The Queer Big Apple Corps

Our mission is to provide the LGBTQ+ community and their allies with a supportive and friendly environment for musical and artistic expressions and, through performance, to promote social acceptance, equality, and harmony for all.

The Queer Big Apple Corps (QBAC) has been the artistic home to hundreds of musicians, color guard members, dancers, and volunteers who wish to experience the joy of rehearsing and performing in an environment where no one is ever asked to explain their right to be themselves. For our audiences, we are a visual and musical celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community -demonstrating its talent, resilience, and joy. Our performances are vibrant, musically excellent, and unapologetically queer.

QBAC includes the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and a variety of small ensembles. The QBAC Marching Band performs in 15–20 parades and community events each season for audiences totaling more than two million people. All performances are free to the public and welcome audiences of every background. In 2022, QBAC became the first LGBTQIA+ identified marching band to perform live in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

At its heart, QBAC is a community arts organization. While musicians must be able to read music, auditions are not required, and non-musicians are encouraged to participate through the color guard, dance crew, or as band aides and volunteers. Our members range in age from 16 to 75, and many treasure the opportunity to build friendships across generations. QBAC proudly includes members representing at least 16 gender identities, at least 8 sexual orientations, and a rich diversity of body types, cultural backgrounds, and economic circumstances.

More than a performing ensemble, QBAC is a place where people find community, confidence, and belonging. Every rehearsal, performance, and community appearance affirms that LGBTQIA+ people deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Through music, visibility, and service, QBAC creates spaces where our members can thrive while inspiring audiences to imagine a more welcoming and inclusive world.