Prelude

By Tim Seelig—

(Editor’s Note: On January 10, 2026, Dr. Tim Seelig not only celebrated his 75th birthday, but also the 40th anniversary of his coming out. He now has a gift for all of us: his publisher, Good Faith Media, has just released a free ebook, More Tales 2020–2025, which can be downloaded at https://goodfaithmedia.org/tim-seelig/

This book covers his life following his leaving San Francisco. We also recommend reading Tale of Two Tims: Big ‘Ol Baptist, Big ‘Ol Gay, his memoir, which may be purchased via the publisher’s site.

(Here, Tim shares the “prelude” that appears in the new free ebook.)

This prelude is what most people would call the introduction. I’m not most people. You already knew that. Since my life, and the new book addendum, are cram packed with music, it feels right. Those of us who grew up in church know what the prelude in church is for. It’s the time set aside to talk, catch up on the past week’s happenings, discuss what people chose to wear to worship, and arrange where you’ll be meeting for lunch.

When I was growing up, restaurants weren’t open on Sunday, but, as soon as that changed, we traded in the pot roast at home for the cafeteria line. All of that is what this prelude is for, so turn down the volume on the organ so we can talk. The organ has its own chapter.

When I turned 70, it seemed like the right time to pen a memoir. At that point, my life had been divided into two exact halves: 35 years as a Baptist and 35 years as a gay. Okay, I was obviously gay during the first 35 years, but I didn’t get the memo. Then I came flinging out. And, boy, am I glad. So, I wrote Tale of Two Tims. You’d think that would be enough. But, no, I just had to write some More Tales!

“Why?” you may ask. I asked myself the same thing. I said, “Self, why would you want to put people through that?” I responded, “Because I have so much more to share.” I’ve experienced many new things from a pandemic to a river-front recliner to jumping out of a plane! I’ve learned a lot. I hope some of those things will make you laugh, bring a tear, and encourage you in your own life.

My life has always been “enthusiastically overbooked.” I know exactly who’s to blame for that: me. Sing along: “I’m just a girl who can’t say no.” The five-plus years since the release of my memoir haven’t exactly been a masterclass in slowing down. When I announced I was “retiring,” people laughed—to my face and behind my back. Turns out, the laughter was justified. I could hear eyes rolling all over the place. One of these days, I swear I’ll have the last laugh … probably from a hammock in Hawaii or maybe from my recliner looking at the Columbia River like I am doing as I type!

The intro to Tale of Two Tims was fancy. I had lots of wonderful people who read advance copies and said really nice things. This intro is not so fancy. Just so you know, not everyone liked Tale of Two Tims. They were in it and have chosen to no longer be in my life. Maybe I’ll share that in More More Tales one day. It’s okay. 

More Tales includes things like the following:

•            COVID (painful memories)
•            “Retirement” (air quotes intentional)
•            Bipolar 1 close to home
•            Portlandia
•            Puppies and Kittens
•            Wedding Bells
•            TEDx and Moth Storytelling
•            New Chorus. What?

If you’ve read Tale of Two Tims: Big Ol’ Baptist Big Ol’ Gay—thank you. It’s not required reading for this sequel. Think of it as optional homework with no quiz at the end. And if you haven’t? No worries—you’re here now.

None of this would have been possible without my friends at the San Francisco Bay Times, Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas. A decade ago, they knew I had written some books about singing and thought I might be able to write about something else—like life. They took a chance and here we are ten years later having written a monthly column for their amazing newspaper. They have been so very patient, and I have tested them. The articles have provided a road map for my memoir and this addendum. In fact, you’ll find a few articles that I particularly loved just as they appeared in the paper. Thank you, all!

When Tale of Two Tims ended, I was in line at a Luby’s cafeteria, deep in the heart of Texas. I love the cafeteria as a metaphor of how to live life. You select the things that are appealing and would serve you well. You leave the rest for others to choose. Simple. You don’t spit on the other items, and you don’t criticize them just because they are not your cup of fried okra. My mama would not let us say we hated something. She taught us to say, “It’s not my very favorite.” The things that did not serve us were left behind for others to enjoy. If only we could do that in life.

I was very lucky to conduct at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center many times. I was speaking to the producer about the fact that another group on the program had a larger orchestra than mine. Without taking a breath and without even looking at me, she simply said, “Keep your eyes on your own yoga mat.” Amen.

I closed Tales with one of my favorites: You may not remember what you read, but I hope you never forget how it made you feel! The quote is often attributed to my friend, Maya Angelou (1928–2014).

The prelude is over. Sit yourself down and get ready for the main event—full of music, some preaching, and what we call the “Invitation.” This is an altar call. It’s the time, on the seventh verse of “Just As I Am,” for you to redecorate your life (some say rededicate).

Dr. Tim Seelig is the Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. http://www.timseelig.com/

TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation
Published on January 15, 2026