Sing Out With Pride is now open!
Queer Silicon Valley, by the BAYMEC Community Foundation, is pleased to announce the opening of our new gallery space in downtown San Jose. It is the first such gallery in San Jose and Silicon Valley dedicated to showcasing the many facets of the local LGBTQ+ community.
Location:
240 South Market, Suite 10
United Food & Commercial Workers Building
Across from Cesar Chavez Park
Hours:
The exhibit is open most weekends from noon to 4pm and by appointment.
Space Rental:
Don’t forget, the gallery is available for group meetings and events! Email Ken for more information.
The focus of the first exhibit is on two prominent LGBTQ+ choruses, Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus and Rainbow Women’s Chorus. Titled “Sing Out With Pride: A Celebration of Queer Voices in Silicon Valley,” the exhibit is a collection of photos, programs, clothing, song sheets, and awards of the two groups. A loop video plays songs by both groups.
Also in the exhibit space is memorabilia from the 2021-2022 exhibit at History San Jose called “Coming Out: 50 Years of Queer Resistance and Resilience in Silicon Valley.” This will be a permanent installation along with rotating exhibits focused on local LGBTQ+ organizations and causes.
The free gallery opening took place on Sunday, August 11, 2024. The space is located in the United Food & Commercial Workers Building across from Cesar Chavez Park.
For further information contact Ken Yeager, the executive director of the Foundation at either ken@baymecfoundation.org or (408) 391-2321.
About the Rainbow Women’s Chorus
Founded in 1996, Rainbow Women’s Chorus works together to develop musical excellence in an atmosphere of mutual support and respect. They perform publicly for the entertainment, education, and cultural enrichment of their audiences and community. They sing to enhance the esteem of all women, to celebrate diversity, to promote peace and freedom, and to touch people’s hearts and lives. www.rainbowwomen.org
About the Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus
Founded in 1983, Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus (SVGMC) was first called the Lieberman Chorus of San Jose. A group of ten performers sang the first full-length concert under the direction of Robert B. Welton on June 16, 1984, as part of San Jose’s Gay Pride Celebration. SVGMC is proud to welcome anyone who can sing as a tenor, baritone, or bass, regardless of gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. www.svgmc.org
IN THE PRESS: Bay Area Reporter
LGBTQ history finds a home in downtown San Jose
A little over a year after receiving a significant grant from state lawmakers, Queer Silicon Valley is opening its first physical space to present the South Bay’s LGBTQ history. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Sunday at its new home in downtown San Jose. Read more on the Bay Area Reporter’s website.
IN THE PRESS: Mercury News
Exhibit puts spotlight on LGBTQ voices in time for Silicon Valley Pride week
As we get into Silicon Valley Pride week, a new exhibition in downtown San Jose explores two LGBTQ performing arts groups that have certainly made their voices heard over the past few decades.
“Sing Out With Pride,” the first exhibition at the new Queer Silicon Valley and BAYMEC Community Foundation gallery at 240 S. Market St., delves into the history of the Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus and the Rainbow Women’s Chorus. Read more on the Mercury New’s website.