to be with each other. And it gave me such hope,” said Hart-Gorman.
When Hart-Gorman moved to Syracuse as an adult, she joined the chorus and has been a member for 15 years. However, not every member of the chorus lives in the city. Jody Brown has spent 17 years with the chorus and drives in from Seneca Falls for rehearsals and performances.
“I love the community so much that I make the hour drive here and back every week to sing with the chorus,” said Brown.
Marvin Calderon joined the group during its 25th anniversary.
“I was dating someone at the time that decided to invite me, or as a date, to one of the concerts, and I fell in love with the group so much that the following season I joined,” said Calderon.
While all the chorus members have a different story of joining the group, they all share an appreciation for the support the group provides. For Gluck, it has even given her a life-long partner.
“I met Jean here so that worked out, which was great. And we’ve been together thirty plus years. So that’s been wonderful,” said Gluck.
The SGLC has members across generations, with ages from 19 to 79. Sophia Pierce, 21, joined the chorus for its welcoming and supportive community.
“It gives me a chance that I wouldn’t ordinarily have to be around a lot of queer elders. That was something that I definitely didn’t expect, but is very welcome,” said Pierce.
The SGLC has grown in size in the last 35 years through open rehearsals and visibility in the community. The chorus’ mission remains, even as members come and go.
“We’ve lost members, members have passed, we’re old enough that that’s a reality. And I love the fact that we’re thriving — that in one way or another, the chorus will survive,” said Gluck.