SIR’s Shoutouts: Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus

CONNECT WITH SGMC

This is a series of posts dedicated to goods and services SIR has vetted, tried & enjoyed; HE is also including these items in the gift basket to be raffled off at the upcoming Mister Bolt Leather 2027 Contest Weekend on April 24-26, 2027.

AbouT THE SACRAMENTO GAY MEN’S CHORUS

The Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus (SGMC) is one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ performing arts organizations in the Sacramento region. The chorus was founded in 1984 as a singing group that aimed to foster a sense of community and support gay men in the Sacramento area. SGMC now consists of 110 singers from diverse backgrounds, united by a love of music and a commitment to promoting social justice, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights through the power of music.

SGMC is committed to promoting visibility and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and creating a more inclusive and accepting society. The chorus is also known for its high-quality performances that showcase a wide range of musical genres, from pop to classical and everything in between. The chorus’s performances are not only entertaining but also meaningful, as they often address important social issues and promote messages of acceptance, love, and understanding.

One of the best things about the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus is its commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion through music. The chorus brings together singers from all walks of life. It provides a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people and allies to come together and create beautiful music. Overall, the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus is a talented, passionate, and dedicated group of individuals who use the power of music to promote positive change in the world.

SGMC’s season begins in August each year and runs through the following July. We produce two major productions, a winter holiday show and a spring show, and perform at various local community benefit events, showcasing the voice of Sacramento’s Queer Community.

Why, SIR?

I maintain that I was coerced into joining SGMC by a good friend. I made the mistake of asking him what he wanted for his birthday. Innocent enough, right? Well, Missus Manni Pulayter answered, “YOU don’t have to get me a birthday gift IF YOU audition for the chorus?” Fool that I am, I went for it and auditioned, thinking I wouldn’t have the chops to be accepted. It was gonna be easy-peasey-lemon-fucking-squeezee.

Years before, I attended a rehearsal as a taster. It was all well and good until the guy up front told folx to massage the shoulders of the person in front of them. I noped and left, putting it out of MY head. I don’t enjoy being manhandled nonconsensually especially from behind. Afflicted with PTSD, being approached and touched unexpectedly really puts ME in a bad place. I’M a little better now but, back then, I wanted to round-kick anyone who got in between ME and the door.

Fast forward, years later, the world has endured a pandemic and life is slowly reviving. Starved for human connection, I walked through the doors once more, believing there was no real chance I’D get in. I was confident in MY ineptitude, MY singing confined to the shower, to the home office, and to the car.

I sang scales and was instructed to begin the Star-Spangled Banner in the middle where it really gets going, “O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave.” I even told the guy that I was coerced, he laughed and said, “Oh, really?” I left and went about MY life. A few weeks later, sitting in the above-ground pool in the backyard, I was notified that, yes, I had made it in.

My first thought, “Well, shit.” Then, “Oh, no, he was right.” I think I still got him a birthday gift anyway because I can’t not do that for someone.

Turns out I could sing almost two octaves and did pretty well. I was assigned to the bass section and the rest is history. I’VE been with SGMC for four seasons now and am part of the Membership Committee. It also turns out I also enjoy singing on a stage and being around folx.

Singing with SGMC has been a great experience. In SGMC, I have been able to represent the Leather Community in small and large ways. From wearing a Muir cap decked in holiday lights to wearing full fetish gear during an encore, I’VE been encouraged and bolstered to showcase MY Authentic Self as a Leatherman. I wear gear to rehearsals, too, because Leather is who I am and I want to let others know it’s okay to slide on a pair of hot boots or sport a bar vest. I guess coercion has its rewards.

What’s In Your Basket, SIR?

A generous donation from the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus (SGMC), two (2) tickets to the upcoming Pride Show in June, Rhinestone Cowboy, are included in the basket. Good for two seats at any of the showings over the weekend. The certificate in the basket includes redemption instructions.

The gift basket I’ve curated will be auctioned off on Saturday, April 25th during the contest. Here are the other items included in the basket:

Yours In Leather,
SIR Aaron Wolf

A Dominant's Diary

By SIR Aaron Wolf