The Chorus was organized in 1983 in response to an invitation to participate in the first National Gay and Lesbian Choral Festival, Come Out!

The event was staged at New York City's Lincoln Center and featured 1,200 individuals from twelve choruses from across the United States.

As one of GALA's founding member groups, CGMC continues its affiliation with the organization and has performed at every music festival sponsored.

In addition to traditional choral material, the concerts often include dance, sets and costumes, and other elements frequently found in musical theater.

The spring concerts are often full-scale theatrical productions, frequently presented in a parodic manner.

Past spring productions have included The Pirates of Penzance, The Wizard of Oz, The Mikado, and H.M.S.

In addition to its regular performance season, the Chorus makes appearances for fundraising or community representation purposes.

In addition, the Chorus has made various traveling outreach trips to local cities including Bloomington–Normal and Peoria, Illinois.

The majority of the members are gay men, but the Chorus has a written policy to welcome all persons to the group regardless of sex, race, creed, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Non-performing auxiliary members are individuals who are tasked with behind the scenes duties in support of the mission of the Chorus.

In November 2001, the Chorus released its first CD entitled Cool Yule, featuring holiday music with jazz-inspired arrangements.