spirit of plc lifetime award
The Spirit of PLC Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals whose extraordinary contributions have had a lasting and transformative impact on the organization.
Recipients are recognized for sustained dedication, leadership, and service that have shaped the direction, culture, and success of PLC over time.
Mary mccarty
june 2026
For the past eleven and a half years, Mary McCarty has served as the Artistic Director of the Portland Lesbian Choir, leaving an indelible mark on the organization and on the countless lives she has touched through her leadership.
Since joining PLC, Mary has led the choir through a period of remarkable artistic growth and organizational evolution. Under her direction, the choir has expanded its musical excellence, broadened its repertoire, strengthened its artistic identity, and continued to use music as a vehicle for connection, advocacy, healing, and joy.
Mary's impact extends far beyond the music itself. Through her leadership, she created a culture where singers were encouraged to grow, challenge themselves, and discover what they were capable of achieving together.
As Mary retires following this historic 40th Anniversary season, her legacy will continue to resonate in every rehearsal room, every performance, and every life she has influenced.
For her extraordinary artistic leadership, her commitment to our mission, and her lasting impact on the Portland Lesbian Choir, we proudly present the inaugural Spirit of PLC Lifetime Award to Mary McCarty.
Sparky lindsay
June 2026
Forty years ago, a small group of visionaries came together with a belief that music could create community, provide visibility, and offer a place of belonging. Among those visionaries was Sparky Lindsay, whose leadership, commitment, and enduring love for this choir have helped transform that vision into what we know today as the Portland Lesbian Choir.
As a founding member, Sparky has been part of PLC’s story from the very beginning. Over four decades, she has witnessed—and helped guide—the organization through periods of growth, challenge, celebration, and renewal. Through it all, her dedication has never wavered.
Sparky's contributions extend far beyond any single role. Throughout the choir's history, she has worn nearly every hat imaginable: singer, volunteer, organizer, leader, advocate, mentor, board member, and ambassador. Time and again, when PLC needed someone to step forward, Sparky answered the call.
Today, as both an active singer and member of the Board of Directors, Sparky continues to contribute her wisdom, passion, and leadership to the organization she helped create.
As we celebrate PLC's 40th Anniversary, it is fitting that we honor one of those whose vision, perseverance, and heart have made these forty years possible.
For her extraordinary and enduring contributions to the Portland Lesbian Choir, we proudly present the inaugural Spirit of PLC Lifetime Award to Sparky Lindsay.