Out of this world

There's no doubt the Queen City is both culturally and socially diverse. For those in need, there is something to satisfy any interest, any hobby, or any other common uniting factor.

Buffalo's gay community is no exception.

The city's gay population sponsors multiple organizations and events that cater to the gay residents of both the city, and the numerous college campuses in the area. There's a club for every interest under the sun.

For the sports-oriented, there are the Buffalo Bashers gay hockey team and Gay Bike, a gay bicycle group. Then there's BOLT, or Buffalo Leather Buddies, for those who love the leather lifestyle and the Niagara Falls Gaylaxians, for fans of science fiction, horror, or fantasy.

The Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus is one organization in the city that might find a wider audience outside of its participants.

Founded in January 2000 by Roger Parris, the group has since flourished. Parris, who graduated from UB with a Masters degree in music, has an excellent background in the subject, serving on the boards of musical groups in the area as well as participating in others.

"I knew before I died I wanted to participate in a gay chorus. I had a really good sense of how to manage an organization, and we had a strong foundation and pulled together," he said.

The 70 current members of the organization perform two large concerts a year, traveling in the months between to different choral festivals and benefits. The group performs a variety of music, including classical, contemporary, Broadway and pop, including a series of songs written by UB professor Roland Martin.

In addition, the chorus performs a multitude of community service throughout the city; a variety of fundraisers and benefit concerts, including an AIDS benefit at Canisius College and an upcoming concert on April 24, to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. The group will receive the New York State Pride Agenda award for community service this year, said Barbara Wagner, the chorus's musical director.

Due to their wide array of activities, BGMC is a diverse group, and they encourage all men to consider joining.

"We have all different ages of people, it's a huge range," said Wagner, "and you don't have to be gay to participate."

The chorus consists of college students as well as men who are up to 70 years old. The median age is about 40. Despite differences in age, Parris said there's something very healing about singing that has the power to bring the entire group together.

"Our group gets its momentum from its love for singing," said Parris. "We've formed a real bond with each other. We know how busy college schedules are, but we love students, especially those who are serious about making music."

Although there are organizations throughout the city that work hard and succeed at raising gay awareness and providing outlets for their members, it can be difficult for students to make a large commitment to a group that is not school related.

For students who are interested in issues of sexuality, but find themselves unable to consistently travel off-campus, UB's own Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Alliance has much to offer.

The LGBTA is active on campus and throughout the Buffalo community.

"We have community meetings, coming out support groups, and sex education workshops," said Shea Akers, a junior anthropology major.

The LGBTA offers a variety of workshops and presentations, as well as sponsoring a number of events on campus. Their "Coming Out Week" festivities, which include a drag show in the Student Union, are popular throughout campus. The group is currently focusing on organizing a series event in April, called "Out Loud and Proud," which will consist of speakers, concerts and poetry readings.

"All our work culminates in June with the Buffalo Pride Parade," said Rachel Parrino, LGBTA president. "It is really important to have representatives of the college-aged population in the Buffalo community. Being out there proves that we're not just interested in the social aspects of our group."

According to Parrino, UB's LGBTA is a role model to other nearby schools that, whether because of small numbers or administrative restrictions, cannot have similar groups of their own. They are always invited and encouraged to participate in the group's events or attend meetings.

"Our campus is really awesome and liberal," said Parrino, "and we've been really well-received by the community."

Parris said this city is a perfect venue for the marriage of diversity and art appreciation.

"Buffalo is wonderful place to put down roots and make music. It's becoming a better place to be for a gay man," he said. "The fact that we can sing for a gay pride celebration and get big, big crowds is really a tribute to how open and loving the Buffalo community is."