We Believe: Faith, Community, and the Holy Act of Singing

Drawing on years of research, teaching, and speaking on topics at the intersection of music, Queer history, and activism, Reverend Jim Mitulski and musicologist Thomas Kurtz will present a lecture/performance and Q&A discussion exploring how the relationship between music and spirituality literally and figuratively served as a voice for social change among Queer communities that faced systemic exclusion during the dark years of the AIDS crisis. Dr. Kurtz will begin by investigating how modes of musical expression including sound, lyrics, and performance practice are inextricably linked to understanding history as activism among Queer communities. Following this portion, Rev. Mitulski will speak on his experience as the Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church San Francisco between 1986-2000 while focusing on the musical influences during his tenure. The latter half of this presentation will highlight three church musicians who will perform excerpts and describe the impact of music-making during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Afterwards, the audience will participate in a Q&A session with Dr. Kurtz, Rev. Dr. Mitulski, and musicians.