Journal of Queer Choral Studies

The Journal of Queer Choral Studies (JOQCS), the official publication of GALA Choruses, is a peer-reviewed professional journal for articles by scholars, practitioners, and writers who have an important story to tell about their choral experiences.

Journal of Queer Choral Studies: the Official Academic Publication of GALA Choruses

This online journal serves as a connection between GALA Choruses and choral music academics and practitioners. There is currently limited literature on the broad world of GALA Choruses and LGBTQIA+ choral issues. Journal of Queer Choral Studies gives researchers and music practitioners the ability to expand their knowledge about LGBTQIA+ community music-making, while offering GALA leadership easier access to important research in our field.

Why Queer?

The word “Queer” has a long and complicated history. Sadly, that history involves trauma and pain for many people. At that same time, many also find strength and comfort by reclaiming this word as their own. In many activist and academic spaces, “Queer” has become a word to describe LGBTQIA+ people and communities in an inclusive way, especially as a revolutionary concept for imagining a better world. We choose to call this publication a journal of “Queer Choral Studies,” in honor of that tradition, especially in academic spaces.

Submissions for the Summer/Fall 2026 Issue Have Closed

Deadline: June 15, 2026

For the next issue, we'll be seeking original research articles, practitioner articles, and spotlight articles.

Learn more about our submission criteria and process >

The cover of the first issue of the Journal of Queer Choral Studies
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Volume 1, Issue 1
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Our Inaugural Issue: Preserving History and Sustaining Excellence

February 6, 2026

“I am so thrilled to invite you to read the inaugural edition of the Journal of Queer Choral Studies. This edition comes as the culmination of several years of scholarship and an entire year of administrative work to bring this journal from idea to fruition. The academic process is often a lonely journey but one that I truly believe is essential to the advancement of not only our theoretical understandings but also of our pragmatic approaches to the fundamental issues we face in our choirs, our societies, and even within ourselves.”

- John D. Carrion, Executive Director of GALA Choruses

Learn More about Issue 1 and read in browser >

Editorial Board

  1. Jessica Gallagher-Steuver, she/her – Founding Editor-in-Chief of JOQCS, AD of Windsong Cleveland, Lecturer of Music Education at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and Baldwin Wallace Conservatory
  2. John D. Carrion, he/him – Executive Director of GALA Choruses, head of Big Apple Performing Arts (BAPA) and New York City Gay Men’s Chorus
  3. Jules Balén, ze/zym/zyr – Retired Faculty Development Director & Professor at California State University Channel Islands, author of A Queerly Joyful Noise
  4. Reese Schmid, she/her – Membership and Communications Manager of GALA Choruses
  5. André de Quadros, he/him – Professor of Music at Boston University, human rights activist, author of multiple works including Empowering Song: Music Education from the Margins and My Body Was Left On the Street – Music Education and Displacement
  6. Reina Dickey, she/her – Assistant Professor of Music at Miami University (Ohio), AD of MUSE, Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir
  7. Donald Callen Freed, he/him – Retired Professor and DCA at Sul Ross State University, part-time at Iowa Western Community College, composer, GALA Chorus member
  8. Kathleen Hansen, she/they – AD of San Diego Women’s Chorus, DMA Candidate at Boston University, GALA Festival Committee Co-Chair, GALA 411 Artistic Advisor
  9. Joshua Palkki, he/him – Associate Professor of Music at the Georgia Institute of Technology, co-author of Honoring Trans and Gender-Expansive Students in Music Education
  10. Austin Norrid, he/him – Assistant Professor of Instruction for Choral Music Education at Ohio University
  11. Argerie Vasilakes, she/her – Editorial Board Member and Guest Editor of Organization Development Review, developer of award-winning writing/publication process for new authors, GALA Chorus member
Call for Participants - A Time for Love: 21st Century Marriage Ceremonies in the LGBTQIA+ Community

Deadline: August 10, 2026

With the 10th anniversary of the Obergfell decision, now is the time to celebrate, reflect, and aid in its continued defense. We each have a part to play, so you are invited to share the story of your marriage as a way to mark this important milestone. By filling out the linked survey below, you will be contributing to a study of 21st century marriage ceremonies in the LGBTQIA+ community. An accurate description of these ceremonies will provide resources for those considering marriage, encouragement for those whose marriages were affected by prejudice, and data to support future advocacy. Sharing your story now may well help someone else have a story of their own to share at the next anniversary.

Please consider being a part of this important work. Thank you!

Dr. David Walters, Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus

Fill out the form to participate >