About SFGMC
Music with purpose
We are the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Since 1978, we have raised our voices to connect people through music, celebrate LGBTQ+ lives, and create a more compassionate world.
What began with about 100 men answering a call to sing has grown into a full chorus, three small ensembles and a home of our own: the Chan National Queer Arts Center in San Francisco.
SFGMC Since Day One: One Man’s Journey
49
seasons of music
250
+
voices today
2,000
+
singers since 1978
3
small vocal ensembles
Mission & values
Why we sing
Our mission
To lead by creating extraordinary music and experiences that build community, inspire activism, and foster compassion at home and around the world.
Our vision
We envision a world inspired and unified by the music we create.
Our values
- We believe in the transformative power of music to heal, to enlighten and to foster unity.
- We embrace the life affirming changes we create within and beyond our chorus community.
- We evolve society’s views toward LGBTQ people through our commitment to excellence.
- We honor all who came before us and whose sacrifices made it possible for us to raise our voices.
Since 1978
Making music. Making history.
Weeks after our first rehearsal, the chorus sang on the City Hall steps on the night Harvey Milk and George Moscone were killed. A 1981 national tour helped spark a movement of LGBTQ+ choruses across the country, and through the AIDS crisis our singers made music a way to care for one another.
In Memoriam
“I sing for two.”
Through the AIDS crisis, singers shared this saying before the curtain rose. Our Fifth Section honors the more than 300 members we have lost, and at every concert each singer carries one of their names.
Singers
More than 250 voices
Our volunteer singers come from every background and skill level, and sing in four sections: Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone and Bass. Alongside the concert season, they perform at community events, benefits, parades and on tour.
Small groups, big harmonies
Three small ensembles, The Lollipop Guild, HomoPhonics and HarmoniQ, perform at community events, private celebrations and concerts, from barbershop and choreography to a cappella.
The Lollipop Guild
The Lollipop Guild
SFGMC Vocal Ensemble · Since 1979
Meet the Ensemble
HomoPhonics
HomoPhonics
SFGMC Vocal Ensemble · Since 2015
Meet the Ensemble
HarmoniQ
HarmoniQ
SFGMC Vocal Ensemble · Since 2026
Meet the EnsembleStaff & board
The people behind the music
A professional staff and a volunteer board lead the chorus, guided by CEO Lane Sugata and Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg.
Lane Sugata
Lane Sugata
Chief Executive Officer
they/them
Read Bio
Jacob Stensberg
Jacob Stensberg
Artistic Director & Conductor
he/him
Read Bio
Tom Paulino
Tom Paulino
Board Chair
he/him
Read BioSpotlights
Stories from our community
A New Chapter with CEO Lane Sugata
A New Chapter with CEO Lane Sugata
Read More
We Will Always Love You, Dolly
We Will Always Love You, Dolly
Read More
Bob Rufo: Finding Community in the Founding Chorus
Bob Rufo: Finding Community in the Founding Chorus
Read More
California Honors SFGMC CEO Chris Verdugo
California Honors SFGMC CEO Chris Verdugo
Read More
Lane Sugata Named Next CEO
Lane Sugata Named Next CEO
Read More
Celebrating Dr. Betty Sullivan
Celebrating Dr. Betty Sullivan
Read More
SFGMC’s LGBT Volunteers San Francisco
SFGMC’s LGBT Volunteers San Francisco
Read More
Jacob Stensberg Named Artistic Director
Jacob Stensberg Named Artistic Director
Read More
Tim Seelig Steps Down After a Decade
Tim Seelig Steps Down After a Decade
Read MoreGood to know
The essentials
Financial transparency
SFGMC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 94-2576101), filing as Golden Gate Performing Arts, Inc. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Quick answers
Tickets: browse upcoming shows on our Tickets page.
Exchanges and refunds: options depend on the performance and venue. See our Ticket Terms.
Accessibility: our Accessibility page covers venue access, seating and how to request accommodations.
Parking at the Chan: the venue has no parking and street parking is limited. The 16th & Hoff Garage is about a 10 to 15-minute walk.
Still have questions? Email patronservices@sfgmc.org or call 415-865-3650. Our home is the Chan National Queer Arts Center, 170 Valencia Street, San Francisco.
JOIN THE CONDUCTOR’S SOCIETY
Make the Music Possible
Your gift brings music to the stage, schools and community. Choose a one-time or monthly gift below—every amount makes a difference.
Join the Conductor’s Society with an annual gift of $180+ or a recurring gift of $15+/month. Members receive early access to tickets and events.