The Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA), a musical organization comprising marching and concert bands from across the United States and around the world, has been chosen to perform in the parade for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on Jan. 20. This is the first time in history that a LGBT group will march in a Presidential Inaugural Parade. The 177-piece LGBA band will join groups from across the country (including our own San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band) as well as from the Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, which follows President-elect Barack Obama’s swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol. 

“I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade,” Obama said in a news release. “These organizations embody the best of our nation’s history, diversity, and commitment to service. Vice President-elect (Joe) Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade.”

The LGBA concert band performed in 1993 at the inaugural celebrations for President Bill Clinton, becoming the first LGBT group to perform at an inauguration - and receiving a “thumbs-up” gesture from the President as they played “America the Beautiful.” The LGBA band also performed at President Clinton’s second inauguration in 1997.

Two San Francisco groups in the LGBA and a middle school marching band on the Peninsula are the only groups in California with the honor to be called upon to march for the inauguration. Over a dozen members of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and also members from Cheer San Francisco (a local award-winning queer cheerleading group), were chosen from thousands of LGBA members across the nation to march down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Doug Litwin, a board member of LGBA who plays the clarinet in the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and who is going to the Obama inauguration, noted this would be a first for the Band - marching openly gay in front of the White House. The Band did play on the side lines for President Clinton’s two inaugural ceremonies. Litwin told Bay Times this would be even better because they will be proudly marching, not standing aside, openly gay and moving with a contingent.

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, plainly stating that “all men are created equal.” No statement could be more apropos during these times of fighting to regain the constitutional right of same-sex marriage. No doubt there will be a lot of placards stating so in the crowds gathered on Capitol Hill.