NEW YORK — The New York City Gay Men's Chorus headlined the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Region Conference in March 2026, more than 40 years after organizers censored the word "Gay" from its name in the program booklet during its 1984 performance.
The ensemble performed as the invited headliner at the 2026 conference under its full name, marking what organizers described as an act of restorative justice. ACDA East President Amanda Hanzlik initiated the invitation after learning of the 1984 incident.
In 1984, the chorus was selected through a blind audition to perform at the ACDA Eastern Division Conference. After organizers discovered the group's name, they removed the word "Gay" from the official program and reportedly attempted to prevent the performance, according to the chorus's historical records and recent news reports. The group performed but without full recognition. The episode led to a two-year legal challenge that resulted in the ACDA reversing its policy on choruses with "gay" or "lesbian" in their names.
The 2026 performance featured a mix of repertoire, including a new commissioned work by Grammy-winning composer and performer Scott Hoying titled "Never Go Away." A veteran member from the 1984 roster joined the stage, receiving recognition long denied.
Hanzlik described the decision as an effort at repair. In ABC News coverage, she stated her goal was "to invite them back to ACDA where they can be nourished and fed and celebrated."
The New York City Gay Men's Chorus, founded in 1981, is one of the world's premier LGBTQ+ choral ensembles. It has performed extensively and advocated for visibility within the choral community. The ACDA is a leading professional organization for choral directors in the United States.
The event drew national attention, with ABC News airing segments highlighting the story as a correction of a decades-long injustice. No official statement from the ACDA addressing the 1984 decision directly was detailed in available coverage.
The chorus continues its 2025–2026 season with additional performances, including a Juneteenth concert scheduled for June 20, 2026, in New York. Details on further collaborations with the ACDA remain unclear.
