Details of BGMC’s participation in Youth Day were finalized amid controversy sparked after Mayor Melvin Naik of George, located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, declared during a radio interview June 12 that the concert planned by BGMC did not carry his approval as mayor. BGMC had been invited months ago by civic and community leaders to perform in George and to also participate in the town’s first Pride parade, which Mayor Naik has acknowledged will go forward.
“We are both honored and humbled by this extraordinary invitation to march in the annual Youth Day walk that marks such an important moment in South Africa’s history,” said Reuben Reynolds III, music director of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus. “The fact that we have been asked to participate to help highlight the needs of LGBTI people in South Africa is both a tremendous privilege and responsibility.”
In a letter to BGMC from Education Chief of Staff Oupa Bodipie of the Education Department of Gauteng Province, Bodipie wrote that BGMC’s presence during the presidential Youth Day walk would “highlight and endorse the Advocacy of the LGBTI Sector.” He also invited BGMC to open the June 16 lecture on the centenary of Nelson Mandela, which will be attended by Gauteng Province Premier Makhura.
South Africa’s Youth Day is the highlight of a month of activities in South Africa focused on “Social Cohesion and transformation, which includes sensitization and advocacy on marginalised groups including the LGBTI community.”
“Music is a universal language, and our concerts are about sharing our stories and our humanity through song, enabling others to find common ground in our experiences,” said Craig Coogan, BGMC executive director. “We welcome dialogue and difficult conversations, all of which inform our art and music. We are thrilled with this invitation and opportunity to support South Africans in their efforts to build community and celebrate difference.”
BGMC has partnered with community-based non-profit organizations in South Africa to help raise money and awareness about issues such as HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ youth, and LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers.
On June 15 at 7pm BGMC will perform at Soweto Theatre in Soweto. The Mzansi Gay Choir will join the Chorus on stage for a portion of the show. Proceeds will go to the Kliptown Youth Program to provide resources which will help support LGBTQ members of their community and educate the Kliptown area about LGBTQ issues.
On June 16 at 7pm the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus will perform at Great Hall of Wits University in Johannesburg. Proceeds from this performance will benefit GALA – Memory in Action’s “YOUth” initiative, which serves LGBTQ youth.
On June 19 at 6pm BGMC will perform at Conville Community Hall in George. This will be a free concert for the community.
On June 21 at 8pm BGMC will perform at Langa Community Hall in Cape Town. Proceeds from the performance will benefit PASSOP’s LGBTQ refugee outreach program.
On June 22 at 8pm BGMC will perform at Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre in Cape Town. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the HIV/AIDS program of Triangle Project Health & Human Services.