Donate to Angelo's Journey to Honor Matthew Shepard

Hello All! I have been given the opportunity to sing with Berkshire Choral International this July in Washington, DC to celebrate the life, memory, and legacy of Matthew Shepard. Matthew and I were born about a month apart, and we were 21 years old when he was murdered. The story was horrific, and as a young gay man, I was shaken by what was done to him, thinking that could have easily been me. I remember standing arm-in-arm with friends at a vigil for Matthew in San Jose, CA, outside the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center, tears streaming down our faces, and feeling the fear and helplessness that often comes with being different.

When I learned through the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (or GALA, of which my home chorus, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, is a founding member) of the opportunity to honor Matthew by singing a large chorus work dedicated to him (Considering Matthew Shepard, by acclaimed conductor and composer Craig Hella Johnson) in the Washington National Cathedral where he's interred, I knew I had to apply.

This is not a free opportunity, however. Tuition for GALA chorus members is $2000 and includes the following:

Room for seven nights

Welcome reception

Three meals a day

Rehearsals and sectionals

Lectures and classes with our professional faculty

Practice audio files sent in March

Concert with professional soloists and orchestra in a world-class venue

Post-concert party

Tuition is due online by March 1st, 2025.

Airfare from SF to DC in July is currently approximately $400-600 round-trip.

Other expenses include baggage fees, rideshares, travel insurance, etc.

I would also like my partner Keith to be able to come out for a few days as neither of us have been to Washington, DC before, and I'd like for him to attend the performance as well. Truly, I'd love for all of you to attend! Once I learn more about how the public can attend the performance, I will share that information with you all.

The reasons why I'm asking for your help with funding:

I am the sole provider at home for me, Keith, and our three fur babies. Keith hasn't had any luck securing another job since he left Jamba in March of last year, even though he's been interviewing. He is amazing but often faces challenges because of his autism. He has applied and recently been denied for Disability, but will be appealing that decision soon.

Also, my gastric bypass surgery is scheduled for February 6th, and I will be off work for at least 3 weeks receiving 2/3 of my pay and will be paying for my benefits out-of-pocket during that time as I don't have enough sick or vacation leave balances to help cover my lost wages.

I know I won't have enough funds to cover the tuition by the due date, and I'd also like to purchase travel insurance and book my flights ASAP.

I appreciate any help from anyone out there! I feel like I may never have another opportunity to do something like this, and I don't want to miss out on singing for Matthew.

With Love and Light,

Angelo xoxo