Boston Gay Men's Chorus Hosts 'Live at Latchis' Fundraiser Tonight

The Brattleboro Retreat is presenting the Boston Gay Men's Chorus Live at the Latchis (Brattleboro) tonight, November 1 at 7:30 pm. In this first-ever performance in Brattleboro and rare performance in Vermont, the event will raise funds for the Retreat's program serving Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender (LGBT) individuals.

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus is not only known for creating musical experiences that inspire change, build community and celebrate difference, but also they are one of New England's largest and most successful community based choruses. Founded in 1982, the ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach.

Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music and creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the gay and lesbian community. The Chorus is heard live by more than 10,000 people each season and thousands more through recording, television and Internet broadcasts.

The City of Boston's Arts, Tourism and Special Events office says "The Boston Gay Men's Chorus is a crown jewel in the city's cultural landscape." In addition to scores of performances throughout the Boston metro area, the BGMC has performed in all six New England states as well as San Francisco and San Jose, CA; Washington, DC; New York City and Albany, NY; Tampa and Miami, FL; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO (twice); and Montreal, QC.

Ticket prices for the Boston Gay Men's Chorus performance range from $20 for balcony seating to $125 for a limited number of premium tickets. Premium tickets enhance the fundraising success of the event, bringing greater support to the Retreat's LGBT program. Premium tickets include front orchestra seating, recognition in the event program, and a private pre-show reception in the Atrium at the Brooks House catered by Duo Restaurant.

Other ticket prices include $50 regular front orchestra and $30 rear orchestra seats. Tickets are available online at www.brattlebororetreat.org/chorus or by phone at 1-800-838-3006 through Brown Paper Tickets. Event organizers anticipate a sell-out show, so people are encouraged to purchase tickets promptly. For event questions, or to purchase handicap-accessible seating, contact Robert Szpila at the Brattleboro Retreat Office of Development at 258-4318.

"The Retreat's LGBT program is meeting a real need," says Rob Simpson, President and CEO, Brattleboro Retreat. "Identifying as LGBT does not make an individual more predisposed to mental illness or addiction, but stigma, social prejudice, and discrimination can accompany LGBT identification and create heightened risk to mental health and well-being."

The Retreat's LGBT program has created a safe and affirming atmosphere free from prejudice where LGBT people and allies can come to address any mental health or addiction challenges. The program staff have specialized education and experience related to gender and identity to help create a culturally sensitive and informed environment of care.

"We strive to create a space free from stress or anxiety around gender and sexual-orientation," said Eileen Glover, LGBT program representative. "From making sure we are using the pronoun a person prefers to having advanced medical understanding of people transitioning genders, we work very hard to be as sensitive and knowledgeable to their circumstances as possible. This allows people struggling to address their mental health or addiction challenges without these barriers they faced in the past," continued Glover.

Established in 2009, the Retreat LGBT program offers care to those identifying as LGBT for acute depression and other mood disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, grief and loss issues, sexual and gender identity issues, trauma, self-harming and suicidal behaviors, and other mental health issues. To date, the LGBT program at the Brattleboro Retreat has had over 2,300 admissions.

The Brattleboro Retreat, founded in 1834, is a not-for-profit, regional specialty psychiatric hospital and addictions treatment center, providing a full range of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages and their families. Recognized as a national leader in the treatment mental illness and addiction, the Brattleboro Retreat offers a high quality, individualized, comprehensive continuum of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential and outpatient treatment.

The BGMC has been selected to receive the 2014 Aaron Stein Memorial Award. The Award is intended to encourage innovation and creativity in the use of a variety of group programs. The Award is given for "innovation in treatment modalities and techniques, in teaching, on constructive new uses for groups in non-therapeutic situations, on research in group skills and theory, and on formats that demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking in terms of group dynamics and interactions in society as a whole." How the chorus uses music to build community internally and externally is a key element in our selection!

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