Legacy Awards
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors the individual whose body of work has significantly impacted the global community around LGBT choral movement issues. The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient has contributed to exceptional progress in how LGBT people are viewed and represented in society, is a notable leader, and is widely recognized as a person of passion, vision, courage, and perseverance. Through 20 or more years of leadership the recipient has brought diverse groups of people together to enhance quality of life and the greater good.
HERITAGE AWARD
The Heritage Award honors the individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the mission and vision of GALA Choruses, Inc. The Heritage Award recipient has had a meaningful impact on the direction and future of GALA Choruses, Inc., is a notable leader, and recognized by peers and colleagues as a person of strong moral character, generosity, dignity and vision. The Heritage Award recipient has been directly involved with the organization in one or more of the following areas:
- Member of the GALA Choruses, Inc Board of Directors
- Current or Past Employee
- Active Membership on Board Committee(s)
- Artistic direction or contribution to a GALA Choruses, Inc event
- Planning or Implementation of Festival, Symposium, and/or other events
- Service to member choruses on behalf of GALA Choruses, Inc
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The Distinguished Service Award honors the individual whose service to GALA Choruses, Inc., or multiple member choruses is above and beyond the call of duty. The recipient has been instrumental in moving the gay and lesbian choral movement forward either regionally or nationally, is tireless in their dedication, and is known by peers to provide exemplary service. The Distinguished Service Award recipient may have been involved in such areas as:
- Long-term Volunteerism
- Involvement With Several Regional Choruses
- Commissioning or Arranging
- Board Service
NOMINATIONS FOR 2024 AWARDS
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Legacy Awards in all three categories. To nominate someone for a GALA Legacy Award, download and complete this form and return it to Robin Godfrey at executivedirector@galachoruses.org. A separate form should be used for each nomination, and word counts may not surpass 200.
Awardees will be announced at Festival 2024 Minneapolis. The deadline for submitting nominations is March 31st, 2024.
Past Winners
Past Legacy Award winners have included Ruth Rowan, Gary Miller, Holly Near, Dennis Coleman, Cathy Roma, Eve Campbell, Sue Coffee, Willie Zwozdesky, Tim Seelig, Jane Ramseyer Miller, Maria Elena Grant, Kevin Gallagher, Stan Hill, Ken Cole, Joel Davis, Joann Usher, Reid Vanderburgh and Kathie Michael
“GALA matters on so many levels. It reaches us individually with the courage of camaraderie. It inspires by reminding us that there are people just like us, doing the same thing we are so passionate about in cities all over the world. It provides the network that reminds us, deep down inside, that we are not alone! For me personally, it saved my life by providing the safety net I needed when I came out. It is still there to do that for all of us and those who follow. ”
Legacy Award winner Tim Seelig