October in the East Bay never quite decides what outfit it wants to wear. Days can be breezy and sun-filled, while evenings call for a quick change—brisk, with a teasing of fog on the horizon. Sometimes feeling both familiar and jarring at the same time. It reminds us that even in change, there’s beauty in showing up, in gathering, and in being in concert with one another.

In this edition of Notes, we honor LGBTQ+ History Month, explore ways to support OaklandGMC through year-end giving, and share opportunities to get involved through Playbill Advertising and volunteering. However you choose to participate, know that your presence helps our chorus thrive and keeps the harmony alive all season long.

Honoring Our Legacy: October Is LGBTQ+ History Month

Each October, communities across the United States celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to honor the people, milestones, and movements that have shaped our collective story.

First established in 1994 by Missouri teacher Rodney Wilson, this month invites us to reflect not only on struggle and resilience but also on the courage it takes to live authentically. It also includes National Coming Out Day on October 11, a time to celebrate visibility and self-acceptance.

Here in the East Bay, that legacy is close to home. Oakland was once the creative base of filmmaker Marlon Riggs (Tongues Untied, Black Is… Black Ain’t), whose groundbreaking work gave voice to the intersections of race, sexuality, and identity. His art and activism remind us that stories from our own community have helped shape national conversations on equality and representation.

That spirit continues today through organizations like the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, co-founded by Joe Hawkins and Jeff Myers. Their leadership ensures that Oakland remains a place where queer voices are heard, celebrated, and supported.

For the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus, this observance is more than a calendar event; it’s woven into the fabric of who we are. Each song we sing and each concert we share carries forward the legacy of those who came before us. Through music, we remember, we celebrate, and we create a future filled with harmony and hope.

As we mark this month, we’re reminded that progress grows through connection, creativity, and courage. When we lift our voices together, we do more than make harmony; we make history. Whether your connection to Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus is as a singer, volunteer, audience member, or donor, you are part of our ongoing history.

We invite you to take a moment to learn about the heroes who paved the way, reflect on your own journey, and celebrate the chorus of voices that continue to shape our future. Learn more at lgbthistorymonth.com