12th November 2012
For immediate release.
On Tuesday 13th November, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus release a charity single called “You Make Me Proud” which will be available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon mp3 and from all good online retailers. 10% of the profits from sales of the single will be donated to Stonewall, the UK national lesbian, gay and bisexual charity.
The release is supported by iconic EastEnders actress June Brown, who said: “As Patron of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, I am thrilled to support the boys with this fabulous charity single, which is both inspirational and helps raise awareness and funds for Stonewall, to promote equality and fight discrimination. I would encourage everyone to buy the song and to support this great cause”.
Dan Stamper, Chairman for Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, explained: “As a registered charity, part of our key objectives are to promote equality and diversity, to raise public awareness of the LGBT community, and to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. We love the song and the positive message it sends out to everyone, wherever they are in the world, and whatever their situation.”
You Make Me Proud was written by Howard Alexander who decided to release the song after it won an international competition run by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, in their search to find an anthem to create the world’s largest virtual choir, called the OutPostChoir project.
As an original member of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, Howard was keen that they take part in the recording: “I wanted to create a very positive song which was uplifting and inspirational to everyone. Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus have sung the song so well and I think they really convey the feelings I intended, about staying positive and strong and supporting one another on our continuing journey, until one day I hope, diversity will be universally celebrated, and we will be able to say to all our communities and politicians…’You Make Me Proud’”
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus will be performing You Make Me Proud live along with 4 other choirs during “We All Live Together: A Concert For World Aids Day” in Brighton on Saturday 1st December, in aid of the Rainbow Fund.
For further information or to buy the song, please visit www.brightongmc.org or www.YouMakeMeProud.org
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
LGBT = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Facts about Equality
- It is still illegal to be gay in 80 countries around the world, in 7 it carries the death penalty
- Only 9 countries out of 196 have full equality in terms of sexual orientation – the UK and USA do not
- 55% of lesbian, gay and bisexual people experience homophobic bullying in schools
- More than half of gay young people are never taught anything about LGBT issues at school
- Gay men are 4 times more likely to suffer from depression, self harm and suicide than their straight counterparts
- Racism is not accepted but the word ‘gay’ is frequently used as a homophobic insult and left unchallenged
- Celebrities and professional sportsmen and women are still afraid to come out as gay
- There is not a single out gay professional footballer in the UK, despite football being the country’s national sport.
About Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus was first established in 2005 and is now a registered charity no. 1137437.
The Chorus works by its three principals of Singing, Socialising and Support. Its charitable objectives include to promote equality and diversity, to raise public awareness of the LGBT community, and to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity
The Chorus stages at least three main shows a year; usually during the Fringe Festival, Brighton Pride and at Christmas. Their “Pull A Cracker” Christmas show is due to take place on 15th December 2012 at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall.
The Chorus also supports a number of local charity and community events throughout the year. Latest news, press releases and images are available in the “Press Office” section of the Chorus website at www.brightongmc.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YouMakeMeProud
Twitter: youmakeme_proud
YouTube: You Make Me Proud by Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus [from 13th November]
About the OutPostChoir Project
For more info please visit www.YouMakeMeProud.org
About Stonewall
For more info please visit www.stonewall.org.uk
ENDS