The thing I like most about being in the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus are the under-heralded (in my opinion) out reach concerts. A few times a year the BGMC travels to a local school group or organization to help them raise money…usually for Gay/Straight Alliance groups. And while it’s never convenient (we take time out of our weekends) and today’s concert in particular is donated, the rewards are amazing. Today we travel to Barnstable Highschool to help raise funds for CIGSYA (The Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Alliance)
A week or so ago, a parent came to our rehearsal who told us her family’s story. Her teenage son came out to them and she felt ill-equipped to help, support, and guide him. She turned to CIGSYA who provided counseling and guidance, making a potentially scary journey a little less so.
The response of the audience always brings me to tears. They are so grateful. And to see young GBLT youth, able to be honest and true about themselves is (and I don’t think this is too dramatic) life changing for me. While I don’t particularly relish the 1.5 hour drive there and then another back. But I know that I am going to see brilliant smiles so grateful to the BGMC…and that we might have a positive effect helping make lives better than they were for us, makes it all worth it.
I think (and this isn’t a slam or criticism) that the BGMC doesn’t toot their own horn enough, particularly about these out reach efforts. THIS is precisely why fundraising events like the upcoming Crescendo are so critical. I hope that you will be able to support the BGMC in anyway possible. The work they do affects so many lives. So please consider attending our fundraiser. It’s guaranteed to be a great night out! Details here!
When I was growing up, every year around this time, we would all gather at my Babcia’s house. Being at Babcia’s wasn’t in itself unusual because we lived upstairs from her. But every year, near Christmas, all the kids would be there and then we would hear them — Santa’s jingle bells! Santa would arrive (through the front door, which we never used!) It’s such a great memory. AND now, guess what? My sister has arranged to have Santa visit my parents’ house in NH to visit the little ones in our family. The smile that is on my face this morning from the anticipation of seeing the kids’ faces when he walks through the door is spreading ear-to-ear.
