Renaissance City Choir Comes Out with New Name for 40th Anniversary

Western Pennsylvania’s only LGBTQIA+ and allies choral group proudly announces its new name: Pittsburgh Pride Choir.

Formerly known as the Renaissance City Choir, the choir has been a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ cultural community since 1985. The name change marks a new era — one that clearly reflects the group’s identity and mission in a vibrant, visible, and proudly queer-forward way.

“We chose this name to more clearly align with our Pittsburgh community and to proudly proclaim our identity as an out and proud LGBTQIA+ organization,” said Douglas McIntyre, Board President.

The group’s origins trace back to its founding as the Pittsburgh Gay Chorus in 1985. However, for safety and broader public acceptance, the name was changed in the same year to the Renaissance City Choir, referencing Pittsburgh’s “Renaissance II” era. Over time, as the nickname “Renaissance City” faded from common usage, the name became less clear to newer audiences and occasionally led to confusion about the choir’s musical repertoire.

“In 2025, it feels more important than ever to share who we are with the world in a clear, queer-forward, and accessible way,” said Mr. McIntyre. “Our new name reflects both our pride and our purpose.”

The Pittsburgh Pride Choir continues its mission to affirm and celebrate LGBTQIA+ identity through the unifying power of music. The group promotes a positive image of the community, contributes to the region’s cultural life, and builds bridges both within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

With repertoire that spans contemporary works, traditional pieces, world music, and newly commissioned compositions, the choir’s performances offer audiences music that is not only artistically ambitious but also socially resonant. Every concert reaffirms the worth, dignity, and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Pittsburgh Pride Choir is a proud member of GALA Choruses, an international association of LGBTQIA+ choirs.

To learn more, get involved, or attend an upcoming performance, visit pittsburghpridechoir.org