June 15, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Honoring Gay Rights & Civil Rights Activist Bayard Rustin

On this day in history 67 years ago, gay civil rights organizer Bayard Rustin was arrested on a discriminatory, anti-gay “lewd conduct” charge for having consensual sex with two men in a parked car in Pasadena. 

Fast forward to 2020 – today at 12:30 p.m., Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego) will hold a press conference on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and the Legislative Black Caucus. They will be asking Governor Gavin Newsom to issues a posthumous pardon to Rustin. 

Now, fast forward to this weekend – LGBTQ+ Long Beach chorus group, South Coast Chorale, is performing “The Man Behind the Dream.” This piece is a narrated choral work honoring the life of Rustin as a Gay Rights and Civil Rights activist. The Pride LA spoke with Chris Smith, the Artistic Director of the SCC. Check it out: 

In one sentence, what is South Coast Chorale?  

The South Coast Chorale is a musical voice of acceptance, inclusion and equality.

Can you elaborate more? 

As the official LGBT Chorus of Long Beach, the South Coast Chorale uses music as an entertaining and educational vehicle to build bridges between communities and remind us that we are all more alike than different.

How did the group come to be? 

The South Coast Chorale was founded in 1990, when a small group of individuals got together through their shared love of singing and a desire to have a safe place to express themselves through song.

Can you tell me a little bit about the Bayard Rustin performance? 

“The Man Behind the Dream” premiered in 2018 by six LGBT Choruses across the country.  This multi-movement piece, with music by Steve Milloy and lyrics by Vanessa German is set for chorus and spoken word, honors the life and work of openly gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.

Photo: Facebook

A mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin was pushed to the margins of the movement due to his sexuality. For the Inland Empire premiere, the South Coast Chorale will be joined by the Raincross Master Chorale, the Riverside Resistance Revival Chorus and the UCR Chamber Singers, accompanied by a live band and video projection.  The concert will also include a performance by the DC6 singers of Los Angeles.

Why select this performance?  

Rustin’s story is a powerful piece of history that must continue to be brought out of the shadows. With the success of our premiere performance in 2018, we felt the piece needed to be performed again in a new location in an effort to promote and encourage building bridges between all communities.

What about it do you like the most? 

The piece is full of fun, touching and powerful music that has left a positive and lasting impact on the singers and audiences alike.  Plus there’s something for everyone with all the various musical styles.

What do you hope the audience takes away from the performance?  

Photo: Courtesy. SCC rehearsal for “The Man Behind the Dream”

We hope audiences will leave the performance with a deeper understanding of the diversity in the dream for civil rights and that everyone must work and march together in this continuing movement until there is equal rights and acceptance of all people.

More information about SCC and the Bayard Rustin performance can be found on our website at sccsingers.com.  Tickets can be purchased at riversidelive.com and using code MBD10 at checkout will save $10 per ticket.

Related Posts

Senator Alex Padilla Forcibly Removed, Handcuffed at DHS Press Briefing in Los Angeles

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Security or Censorship? Padilla Removed After Questioning Secretary Kristi Noem U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed Thursday during...

CHLA to Shut Down Transyouth Health Center Amid Rising Political and Legal Pressure

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Cites Insurmountable Legal and Financial Barriers After more than three decades of providing specialized, affirming care...

Federal Court Halts Order Requiring Trump to Return Control of California Guard to Governor Newsom

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Court Showdown Looms Over Trump’s Federalization of State Troops Late Thursday, a federal appeals court paused enforcement of a lower...

‘No Kings: National Day of Defiance’ Protest in LA to Run Counter to Donald Trump’s Birthday Military Parade

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Giant Trump Balloons, Pride Flags, and Community Speakers Will Fill the Streets on Flag Day Thousands of demonstrators are expected...

(Video) Senator Alex Padilla Being Forcibly Removed at Secretary Kristi Noem’s DHS Press Conference for Attempting to Ask Questions

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

In a disturbing and unprecedented move, FBI agents grabbed the sitting California Senator, dragged him out of the room, and...

Drag Queens Steal the Spotlight as Trump Booed at Kennedy Center

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

While Trump Takes a Seat, Drag Queens Take a Stand in DC President Donald Trump’s appearance at the Kennedy Center...

World-Class Chefs and Local Farms Bring Culinary Magic to Santa Monica This June

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

3 Nights, 3 Unforgettable Dinners: Santa Monica’s Michelin + Farm Feast Series A trio of exclusive culinary events is set...

Immigrant Opened Her Doors to Injured Deputies and Demonstrators Offering Water, Aid, and Compassion

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Salvadoran Restaurant Becomes Unexpected Refuge During L.A. Immigration Protest As immigration protests swept through parts of Los Angeles County over...

Mastro’s Malibu Reopens With Ocean Views, Signature Steaks, and Nearly Entire Staff Intact

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Iconic Oceanfront Steakhouse Returns With Its Beloved Butter Cake, Nightly Live Music, and Sunset Glamour After a five-month closure due...

Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken Serve Up Pride Month Specials That Give Back

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Limited-Time Food, Cocktail Offerings at Socalo and Alice B. Support LGBTQ+ Centers In honor of Pride Month, acclaimed chefs Susan...

Traffic Advisory: Street Improvements Underway This Week in West Hollywood

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Resurfacing Project Ends June 12, With Temporary Parking Restrictions  Roadway improvements are underway this week as the City of West...

Judge Denies Newsom’s Bid to Halt Military Expansion in L.A. Amid Immigration Raids

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

California’s Emergency TRO Blocked as Marines Await Domestic Use-of-Force Training  Efforts by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob...

The VA Enlists Federal HR Agency to Oversee Massive Layoff Planning

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Agreement With OPM Follows Proposed Cuts to More Than 80,000 Jobs The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been...

Santa Monica ‘Pier 360’ Beach Festival Returns June 28–29 with Two Days of Surf, Sports, and SoCal Vibes

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Free All-Ages Event Features Ocean Races, Skate Competitions, Roller Rink, Beer Garden, Live Music, Kids Activities, And More The Santa...

LGBTQ Icon Mariah Hanson Says Goodbye to The Dinah After 34 Legendary Years

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

The Dinah’s Founder Mariah Hanson Takes Final Bow This Fall Mariah Hanson, the pioneering force behind The Dinah, the world’s...