![Main fundraiser photo](https://images.gofundme.com/jagHFkcUteSIv4ESsuiaypa6Fi8=/720x405/https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/60751821_1635001897218605_r.jpeg)
Beloved Music Teacher Fired for Being Gay
Donation protected
Matt LaBanca served his community as a music instructor and choir director at a Catholic Church and school in Queens, NY for decades. On October 1, 2021, he and his husband Rowan were married. Shortly afterwards, someone reported Matt to the Catholic Archdiocese in Queens, and he was fired from both positions because of his sexual orientation.
Matt is now unemployed and without health insurance. This is an injustice that should NEVER happen!
The community of Matt's friends, family, and supporters -- far and wide -- are coming together to help raise at least $10,000 for living expenses and to replace the health insurance taken away from Matt when he was unjustly fired.
Please help by:
- Making a donation, no matter the amount;
- Sharing this GoFundMe and video with your friends, family, and social media followers.
Thank you so much! Matt and LGBTQ people like him may not currently be protected by nondiscrimination law because of so-called "religious exemptions." But, we can come together and make a difference. Thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jason Cianciotto
Organizer
Astoria, NY
![](https://images.gofundme.com/dB74pjTSeRt5nzku5bUMGZN_p0I=/128x128/https://www.gofundme.com/person/profiles/dbfba61d645749fea54c79b356388417_edited_photo_1690234130276.jpeg)
Matthew LaBanca
Beneficiary