Orlando Gay Chorus Presents Four Notable Luminary Memberships
ORLANDO, Fla., June 7, 2021 -- The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) today announced the bestowment of its newest and most prestigious honor, Notable Luminary, upon George Wallace, Patty Sheehan, Linda Stewart, and Buddy Dyer. The Notable Luminaries were honored publicly at the chorus’s first mainstage concert since the beginning of the pandemic titled One Nation, Indivisible at the Dr. Phillips Frontyard Festival on May 7, 2021.
The Orlando Gay Chorus selected these distinguished community members due to their outstanding support towards and commitment to the mission of the Orlando Gay Chorus. They each have contributed to the chorus through volunteerism, financial donations, attendance at our concerts and/or community engagements, and advancing the message of the Chorus throughout the Central Florida community and beyond. Each recipient is either a local LGBTQ+ leader, activist or community ally. The Notable Luminaries are:
George Wallace - George is executive director of the LGBT Centers of Orlando and Kissimmee together. He has been a wonderful supporter of the Orlando Gay Chorus for quite some time. He has attended shows, performed at OGC’s Directors Cabaret, and helped OGC acquire office space in the Center, which has been a fantastic partner, much of which is because of George.
Commissioner Patty Sheehan - Patty mourned, stood in solidarity, and fought for change with OGC in the aftermath of the Pulse massacre. The chorus will never forget the presence and support of Patty as the Chorus sang at over 100 memorials, remembrances, and related events. OGC has shared happy times with Patty as well, celebrating many Pride parades and marketplaces and reading wonderful decrees.
Senator Linda Stewart - Linda has been attending OGC concerts for many years, shouting the chorus’s praises. Senator Linda Stewart has represented Orange County for the past five years in the Florida Senate, and was a member of the Florida House of Representatives as well as the Orange County Commission prior to that. Linda is a staunch defender of LGBTQ+ rights, having sponsored bills on such topics as marriage equality, gay and transgender legal defenses, and equal rights. She is a long-time supporter of the Orlando Gay Chorus.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer - The final Notable Luminary welcomes you when you fly into Orlando International Airport, a friendly voice reminding you that you’re back home. Mayor Buddy Dyer has been an ally to the LGBT+ community here in Orlando. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has led to innovative initiatives in Orlando city government and profound influence across our region. Though OGC has received many visits, “whereases and therefores” from the mayor and his office, OGC can think of none so heartfelt as Mayor Dyer’s Proclamation naming Orlando Gay Chorus “Ambassadors of Love, Hope, and Healing.”
To honor the membership of the Notable Luminaries the Orlando Gay Chorus is seeking donations through it’s True Colors Giving Campaign. Donations to the chorus can be made at www.orlandogaychorus.org/give.
About the Orlando Gay Chorus
Orlando Gay Chorus is one of the nation’s largest and longest running mixed voice LGBTQ+ choruses. Founded on Valentine’s Day 1990, the chorus celebrates over 30 years of changing hearts and minds in Central Florida. Our mission is to provide a space that affirms diversity through the performing arts. Our vision is to create impactful change in the community as a proactive force for equity, inclusion, and authenticity. We achieve this by providing high quality, skilled performances in an environment that maintains an atmosphere of integrity, honesty and mutual respect. We offer educational, cultural, and social enrichment for our members and our audience through excellence in the arts, and by making our performances accessible to all people. For more information visit www.orlandogaychorus.org