Tale of Two Tims
Big Ol’ Baptist, Big Ol’ Gay
"Dr. Seelig takes eclecticism to new heights."
—GRAMMY Magazine
Dr. Tim Seelig has lived two completely separate lives. During his first 35 years, he rose to lofty pinnacles of success as an opera singer as well as a Southern Baptist music minister. He performed on the great stages of the world. He was a University professor, father and husband.
To his many admirers, everything seemed perfect.
Then, at the age of 35, his Jericho walls came tumblin’ down when he was outed to his family and church of 22,000 members. He lost everything. This was in the midst of the HIV/AIDS crisis. He buried hundreds of friends and had to face his own positive diagnosis.
The subsequent 34 years have been spent building a new life as an LGBTQ and AIDS activist through music—music that soars through the likes of Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Davies Symphony Hall during sold-out, transformative performances. The book describes his life as grand opera with a little Opryland thrown in along the way.
The awards and honors have been many, from an Emmy to placement at the top of the Billboard and iTunes charts. He even made the Guinness Book of World Records and carried the 1996 Olympic torch—achieving these and other feats while maintaining a busy schedule of conducting LGBTQ choruses and writing five books. His new documentary is winning awards as it travels the world.
Dr. Seelig is now home at the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, where his Texas charm and caring ways have made him a favorite among chorus members and audiences alike. While challenges continue—most recently, his beloved daughter died suddenly—music remains a constant, along with the love and life's lessons that he shares in this book. And always humor.
As a USA Today review of one of his concerts says, “theirs is a joyful noise, tempered by pain and assuaged by the fellowship so critical to survive the crisis with humanity.” The Fort Worth Star Telegram sums it up, “Seelig slices a thick cut of ham.”
REVIEWS:
“brave, zany, sometimes heart-breaking”
--Armistead Maupin
“more than its share of vicissitudes and tragedies, as well as triumphs”
--Stephen Schwartz
“words into music, music into memory, memoir into magic.
– Andrew Lippa
“a powerful account of personal struggle, complicated love and spiritual liberation.
--Cleve Jones
“like the Old and New Testament, but with more glitter.”
--David Charles Rodrigues
“OMG! This book is a must read…many lifetimes wrapped into one incredible journey of extravagant and wonderful things.”
—Reverend Dr. Neil G. Thomas
Wickedly funny, poignant, tragic, demonstrates resilience and grace.
--Molly Marshall
TLC: Tears, Laughs, and Chill bumps. Bravo!
--Robin Godfrey
“a hymn of hope and a love story to all the people and all the angels in his life.”
--Rev. David Cowell
“an honest, funny, raw exploration of authentic self”
Gary Rifkin, CSP