PHILADELPHIA, PA -- GALA Choruses, the national association of GLBT and allied choral groups, is organizing a group of 50 singers from GLBT choruses across North America to perform as a National GALA Chorus at the National Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the GLBT Civil Rights Movement on Sunday, May 1 in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

“We are thrilled to have these talented voices of the GLBT movement joining in the National Celebration,” said Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. “The National GALA Chorus will perform in front of Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, where the first organized and annual gay and lesbian rights demonstration launched the GLBT Civil Rights Movement in 1965.”

“The National GALA Chorus’ members are already practicing the music in their communities across North America. They will rehearse together in Philadelphia prior to the National Celebration,” said Dudley Hogue, Interim Executive Director of National GALA Choruses. “We are honored to be a part of this historic event.”

The National GALA Chorus will perform during the Gay Pioneers & 40 Heroes Tribute (from 1 to 3 p.m.) at Independence Hall and the National Celebration Concert (from 5 to 7 p.m.), which features Cyndi Lauper.

The Gay Pioneers & 40 Heroes Tribute will honor the Gay Pioneers who founded the first annual, organized gay and lesbian rights protest, as well as 40 Heroes who over the past 40 years have made a defining difference in the GLBT Civil Rights Movement.

Equality Forum 2005 features over 100 programs, including 14 parties and 40 special events. More than 105 state, regional, national and international non-profits and 28 national and international GLBT Executive Directors will be participating. Thirty-two (32) States will hold State Receptions on Saturday, April 30.

The 16-hour National Celebration on Independence Mall also includes the SundayOUT street festival, screenings of the documentary Gay Pioneers, Conversations with Gay Leaders at the National Constitution Center, an Interfaith Service with Bishop Gene Robinson at historic Christ Church, a Gay Icons Pavilion at the Independence Visitors Center, celebrities, and parties.

There is no registration fee for Equality Forum 2005 and all substantive events including the National Celebration are free. Twenty (20) Center City hotels are offering lowest rate.

For more information, visit www.equalityforum.com or contact Dan Wagner, Communications Associate at dan@equalityforum.com or (215) 732-3378 x10.

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