Barton, Crawford Wayne

Crawford was a member of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus from November, 1980 until January, 1982 for a total of 6 concert seasons. He served as the official photographer of the historic 1981 National Tour of nine cities in the United States. The tour is credited with being the creative force behind the formation of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses which as of 2010 has more than 170 member choruses with over 7,000 singers worldwide. The Chorus refers to these members who are no longer able to sing with the group as members of the "Fifth Section." They are listed Chorus programs and on the group's website: https://www.sfgmc.org/about_fifth.shtml

I haven't seen so much about Queer History in one place before. Learning about all the work and struggle the people of our community have seen in so many years past is both inspiring and heartbreaking. All queer activists who have undoubtedly given their lives to a cause nothing but necessary and important deserve to be remembered and have their voices kept alive. I am a young queer transgender activist, and knowing about the activists of my people is unbelievable.

Gay

Crawford's contribution in photographically chronicling the feeling of the Castro during its heyday cannot be understated. I first met him at a photography symposium at the de Young museum, maybe in the late 1970s. I was in the closet —even to myself—, but everyone *else* must have known my 'secret' when —while speaking to Crawford after the symposium— I marvelled at how I could see the clearness of his blue eyes all the way from my seat in the audience, and how 'pretty' his long blond hair was! Years later, I visited him in his apartment a couple of times (I think it was on 18th Street), and met his hot long-haired boyfriend (and, I later discovered, his sometimes model), Larry. I wish Crawford were here today .. I didn't know him well, personally, but I would have liked to have seen how his photography would have evolved.. He was very talented.