As the Director of Marketing and Sponsorship for the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF), Edward Otto Zielke combines his life's passions of marketing and music. A New Jersey native, Zielke spent his formative years performing in theater productions, national tours, and summer stock. He majored in musical theater at New Jersey City University.
Zielke ventured into marketing a few years later, working for JP Morgan Chase and Morgan Stanley.
Since 2011, Zielke has called South Florida his home. Since 2021, he has been a vital part of the GMCSF. As the largest gay men's chorus in the southeastern United States, the chorus's large membership and incredible artistry are just two reasons that fill Zielke with pride.
“The best part about my work is that I get to tell the story of the chorus to the public,” he said. “When I do, I tell mine.”
What many may not know is just how diverse the chorus is. Zielke says everyone is welcome, regardless of age, race, sexual or gender identity. "It's multicultural and multi-generational,” Zielke explained. “It's a melting pot of the LGBTQ+ community."
Despite the recent cuts in arts grants in Florida, Zielke remains optimistic and determined.
He reassures, "We're a very resilient organization," Zielke tells OutSFL.
"We're already active with doing a fantastic fundraiser in November called Chic and Unique Ball. We are definitely heightening our fundraising so that hopefully we'll make up for some of the money that we lost from the state."
Homepage: OUT & PROUD 2024
