The Washington Gay Men’s Chorus held its annual Spring Affair Gala Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. This year’s festival theme is “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The choir celebrated its 45th anniversary in Washington, D.C., with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Washington Gay Men’s Chorus Executive Director Justin Faila and Artistic Director Thea Cano gave welcome speeches. Spring Situation Co-Chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Borden gave opening remarks. The very funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as emcee.
Performances included Washington’s gay men’s choir group Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and Genout Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, choir member and GenOUT Youth Choir alumnus, addressed the gala attendees.
“The LGBTQ+ community is not bound by blood ties; we are united by shared experiences,” Murthy said. “As a Gen Zer, I grew up with Ellen. [DeGeneres] The TV screen tells us that things are getting better and that one day everything will be okay. That feeling is not wrong, but it is negative. What I learned from GMCW is that our future is what we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to participate and believe in the potential of what we are still becoming. ”
The event concluded with the annual Harmony Awards ceremony. This year’s honorees included local drag artist and activist Tara Foote, human rights organization Rainbow Railroad, and Dr. Chipper Dean, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Arts Association.
(Washington Blade photos and video: Michael Key)
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
