Solidarity, empowerment, equality and recognition lie at the heart of Women’s History Month. On Sunday, they take center stage at “Pass the Mic,” a karaoke fundraiser.
The event at Midnight Sun in San Francisco’s Castro gives the spotlight to woman-identifying, femme and gender-expansive performers.
“It’s built around karaoke and community joy,” says Chioma “Chi Chi” MunRotty, the event organizer. “I’m trying to intentionally uplift these voices, while keeping the space open to everyone.”
MunRotty, a San Francisco native, founded Haus of Chi, a company and brand she describes as being built with a mission to elevate marginalized individuals.
“Pass the Mic” is created in partnership with the Imperial Council of San Francisco, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit that anointed MunRotty “Ms. Gay San Francisco 2025-2026.” While in the yearlong position, she wants to lead by example and make positive contributions.
“Having an impact on the city that I was born and raised in is very important to me,” she says. “San Francisco is a very male-dominated space, and I love that, but I want to really intentionally create spaces [for] others.”
“‘Pass the Mic’ signifies the importance of sharing power across differences and within our own communities,” she adds.
The idea for a karaoke-themed event stemmed from her undergraduate days at University of California, Berkeley, when she lived near a karaoke lounge, a go-to spot for students.
“Pass the Mic,” centering on an activity she loves, and for a good cause, made sense to her: “I was really excited about the opportunity to connect uplifting voices through karaoke and to tap into my San Francisco karaoke community.”
That “KJ” (karaoke jockey) community includes Carla Tutu from Madrone Art Bar, Frisco Pink from El Rio, and Dulce De Leche from 620 Jones, who’s co-hosting on Sunday. Each hosts a weekly karaoke night at their respective clubs; each identifies as a woman or as gender-expansive, says MunRotty.
Notably, a typical karaoke staple — the microphone stand — won’t be at the event. Instead, attendees will hand the mic to one another, fostering connections.
“I’m hoping by pushing them to take the time to go and find a person and pass the mic, it signifies the idea that there is space in the room for all of our voices,” she says, adding, “I want everyone who walks into the event and is handed the mic to feel loved.”
The free event, for ages 21 and older, features a raffle with nearly $2,000 worth of prizes from local organizations and businesses including the San Francisco Symphony, the San Jose Giants, Jolene’s, Brenda’s French Soul Food and others.
“The support and the love that has been pouring in around this event has been really amazing to see,” she says.
Proceeds will go toward the Imperial Council’s Monarchs Charity Fund, which supports local causes and groups. MunRotty says the funds will specifically benefit LGBTQ+ seniors and trans-focused social services.
It will be a night packed with empowering anthems, with the karaoke teleprompter displaying the lyrics of Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” and more, all in celebration of Women’s History Month.
“Right now, more than anything, we need to continue to uplift each other and build our communities — because we’re stronger together,” MunRotty says.
“Pass the Mic” runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 22 at Midnight Sun, 4067 18th St., San Francisco. To RSVP, visit eventbrite.com.
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