The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus (“CGMC”), central Ohio’s premiere TTBB vocal organization, is presenting their annual summer concert series, this year titled BANNED, on June 22 and 23 at the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre. The concert purposefully is influenced by current affairs, and is a reflection of the LGBTQIA+ community’s strong feelings about them.
“I, along with so many in the Queer community, have been scared, concerned, and angry about the way that our government is attacking oppressed individuals,” said Brayton Bollenbacher, Artistic Director for the Chorus. “These bans are meant to make us feel isolated and alone. But we aren't. We are an upset community of people that are tired of politicians making decisions that harm our community.”
Woven through the poignant concert’s lyrics, choreography and imagery are thematic elements of book bans, references to “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, affirmations of women’s and immigrants’ rights, and those of the transgender community. Bollenbacher said that BANNED’s programming is about “fighting back.”
