SDGMC Sarah Thompson

By JP Emerson

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Sarah Thompson, I’m from San Diego and my husband and I have two children. 

How did become involved with the SDGMC?

I started in June of last year as the Interim Executive Director. We had about 6 weeks until one of our largest shows, Stronger Together, which featured Coro Gay Cuidad de Mexico and Coro Gay de Tijuana. So, it wasn’t just a show with our members; we had over 250 that I had to manage and organize. I had a 6-month-old at the time, and I honestly don’t know how I did it. But it was a success, and probably one of the most moving shows the chorus has ever done. It’s something I’m very proud of and it was almost like an initiation, because I’m still around! 

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes the annual “Jingle” concerts. What can folks expect this year from the SDGMC?

This year is the Big Band Holiday Spectacular, so the songs are traditional, but the sounds are a little different. More of an old school feel, but I think amazing because the minute you hear the singing and the sounds it feels like you are home. I think that’s what people need right now and especially during the holiday season- to feel welcome and at home. It’s also the kick off to our 40th season- so we have some really fun memorabilia for our patrons to see, some merchandise that we will be selling, and really the Jingle concerts are what the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus are famous for. Nothing gets you more in the holiday spirit than sequins, glitter and 150 voices singing Holiday songs.

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

The Holiday season really is my favorite, especially having little ones. My house looks like Christmas threw up all over it, and I love it! It’s so fun for the kids. Every year we go to the Hotel Del for dinner and we attempt to skate. But really, it’s just the ambiance and the tree. Getting dressed up. We also love going to the Jingle show. My daughter isn’t old enough yet to sit still, but my son enjoys it. We go to The US Grant and eat; he gets his hot chocolate and then we walk to the show. It’s a little different now that I work for the chorus, but It’s still something we enjoy doing together.

2025 is almost here and there is lots of new changes for the chorus, can you tell us about them?

The biggest thing is the fact that we as a gay non-profit have made it 40 years! I want to make sure that the members, new and old, are celebrated for everything they do. They volunteer so much of their time, and it’s so important to recognize that. The chorus started off as a group of men who wanted to unite in song. Unfortunately, it was during the AIDS epidemic, so they were singing at a lot of funerals. But thank God they did, because they were there supporting each other and loving each other. The members love to sing, and my job is to make sure the chorus continues to thrive so they can do that! But we also have a lot of fun things in the works. We’ve partnered with Live Nation, who really support the gay community, and want to help us succeed however they can. So, keep your eyes peeled for some new collaborations, exciting fundraisers, our school’s choice program, and we are continuing to volunteer in other organizations all over San Diego.  We are always busy! 

How can folks connect with the chorus?

If they are interested in singing or donating, or even volunteering, you can email us at info@sdgmc.org. We hold auditions after every show, for the next show. So once Jingle is over, the members get about a week off, and then it’s back to work. Auditions for the Spring show- which is going to be the Showtune Sing along! We are also always looking for volunteers to help in many different ways. And then of course we need donations to keep things running. We are a nonprofit organization, and without donations we can’t exist. Currently we have a campaign called 40 for 40, where we are trying to raise 40,000 for our 40th year. And we are offering some amazing prizes, like custom 40th anniversary shirts, pins, etc. but also backstage passes and the possibility of getting to sing with the chorus on stage. We also have our legacy program; you can leave the chorus in your will. Or if you work for a company that can donate goods, then we would love to have them for our future fundraiser auctions. 

Our organization is more than just singing- it’s a family for many of the members. It’s also a way to show the community that there is nothing wrong with being who you are! I’m proud of our organization and I’m very happy to be a small part of its great success.