Our History

Founded in 1985, Lavender Light is a mixed all-gender chorus. Although the group encompasses many ethnic and spiritual backgrounds, we provide special ministry to Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals who have historically been pressured by their communities to choose between their Blackness and queerness. Our repertoire includes both classic and contemporary gospel, spirituals, and anthems. We produce two full concerts a year and frequently perform at community functions from church services to Gay Pride rallies.

Past appearances have included Urban Bush Women's "Praise House"; the pilot episode of "In the Life"; the People of Color Joint Kwanzaa Ceremony; Mayor David N. Dinkins' Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at City Hall; and Empire State Pride Agenda's 1999 annual fundraiser with keynote speakers President Bill Clinton and Senator Chuck Schumer.

Our Mission

Lavender Light Gospel Choir is dedicated to keeping alive the black gospel music tradition in an environment supportive to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, with a special ministry to Black LGBTQ+ people. Through our performances and recordings, we seek to uplift, entertain and educate. We strive to be a visible force in this world, offering strength, peace, and hope to our members and to our audiences.

IMG_8137
IMG_9595
LLGALA(8) (1)
IMG_9476
IMG_4077
IMG_2731

Our Logo

Lavender Light's logo was designed by Cinte Morales in the late 1980s. We are priviledged to be able to use his design as a symbol of our continuing efforts to offer strength, peace, and hope to our members and our audiences.

Our Color

In the modern LGBTQ+ movement, lavender is a color deeply closely associated with our community. As the colors red and blue make purple, pink--the color traditionally representing femininity--and blue--the color traditionally representing masculinity--make lavender. Lavender symbolizes a blending of genders, a oneness that makes our community special.

Our Sashes

Members of Lavender Light wear sashes made of Kente cloth, a textile whose origins date back many centuries to the Ashanti people of West Africa. Historically, Kente has been regarded as the cloth of regality; today, it is probably best known as the national cloth of the West African nation of Ghana. Lavender Light wears Kente as a reminder of our connection and indebtedness to Africa, that the Gospel music we sing is rich in the African American tradition.

IMG_8137
IMG_9595
LLGALA(8) (1)
IMG_9476
IMG_4077
IMG_2731

Our Leadership

Maria-Elena Grant

Co-Chair

Eric Williamson

Artistic Director

Ken Thorton

Accompanist

Albert Wilcox

Treasurer

I am proud to be a representative of this organization and am grateful to live in a city where, and at a time when, I can be an “out” lesbian of color, praising a God of my understanding.

Maria-Elena Grant is one of the choir’s longest-standing members, having joined the organization in 1990. She was elected to the position of female co-chair in 1992. She is also an active member of GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses), where she served as a board member for six years: The Audre Lorde Project (founding member) and Unity Fellowship of Christ Church in Brooklyn (founding member). She has also served on LGBT Advisory Committees for New York’s Mayor David Dinkins, Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, and The Stonewall Community Foundation.