Dear chorus members, volunteers, donors and allies,

First, I am writing this message today, not because I feel like there is a systematic need for an organization to do so, but because I want to see us all acknowledge the issues, move the conversation forward and help find solutions. The last few months have been extremely challenging for all of us. From the pandemic, to the systemic social injustice that has continued to occur, our entire community continues to be impacted.

Like all of you, the tragic death of George Floyd has stopped me in my tracks. This and other recent incidents make me reflect on where we are. Where we are as people, where we are as a community and where MenAlive is as an LGBTQ+ advocacy group that strives to always be a force for good, not only for our own community but to our world at large.

Like millions around the world, we, too, are devastated and outraged by the consistent occurrences of systemic incidents of bias, injustice and violence towards the black community —many community members sing and volunteer in our chorus and/or support us as donors and patrons. I am incapable of knowing the true anguish of those who have spent their lives being questioned, judged, or assaulted. The people of color I know and care for have suffered because they are excluded from the privileges I have always been afforded because of the color of my skin.

I've been with MenAlive for over 10 years now. And one of the many reasons that I have committed myself to this organization is because of WHO we are ... a colorful, vibrant, and inclusive family that comes together to fulfill our mission to ENTERTAIN, INFORM, BRING HEALING, JOY, FRIENDSHIP, AND BUILD BRIDGES TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. That truly is MenAlive.

With all of that said, here we are in June and while we honor the beginning of Pride Month, we are taking a moment of pause and reflection. Celebration will come later.

So as we enter Pride Month, we remember the month honors the historical protests 51 years ago at Stonewall, during which systemically oppressed members of the LGBTQ+ community chose to protest and stand up for their right to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and of law enforcement. We honor the Black LGBTQ+ activists who were integral to catalyzing the movement, and we honor Tony McDade and others this month and beyond. MenAlive stands with our Black community and all those who are against racial violence and inequality.

We stand with the 100+ LGBTQ+ organizations who issued the united statement condemning racial violence.

To our Black LGBTQ+ chorus members, volunteers, donors and allies, we know you are struggling.

We see you.

We support you.

We are learning and we are listening.

We are proud to stand with you.

In the weeks ahead, MenAlive will be looking at ways to ensure we are amplifying new perspectives. We will work to bring fresh faces to the table and we do this to help further shape this conversation in a manner that entertains, informs, brings healing, joy, friendships and builds brides to the public at large.

We look forward to sharing more very soon and engaging you in this important work. 

#blacklivesmatter

Thanks!

Patrick Reynolds, President MenAlive - Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus